Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/98946
We've Got To Start Meeting Like This! outsourced, as it requires specialized hardware and staffing. Many firms contract with a third-party service to provide WAN connections, video bridging equipment and management of the solution. However, a growing number of firms are providing bridging services internally based on needed service levels or return on investment. Key factors in service levels include high-definition capabilities, allowing ports to connect at different rates, international capabilities and scheduling flexibility. Determine Appropriate Network Bandwidth: Allocating WAN bandwidth for video services is typically handled by one of the following: • Procuring a larger-than-needed connection, where there is little competition for bandwidth traffic • Purchasing a measured amount of bandwith and configuring quality of service (QOS) for prioritizing all traffic • Utilizing backup WAN connections sized to handle the video traffic that does not compete for resources (until there is an outage, or after hours, when backups are using the same connections) Selecting the right fit for your firm based on budget and availability at all locations is essential for management of video quality and reduction of dropped calls. in place, the firm is then able to create a centralized audiovisual helpdesk, reduce setup times greatly and decrease staffing levels in remote offices. Getting Face-to-Face Right ... Finally You may have noticed that none of the key factors were dependent on the use of any particular audiovisual technology. The most important factors in a successful videoconference environment are enacting systemappropriate policies and procedures. Technology will change over time, but a properly designed room with appropriately trained staff can be the difference between a successful technology deployment and a frustrating waste of time and money. The overall goal is to deliver a solution that allows for information-sharing in an efficient manner, where all meeting attendees can participate in discussions openly. AV/IT departments must implement tools, train staff and establish policies and procedures that will allow the firm to manage these resources at the same level as other critical IT systems. Once the firm is capable of providing enhanced communication internally, these benefits can be extended to clients and other external partners. Finally, the intended and engaging focus of these meetings will be what is noticed, not the irksome distractions of an unsuccessful system. Actively Monitor the Performance and Utilization of Equipment: To be proactive, the firm must monitor and predict problems with equipment. This includes scheduled maintenance, ready access to consumables and spares on-hand, and procedures for equipment failures. This also includes tracking the utilization of room types and sizes in order to budget (time and resources) to meet the firm's needs. Typically, asset management software will provide most of this functionality. Many times, this same software will allow for scheduling of rooms and resources, along with remote control capability of the rooms. With these functionalities ILTA White Paper 45