Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) concerns like lack of security, AV system compatibility, and content sharing can give IT pause. But restricting business operations due to these concerns can limit the flexibility of your modern workplace.
When employees are on the move, they need the freedom to step into a room, connect, and share content in seconds with assigned laptops or tablets.
So, how can we find a compromise that keeps company systems safe but allows teams to use their preferred tech when and where they wish?
Let’s delve into some of the issues and explore how Crestron solutions can help solve them.
Security
Every organization has IT security standards, software, and best practices to keep pesky viruses and malware out of its systems. You likely have installed new security solutions like two-factor device authentication, VPNs for secure global communication and file access, and set standards for WiFi access and practices to avoid phishing emails.
But the reality is devices that leave the office connect to many networks, including the home, coffee shops, client offices, and airport lounges. Despite our best intentions, devices are open to viruses, malware, and other cyber threats.
Now, imagine those scenarios, but with a client, prospect, or partner that brings their device into your office.
BYOD room meeting start-up and device compatibility
A common in-the-office IT BYOD frustration deals with troubleshooting meeting start-up. Trusted partners and clients need to connect and present in your offices as easily as your employees. If those devices are not already on your network, your teams could experience connection challenges and meeting delays.
Also, have you ever walked into a meeting space, looked at the tabletop cables, and said, “Uh-oh. My computer does not have an HDMI port. Does anyone have an adaptor?”
Whether connecting a laptop or tablet directly to a conference room display is safe or not, ensuring the device is compatible with the cable hookup is essential. If not compatible, you or your end users must now go on a mission to scour every room and desk for an adaptor for a direct, stable connection to the room’s display.
Ultimately, troubleshooting meeting start-ups is frustrating and steals time from productive collaboration.
Content sharing and remote team ideation
Now your meeting is up and running. The next challenge is how to share content quickly and easily. If a device is unable to connect to room systems, you cannot easily share content with a conference room display.
At this point, individuals using an external device may have to send content to someone who can access your network and present it. So, just to start the sharing process, someone on your secure cloud network must accept an external file from a device or person they may not know. And do we really want that?
But sharing files with external sources is just a headache we do not need.
Now, meeting spaces do have a single cable connection, which allows users to share content strictly to a single display. But that single connection can limit content-sharing to one person at a time, slowing collaboration.
Solution: Plug and play wireless presentation devices from Crestron
Wireless meeting space presentation devices are gaining popularity among organizations embracing BYOD. These devices are about the size of a hockey puck and wirelessly link to the displays, sound and video bars, and meeting platforms in a space via a receiver. The receiver physically connects to your company’s internet. When connected, the receiver finds the laptop or tablet and is ready to share.
The wireless devices act as a content-sharing bridge and safety conduit to block viruses or malware from infecting your network. Staff and external users can safely use laptops or tablets to present, share content, and host meetings in any meeting space with wireless presentation devices and receivers installed.
Workplace presentation devices, like Crestron’s AirMedia Connect Adaptor, can link laptops and tablets to digital displays, projectors, and unified communication platforms in meeting spaces, common areas, and anywhere people want to collaborate. Crestron’s AirMedia solution can present content in up to 4K. In addition, multiple users can share content simultaneously, supporting fluid conversation.
Crestron’s AirMedia Connect Adaptor wirelessly links to the Crestron AirMedia technology platform. The enterprise-grade solution can be added across hundreds of your spaces. The adaptor can be easily set up using a web browser, Crestron Fusion® software, or XiO Cloud®. Simply ensure your receiver connects to your internet and recognizes the adaptor to begin sharing. All a user has to do is plug the adaptor into their device’s USB-C port, and in a few clicks, their meeting has started.
The Crestron AirMedia technology system uses standard network security protocols, including 802.1x network access control, Active Directory® verification, and AES content encryption to protect your data and keep IT happy.
Deliver a secure and seamless BYOD solution with AVI-SPL and Crestron
Make your team’s flexible work experiences move at lightning-fast speeds with Crestron’s AirMedia technology.
AVI-SPL’s collaboration technology experts can work with you to assess your spaces, integrate and standardize Crestron AirMedia tools, and provide training materials. Together, we can get your employees up to speed and craft a seamless workplace experience for all.
Contact us today to get started.
