AV-as-a-service (AVaaS), hardware-as-a-service (HaaS), device-as-a-service and any other related technology-as-a-service solutions are not the same as a lease. Many think that they are one and the same…that it’s just marketing or leasing rebranded. However, when comparing AVaaS and a traditional lease, there are two dramatic and fundamental differences. First is the outcome, or the way the payment option concludes; […]

One of the biggest trends to hit the custom integration market is outdoor entertainment. Systems integrators are capitalizing by folding more outdoor projection and other technology into their portfolios, expanding their showrooms to include AV-endowed patios, and investing more attention, designers, and technicians to the craft. Now that seemingly every systems integration company has jumped […]

As with any occupation, we have rules and regulations. Some are firm and written in stone, and then others not so much. Still, it is important for any serious systems tech to understand which is what and how to follow them. What got me thinking about this topic was that I recently ran across a […]

This installation by Applied Global Technologies (AGT) was part of a larger project for Atlanta-based Wellstar Health System, in partnership with Spatial Inc. and HealthTunes, to install 16 Wellness Rooms across Wellstar’s local-area hospitals and health parks with funding of $1.5M from Catalyst by Wellstar. The partnership focused on designing private spaces that featured immersive sound environments to provide […]

Technology is at the core of every business, and security is no different. One of the fastest-growing sectors for security technology is in the Cloud, where companies can do away with on-site servers and hardware in favor of a more flexible model. Even though more companies are now investing in Cloud-based security solutions, there is […]

The custom electronics industry has a serious problem that is rarely addressed openly: electronic packaging waste. The only way to solve this issue involves manufacturers and installers — the people who end up dealing with the waste — working together. We haven’t seen much in the way of a “waste summit” or public address from […]

Most of us working in the AV and UC industries champion collaboration and collaboration technology every day. We design, manufacture, sell, install and support solutions that people around the globe use to minimize distance and the impact of geographic location; to foster close collaboration and teamwork; and to accomplish more in less time.  When I […]

When Commercial Integrator conceived the BEST Awards, the founding vision was straightforward: Put simply, the program was created to highlight products and services that are genuine difference-makers in the commercial AV industry. In particular, to align with CI’s status as the business handbook for technology professionals, the BEST Awards program showcases offerings that help integrators sustain and grow their businesses. […]

We all know the password mantra: Make it long, strong and unique. Also, include upper-case letters, lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. And don’t forget to use different passwords everywhere — at least eight characters, but preferably more. Plus, remember to change them frequently. Phew! And as if all that weren’t enough, here’s another: Never write them […]

IoT adoption is growing across the world. IoT sensors and devices capture data and perform tasks, communicating over IP and other protocols with Cloud or local systems to create intelligent systems and enable automation. These solutions support a wide variety of use cases, enabling more functionality while saving companies money and increasing revenue opportunities. The growing smart […]