It’s hard to imagine that the first Oculus Headset was introduced 13 years ago in 2010. A dream realized by Palmer Luckey, a man born in the 90’s—too young to have experienced the promises of a virtual future portrayed in movies like the Lawnmower Man, but let down by reality facing techno-limited VR gimmicks like Gameboy VR and the very short-lived Visuality arcade devices. Still, seventeen-year-old Luckey had a dream to reboot the VR industry at a time when video graphics, micro-computing, and LED display technology was improving at a head-spinning rate.  Years later, over a hundred different headsets have come out on the market, along with thousands of apps on multiple platforms. With uses ranging from entertainment and education, to haptic-enabled surgical training and scientific exploration, the VR (and now AR) industry is a multi-billion-dollar juggernaut that is finding applications for Virtual and Augmented Reality that we never imagined. 

Professional vs. Consumer Use

It is a given entertainment has dominated the Mixed Reality (VR & AR) market. In recent years, and after Meta’s purchase of Oculus in 2017, it seemed that this would be the trend for MR for at least the near future, but now reports are seeing an evening out of professional vs. consumer use of these technologies. The VR app market is seeing an increase in business and professional-oriented applications like MeetinVR, Spacial+ and other collaboration as well as design apps like Gravity Sketch that allows users to view and collaborate on 3D models. While Meta seems to be focusing on consumer and social uses for the technology, more and more professional headsets and custom developers are springing up to fill the market need for companies and organizations to develop specific content and peripherals for their unique uses.

One such developer, FundamentalVR, delivers a tiered custom solution for the medical education market with surgical training software applications. With mobile options (utilizing Meta Quest 2) and a more hardware intensive, haptic solution. FundamentalVR is able to provide universities and hospital system a much-needed alternate to the expensive and resource consuming training for medical students and residences.

WorldViz which has been developing custom VR applications and experiences since 2002, delivers a software solution that allows end-users the ability to create their own collaboration environment with the ability to present, images, docs, videos and 3D assets with other participants in both VR and on a standard PC.  They also offer custom solutions like training scenarios and design reviews as well as 180/360 projection experiences for multiple users.

How is VR and AR both a disruptor and enabler of other Technologies?

At first glance, a technology that allows users to meet and collaborate in a virtual world, may seem to be a threat to the AV and video collaboration industry. However, with the expensive software development and somewhat limited familiarity every-day users still have with the tech, we aren’t seeing too many Zoom sessions being replaced with invites to a VR meeting in a sunny Spanish villa. Even when these meetings become commonplace, there will be an increased need for Cave systems (three-to-four walled video environments for simulated VR experiences) and other ways to bring a personal headset experience to the team via video wall, projection or just simply streaming the content to a display. 

Christie Digital Holostage

Holostage is a more compact but more immersive three-walled system that features 3D stereoscopic projectors, motion tracking and interactivity that allows clients (mostly automakers and more recently nuclear power facilities) the ability to design through realistic environments.  Nuclear power plants in Japan are using the technology to help design better and safer plants as well as assist with disaster scenario training and can even use it in the case of a incident by virtually walking through the facility when the real one is deemed unsafe to simulate fixes or repairs.

Igloo

Igloo offers a range of VR experiences from CAVE system with 3D tracking to pop-up domes, 180 degree and 360 degree mobile installations for short term use like trade show floors and demos. With a wide range of use cases and clients, Igloo is showing how an integrated VR experience is viable and affordable for many clients.  While rear projection and short throw projection has been the standard for these installations, there is a growing need for DVLED or OLED walls to accomplish the same result only with higher contrast ratios, fidelity and no shadows!

Not only is Mixed Reality a technology that integrators can help their clients see as a tool for commerce, training and design, AV designers are using mixed reality to help design AV systems and provide immersive walkthroughs of the engineered systems for their clients. With rendering plugins like Enscape (for SketchUp and Revit), designers can take a 3D model of a conference space and transform it into the conference room of the future and even change the furniture, displays and other assets while the client is in the virtual space. Imagine the reaction of a customer donning a headset and immediately walking through a VR space of their soon to be built  innovation lab complete with a 360 video wall experience room!

Augmented Reality

Let’s not forget AR and the possibilities this tech is offering businesses and industries today. While the use cases can be different and how the tech is delivered varies, AR has seen some recent developments making it a viable tool.  Magic Leap, with it’s splintered beginnings, has developed an open API and developer’s tool for companies to create their own apps an uses which has allowed the evolution of AR to grow significantly. Other manufacturers like Google (who recently discontinued their Enterprise Edition to Glass) have been working on a trial by failure approach for the past decade to find the right design, utility and price to see how AR headsets can be used in everyday life.  This tech is still very much in flux, but the uses are still growing.

While most of the use cases for AR is still in entertainment (i.e. the Pokemon Go phenomenon of 2016).  Most movement of this technology is driven with the ability for users and developers to create their own content. This has led to many manufacturers and retailers to build AR apps for phones and headsets that allow customers to view products in real space. This is useful for someone purchasing items like furniture to see if a sofa will properly fit in someone’s living room or if it would crowd the space too much. Other applications are in education, exposure therapy, training and even enhancing live concert events with layered effects and visuals.  NSF has developed an interactive training app EyeSucceed that assists food industry workers with reminders and safety checks that reduce human errors.

For AV integrators, AR can be useful in helping a client visualize how a larger LED display will look in an existing space by viewing it through a smartphone camera with tools like Sketchup’s AR Viewer. There are also AR headsets designed for utility workers that AV field techs can also use to view systems drawings and connection details while actively re-wiring an equipment rack. Interested in learning more? Contact New Era today.

 

References

• https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/future-of-virtual-reality/

• Why Augmented Reality Is One Of The Most Promising Experimental Technologies Of This Decade (forbes.com)

• How AR and VR transform Pharma Manufacturing | by Tai Moscovich | AR/VR Journey: Augmented & Virtual Reality Magazine (arvrjourney.com)

• Frontiers | Augmenting Exposure Therapy: Mobile Augmented Reality for Specific Phobia (frontiersin.org)

Until recently, there were limited options available for business applications of AV components as well as the variety and number of devices on the market that could deliver them. Like everything else technology-related, innovations led to AV systems joining IT infrastructures and IoT devices that are more flexible in their usability. This also coincides with employees bringing their own devices into the workplace. These shifts in the landscape mean that businesses need to move away from solely equipment-centered strategies and take a hybrid approach, considering both equipment needs as well as AV software.

Managed AV services can play a key role in your AV strategies, helping minimize the strain on your IT department and providing tailored solutions to align with your business objectives. To help you better determine if managed AV support is right for you, we’re breaking down the key benefits most organizations experience after making the transition.

Understanding Managed AV Services

First, let’s look at exactly what managed AV services are and what they generally entail. Managed services, whether referring to IT or AV refers to when your organization turns over the monitoring, maintenance, and support to a third-party provider rather than relying on your own internal team. While the services are generally tailored to the specific needs of the organization, they often include, but aren’t limited to:

• Remote monitoring to spot concerns and prevent equipment or system failures before they occur
• Security monitoring to prevent data breaches from IoT devices and connected equipment
• First-line support through documented walkthroughs, reference guides, and resources about equipment and systems
• Help desk support for troubleshooting, answering questions, and addressing concerns
• On-site repairs, maintenance, and additional services
• Staffing support when you need to scale your AV support up or down during technology updates or transitions

4 Benefits of Managed AV Services

With a better idea of what kind of support managed AV network services provide, let’s look at the benefits your organization can experience.

Improved Flexibility and Scalability

When you need to expand your AV capabilities, such as increasing your video conferencing system, add new technology, or you want to switch to a different system, working with a managed AV service provider makes this significantly easier and more efficient than trying to navigate a project like this on your own. If you’re already working with a provider when you choose to scale your AV network or make changes, having a team of professionals who understand your business can streamline the process and improve the outcome.

Reliable Security Solutions

Every device you connect to your servers could be a vulnerable point in your security, and with more employees using their own devices to access your network, keeping your data secure is increasingly difficult. While most businesses keep their IT infrastructure top of mind when it comes to security, they are more likely to forget about the importance of AV systems and devices that have the same connectivity. Managed AV services offer security monitoring and scalable, cloud-based call recording, keeping you aware of existing or new vulnerabilities, storing data securely, and still making it accessible to approved people within your company.

Reduced Costs

Consider how much time is spent waiting to connect into conference call, repairing outages, or patching security breaches. Each of these issues may not seem serious at an individual level. When you add up the indirect costs including re-allocating resources to fix problems and lost productivity due to down time, and direct costs like hiring a repair technician, you can see the impact your AV system in its present state may have on your bottom line. Again, having a third party manage your AV network can reduce costs by limiting outages and security problems and being available when needed to troubleshoot issues and fix equipment. Quickly resolving your issues means your team members can get back to work quickly, business moves more smoothly, and your bottom line isn’t negatively affected.

An Iterative Approach

One of the biggest benefits companies find with managed AV services is that they are tailored to your company’s needs. You don’t need to completely transition your AV network to a third-party all at once, or ever. Having an audit performed helps you gain clarity into the scope of your AV needs and where you need to direct additional resources immediately, and from there, you can gradually add to your services. For example, if your business relies heavily on phone- and chat-based customer service department, you will most likely want to shift those elements first, then as needed, you can include additional elements, such as cameras or alarm systems. The key is to consider what will positively impact your profits while minimizing interruption to your organization.

Connect with New Era to Discuss Managed AV Services

AV and video conferencing tools will continue to be an essential part of your business communications , and while the technology will evolve, the need to collaborate will always be essential. With managed AV services, you can ensure that every digital interaction is secure, stable, and has high-quality video and audio feed.

If you’re ready to experience these benefits and increase the overall efficiency of your IT department, we can help. Contact us today to discuss managed services and see how we can improve how you communicate.

New Era Technology Named North American Customer Success Partner of the Year by Genesys

New Era Technology was recognized by Genesys®, a global cloud leader in customer experience orchestration, as the 2022 North American Customer Success Partner of the Year for its proven success in advancing and elevating customer experience and delivering superior business value to customers. 

New Era Technology has been a strategic Gold partner since 2007.  New Era and Genesys both have a global presence with specialized local reach – they focus on the customer experience journey, cloud evolution and business outcomes. 

“We are excited and proud to be recognized by Genesys for this very prestigious award. Our mission at New Era is to partner with our clients to help ensure we deliver on their strategic business outcomes. We believe this is best accomplished through implementing and supporting an extraordinary customer experience platform.” – Ed McCrossen, New Era Technology 

About New Era Technology 

New Era Technology is a global managed technology service provider. New Era serves as a trusted adviser to more than 14,500 customers worldwide. Customers rely on New Era’s seamless blend of solutions that securely connect people, places, and information in a rapidly changing digital world. New Era has offices in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. New Era provides solutions and services to diverse industries, including Global Enterprise, Banking & Finance, Smart Buildings & IoT, Healthcare, Education, and Government.   

Solutions and Services:   

• Collaboration & Unified Communications   

• Data Networking   
• Digital Transformation   
• SecureBlu Security Services   
• CloudBlu Cloud Services   
• Physical Security & Life Safety   
• Managed Services   
• Professional Services 

Digital signage allows for dynamic, eye-catching displays that can effectively communicate information to audiences in various settings. It can be used for advertising, wayfinding, event promotion, and more. Digital signage can capture and hold people’s attention like traditional static signage cannot. By incorporating multimedia content such as video and animations, digital signage can increase engagement and leave a lasting impression on viewers. With digital signage, content can be updated and changed easily and quickly, allowing for greater flexibility and adaptability. This means that content can be tailored to specific audiences or events and can be changed in real time.

Types

Standalone digital signage: Often used for basic messaging, such as displaying a menu or directory, this simple system consists of a display screen, media player, and software.

Cloud-based digital signage system is managed remotely through a web-based interface, allowing for real-time updates and content scheduling. This signage is ideal for businesses with multiple locations or remote teams.

Interactive digital signage: Commonly used in retail, hospitality, entertainment, and wayfinding applications, this signage allows users to interact with the display through touchscreens, gesture recognition, or other input devices.

Video walls are multiple displays arranged in a grid to create a larger, more immersive display. They are often used in large public spaces like airports and sports stadiums or smaller spaces like building lobbies and conference rooms. These walls can be eye-catching to show off your brand and increase the WOW factor of your office.

Outdoor digital signage is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and is often used for advertising or wayfinding in outdoor environments. These displays can be interactive to allow the user to find a local store and then scan a QR code to get the directions on their phone. This system can also take a selfie and upload it to social media to allow you to check in to the latest city hotspot.

Digital menu board displays are commonly used in restaurants and cafes to display menus and promotions. They can be updated in real-time and are often integrated with POS systems that automatically alert you when you need to order more French fries due to increased sales and remove things from the menu when you run out.

Digital signage kiosks are freestanding displays that allow the user to interact with the screen often used in retail environments to provide information or facilitate transactions. However, the corporate is quickly adapting these screens to be used for visitor and employee checks-in and wayfinding within the buildings. Higher Ed has also seen the use of these systems for on-campus wayfinding, helping people get to the proper buildings.

Manufacturing Floors: Often manufacturing floor can be loud, making it hard to communicate. Digital Signage screens can be integrated with the manufacturing plant systems to give the operators real-time data. System alerts can also be triggered in the event of a problem where multiple screens and email alerts can be quickly sent out.

Scheduling Panels: Many times, these scheduling panels need to be remembered as digital signage endpoints, but along with showing a conference room schedule, these panels can display essential announcements and alerts.

Conference Room / Classroom Screens: The in-room displays can be used as a digital signage endpoint along with the scheduling panels. However, instead of showing the corporate announcements here, these screens can show brief instructions on how to use the technology in the room. A bonus is to add an RSS feed with your corporate announcements so that while people are walking and preparing for a meeting, they can be reminded to finish the Security Awareness training the HR sent out last week.

Remote Workers: Since the pandemic, remote work has become the norm for many originations. Reaching these workers with announcements and alerts has become challenging. Integrating your digital signage into an app on the user’s desktop or a Teams channel that can alert them of new announcements can be an uncomplicated way to keep them in touch with the company business.

These are just a few examples of the types of digital signage systems available, and many systems may incorporate elements of several different types to meet specific needs.

Market Growth

There has indeed been significant growth in the digital signage industry over the past two years, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. The global digital signage market size was estimated at 24.86 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.0% from 2023 to 2030. (GrandViewResearch.com)

The COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in driving the growth of the digital signage market. With the need for social distancing and the closure of physical stores and venues, businesses have turned to digital signage to communicate with their customers and employees. Digital signage has become a crucial tool in conveying important information, such as safety protocols, wayfinding, and updates on business operations.  One major trend that is likely to shape the industry is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). With advancements in AI and ML, digital signage will become more intelligent, allowing it to personalize content and interact with viewers in real-time. This will lead to a more engaging and immersive experience for viewers, which can lead to increased brand awareness and loyalty. Other trends like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies can create immersive and interactive experiences that can be used in various settings, such as retail stores, museums, and theme parks. With the growing popularity of AR and VR, we can expect to see more digital signage solutions incorporating these technologies in the coming years.

Wayfinding

Wayfinding has also had a significant impact on the growth of digital signage. Wayfinding refers to using signage and other informational tools to guide people through physical spaces, such as buildings, campuses, or events. In the past, wayfinding was primarily accomplished through static signs and maps, but with digital signage, wayfinding has become much more dynamic and interactive. Digital wayfinding can display interactive maps, directions, and other helpful information that can assist visitors in finding their way around. In addition, wayfinding can be updated instantly, making it much more flexible and adaptable than traditional static signage. The space planning and real estate teams with an organization don’t have to worry about updating multiple systems or contacting the marketing teams to update floor plans or office names. With the use of APIs, the digital signage system can immediately check the space planning application and pull in the necessary details to update the wayfinding digital signage. Learn about New Era’s Wayfinding Project at the Indianapolis International Airport to see Wayfinding in-action.

Managed Services

Digital signage requires a range of managed services to ensure that it operates smoothly and effectively. Typically a small team is assigned to constantly think about fresh new content, fixing a player, or other issues. In smaller organizations, this usually is not the primary function of this team and they can take hours out of their schedule to keep things running. In larger organizations, this team has more significant tasks to focus on. However, a good managed services company (like New Era) can assist with those requests, allowing your teams to stay focused on the bigger projects and tasks. Here are some examples of managed services that are commonly needed for digital signage:

Content management: Digital signage requires a steady flow of fresh and relevant content. A content management system (CMS) is needed to organize and schedule content, manage playlists, and ensure the right content is displayed at the right time. Through the use of a managed services agreement content updates can be completed as often as the customer wished.

Network monitoring: Digital signage networks must be monitored to ensure that all screens function properly and that content is displayed correctly. Network monitoring services can detect and resolve network connectivity problems or hardware malfunctions.

Remote management: Digital signage networks are often spread out across multiple locations. Remote management services can enable administrators to control and update content on all screens from a central location.

Security: Digital signage networks can be vulnerable to cyberattacks. Security services can provide firewalls, antivirus software, and regular system updates to protect digital signage networks from security breaches.

Analytics: Digital signage networks generate a wealth of data, such as viewership statistics and user engagement metrics. Analytics services can provide insights into how viewers are interacting with content, which can be used to improve the content and drive better results.

Technical support: Technical support services can assist with installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining digital signage networks.

Overall, digital signage systems can be as complicated or easy as your business needs. From one endpoint to thousands New Era has the tools and resources to assist you with your digital signage goals. Contact us today to learn more.

New Era Technology Honored on CRN 2023 Tech Elite 250 List.

CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has honored New Era Technology on its 2023 Tech Elite 250 list.   

This annual list features solution providers of all sizes across the U.S and Canada that have differentiated themselves by achieving the highest level and largest breadth of certifications and specializations from key technology vendors in the infrastructure, cloud, and security spaces.   

Businesses rely on solution providers to maintain the highest levels of technical prowess across critical products and services to help them meet today’s IT challenges and take advantage of the benefits of cutting-edge solutions. To meet these demands, solution providers such as strategic service providers, systems integrators, managed service providers and value-added resellers strive to maintain high levels of training and certification from IT vendors and achieve the highest tiers within those vendors’ partner programs.   

“CRN’s Tech Elite 250 list features the leading solution providers in the IT channel with the most in-depth technical knowledge, expertise, and certifications for providing the highest level of service for their customers,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “These solution providers have continued to extend their aptitudes and abilities across various technologies and IT practices, demonstrating their commitment and value to their customers.” 

About New Era Technology   

New Era Technology is a global managed technology service provider. New Era serves as a trusted adviser to more than 14,500 customers worldwide. Customers rely on New Era’s seamless blend of solutions that securely connect people, places, and information in a rapidly changing digital world. New Era has offices in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. New Era provides solutions and services to diverse industries, including Global Enterprise, Banking & Finance, Smart Buildings & IoT, Healthcare, Education, and Government.   

Solutions and Services:   

• Collaboration & Unified Communications   
• Data Networking   
• Digital Transformation   
• SecureBlu Security Services   
• CloudBlu Cloud Services   
• Physical Security & Life Safety   
• Managed Services   
• Professional Services 

About The Channel Company    

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers, and end users. Backed by more than 40 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com     

  

 

Mobile devices have become integral to our lives in today’s digital age, used for communication, entertainment, and access to information on the go. According to the Pew Research Center, 15% of American adults are “smartphone-only” internet users and do not have traditional home internet service. In addition, the average time spent using mobile devices daily continues to climb, with numbers ranging from 3.5 to 5 hours per day, while time spent engaging with other media declined. With the rise of remote work and bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, mobile devices are also increasingly used in the workplace. While this has brought greater flexibility and convenience, it has also introduced new security risks for enterprises. This article will explore the importance of mobile security and BYOD for enterprises.

Mobile Security & BYOD 

It is essential to understand that mobile devices are vulnerable to security threats. These threats can come in the form of malware, phishing attacks, and even physical theft or loss of the device. Given the sensitive nature of the data stored on mobile devices, such as login credentials, corporate documents, and financial information, a security breach can seriously affect an enterprise. Therefore, implementing robust mobile security measures is essential for protecting sensitive data and preventing cyber-attacks.

With the rise of BYOD policies, employees use their devices to access corporate resources such as email, documents, and databases. Unfortunately, this usage has blurred the line between personal and professional use of mobile devices, making it difficult for enterprises to control access to sensitive data. For instance, an employee may accidentally download a malicious app on their device, which can then access and steal corporate data. Therefore, enterprises must implement BYOD policies that outline acceptable usage and security standards for personal devices used in the workplace and be aware of essential mobile security solutions.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

Because it is so difficult to accurately monitor how employees use their mobile devices, primarily personally owned devices, mobile device management is vital to maintain your organization’s mobile security. This can be easier said than done since it could violate employees’ privacy rights. However, several viable systems and applications can help improve mobile enterprise security and offer effective mobile management and support.

Mobile Application Management (MAM)

While the ever-increasing access to mobile apps is excellent, managing those apps can be a severe security issue for your organization when you operate in a BYOD environment. This makes robust mobile application management (MAM) more critical than ever. MAM is the delivery and administration of enterprise software to the end users’ personal and corporate mobile devices. Implementing effective MAM helps with software delivery and application life cycle management and tracks usage. Furthermore, many MAMs can match mobile devices and their owners to specific IT policies and better control how company data is shared via mobile applications.

MDM Versus MAM

MDM and MAM are both solutions for mobile enterprise security, but they differ in their approach and focus. The main differences between MDM and MAM are summarized below:

• Focus: MDM focuses on device-level control, while MAM focuses on app-level management.
• Installation: MDM solutions typically require the installation of an agent on the device, while MAM solutions do not.
• Scope: MDM solutions are typically broader, covering a wide range of device-level controls, while MAM solutions are more narrowly focused on securing specific apps.
• Compatibility: MDM solutions can be platform-specific, while MAM solutions can be platform-agnostic and work across different devices and operating systems.
• Flexibility: MAM solutions can be more flexible in allowing users to bring their own devices and use their preferred apps, while MDM solutions may be more restrictive.

Antivirus for Devices

In addition to mobile device and app management, companies and organizations must implement the appropriate level of malware and antivirus protection. Hackers and malware are constant threats. Therefore, employees using the internet on a personal mobile device must properly install and update the latest patches and antivirus and anti-malware software supported by the hardware to maintain device security.

Encryption

An essential part of any organization’s security plan must include encryption, which is converting information or data into an unreadable form to prevent unauthorized access. Companies should also encrypt mobile device network communication to prevent outside snooping. You can take various steps to implement proper encryption, including requiring all mobile devices to use approved encryption protocols (TLS 1.3) and requiring corporate VPN use or an approved personal VPN before access is granted to corporate email accounts and files. In addition, utilizing device or file and disk encryption can protect from unauthorized access if lost or stolen.

Additional Mobile Device Security Steps

To help you improve your company’s mobile device security even more, here are some additional measures to consider.

1. Create a Mobile Security or Mobile Device Management Policy. Every company should create and enforce a mobility security policy. This policy will differ for each company but should include primary guiding principles and best practices, align with your company culture, and provide flexibility without compromising security.
2. Be Transparent with Employees. As with any company policy, employees appreciate transparency. Therefore, your mobile security policy should be open and transparent, without hidden features and rules. Let your employees know up front what they can and cannot do with their devices, whether company or personally owned. A clear policy will also help eliminate confusion and enhance the effectiveness of your company’s security policy. In addition, the mobile device policy extends the employee’s acceptable use policy.
3. Mixing Personal and Professional Use. When employees use their devices for business, your mobile security policies must be clear and flexible. But, more importantly, it must protect your company’s and customers’ private information. Therefore, you must balance your employees, company, and customers’ security and privacy.

Secure Your Mobility

Mobile security and BYOD policies can improve overall productivity and efficiency in the workplace. As a result, employees using their devices are more likely to work outside traditional office hours and be more productive. However, this also means that employees must be able to access corporate resources from anywhere and at any time securely. BYOD policies help to protect sensitive data from security threats, prevent compliance violations, and improve overall productivity in the workplace. Therefore, enterprises should implement robust mobile security measures and BYOD policies tailored to their needs and requirements. This approach may include device encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular software updates. By prioritizing mobile security and BYOD policies, enterprises can ensure they are well-equipped to handle the challenges of the modern workplace.

Want to learn more about our mobile security solutions? Please contact New Era Technoloy for more information and discover how we can help manage and protect your BYOD environment from hackers and other security threats.

Summary

A major American airline engaged Microsoft and New Era Technology to to migrate multiple legacy on-prem Exchange environments to O365 multi-tenant, along with Office 2016 and Skype for Business upgrades for associated users. 

Challenge

The 24/7 nature of the organization required careful orchestration of migration activities to avoid any impact to the transportation services the customer provides to its’ customers.

Solution

New Era planned, designed, built and maintained databases, schedules, executed migration communications, while monitoring and responding to inquiries received by the project mailbox. Other accomplishments included conducting daily coordination, meetings, reporting, and go-live activities, tracking object readiness and migration status, and provided tailored reporting for all project teams and stakeholders.

Outcome

At a glance, New Era and Microsoft migrated 90,000 Exchange on-premise mailboxes to Exchange Online Multi-Tenant, upgraded 33,000 machines to Office 2016, and enabled Skype for Business for 30,000 users for the customer.

Download the full project highlight below.

Summary

A Fortune 500 Healthcare Insurer engaged Microsoft and New Era Technology to migrate mail objects from internal infrastructure of multiple acquisitions from the past to Exchange Online multi-tenant.

Challenge

Beyond the standard challenges of healthcare services requiring no downtime, the project was implemented while the organization was a key player in COVID-19 response.

Solution

New Era planned, designed, built and maintained databases, schedules, executed migration communications, while monitoring and responding to inquiries received by the project mailbox. Other accomplishments included conducting daily coordination, meetings, reporting, and go-live activities, tracking object readiness and migration status, and provided tailored reporting for all project teams and stakeholders.

Outcome

Goals achieved included migrating all objected hosted in Exchange On-Premise to Exchange Online, and migrating all mailbox archives hosted locally to Exchange Online. This service enabled the client to understand where each object
stood specific to readiness and which blockers existed to prioritize activities.

Download the full project highlight below.

Comprehensive AV systems have become a necessity for many businesses in today’s marketplace. Sometimes, the management of these AV systems is overwhelming and complicated. Company’s in-house IT departments often lack the expertise to handle all parts included in an AV system. However, choosing an AV managed service provider (MSP) ensures a company’s AV system is run efficiently and effectively. Let’s explore all the benefits an MSP can offer your business.

MSPs Save Money

MSPs provide businesses with many benefits traditional IT teams don’t. While your IT professionals can provide a degree of AV system supervision, MSPs offer 24/7 monitoring and services from a remote location or in-house.  This added layer of protection can help prevent cyberattacks and save your company money in the long run. An average data breach costs a company around $4 million dollars, but with MSP monitoring, companies can hopefully avoid that expenditure.

Fast Maintenance and Service

MSPs also provide troubleshooting expertise and expedited help with repairs. AV systems are complicated, and with the level of intertwined pieces of technology, minor issues are bound to happen. An MSP can simplify or eliminate complications by troubleshooting problems from remote locations to get a system back up and running. Coinciding with the high level of monitoring MSPs provide, identifying current and potential problems within an AV system is simplified. Having an on-site MSP expedites the troubleshooting and repair processes further. An on-site MSP provides companies with experts on location that are backed up by remote help desks.

Managed service providers can monitor, troubleshoot, and repair AV systems, but the list of benefits MSPs provides businesses doesn’t end there. The 24/7 monitoring of on-site and remote MSPs allows for predictive upgrades. AV systems are often interconnected, and if one piece of hardware or software is updated, the various other parts of the system won’t be as efficient. However, MSP monitoring gives companies the ability to know when to upgrade specific pieces of an AV system, ensuring the entire system is running efficiently.

Manage AV Upgrades

Alongside predictive upgrades, an MSP can perform maintenance from both an on-site expert and a centralized monitoring hub. Some MSPs include more in-depth support capabilities with the use of a technical assistance center (T.A.C.). A T.A.C. works as a central coordination point manned by individuals with years of technical and maintenance support. Service calls, repairs, replacements, product recalls, preventative maintenance, and many other activities regarding an AV system is all handled by the industry leading professionals at a T.A.C.  In a search for an MSP, finding a provider that has a proven T.A.C. can help ensure all your business’s AV system needs are met.

In-House AV Training

In addition to predictive upgrades and timely maintenance, MSPs can also provide system training to in-house IT employees. The correct training of IT employees on the specifications of custom AV systems provides companies with more knowledgeable staff members. Proper training of in-house IT employees by MSPs gives companies two expert teams to manage, monitor, and provide maintenance on custom AV systems.

The Takeaway For AV Management

AV systems are a vital part of the success of any business. The ability to communication, convey and construct information efficiently and in a way that is ascetically pleasing and eye-catching has become a necessity in today’s marketplace. AV systems are a useful tool, but monitoring, repairing, upgrading, and the maintenance that is synonymous with these systems might seem overwhelming. MSPs offer a solution for almost all your business’s AV system needs. MSPs provide around the clock monitoring, expedited repair and troubleshooting, predictive maintenance, and the knowledge about when to upgrade a system. If your company’s IT team is struggling to meet the needs of your business’s AV system, it’s time to make the switch to a managed service provider.