A Fresh Approach to Classroom Technology

With the opportunity to build from the ground up, district leaders reimagined traditional classroom technology models. Instead of replicating legacy systems, they focused on mobility, flexibility and usability. LG CreateBoards, LG gram 2-in-1 laptops and LG UltraWide desktop monitors formed the backbone of an integrated ecosystem designed to support dynamic, teacher-centered instruction.

“We wanted to avoid inefficiencies of older systems,” said Robert Leonard, SJUSD’s director of technology. “LG’s solutions aligned perfectly with our vision for a more flexible and interactive learning environment.”

Collaborative Design and Seamless Integration

Principal Amy Rose emphasized the importance of mobility and instructional flow. “Technology should enable teachers to move freely and interact with students,” she said. LG’s solutions, demonstrated by integrator EHP Solutions, impressed educators with their simplicity and interactivity.

The deployment included 76 LG CreateBoard interactive displays, 60 LG UltraWide monitors and 46 LG gram laptops. Despite a tight summer timeline, the installation was completed ahead of schedule, ensuring classrooms were fully functional by the first day of school.

Transforming Classroom Dynamics

The impact of the technology is already evident. Teachers seamlessly transition between activities, and students actively engage in collaborative problem-solving. “The LG CreateBoards have become shared workspaces, fostering real-time interaction and idea-sharing,” said Rose.

Behind the scenes, the district continues to optimize network architecture and device configurations to support the high density of interactive displays. LG’s responsiveness to feedback has been instrumental in ensuring long-term stability.

A Model for Modern Education

Rose Salgado Elementary demonstrates the power of integrating facilities, pedagogy and technology into a unified ecosystem. “This campus showcases how intentional design can transform teaching and learning,” said Victoria Sanville, LG’s Education Director.

As enrollment grows, the school’s approach serves as a model for other campuses within the district, highlighting the potential of technology to enhance mobility, collaboration and student engagement.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on March 20, 2026. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post Rose Salgado Elementary Transforms Learning with LG’s Interactive Technology appeared first on My TechDecisions.

Editor’s Note: Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Security Sales & Integration on January 28, 2026. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

More system integrators are beginning to recognize that IT departments hold greater influence over technology investments that were once managed solely by security teams, particularly when cybersecurity is involved.

This shift reflects a simple reality: IT is ultimately responsible for managing the organization’s technology risk. When new devices or systems introduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities, IT teams are accountable for identifying and mitigating that exposure.

From an IT perspective, attack vectors can take many forms—not just cameras or software but also smart lighting, access control hardware or other IoT-connected devices.

A 2017 incident in which criminals accessed a casino’s network through a connected fish tank illustrates why IT teams approach new technology with skepticism: even seemingly harmless systems can become entry points for attackers. If they cannot confidently say a system is secure and compliant, the safest option is to say no.

This hesitation is not about being overly cautious. IT leaders are accountable for protecting sensitive assets, including intellectual property, employee records and financial data. Failure to perform due diligence can expose the organization to regulatory penalties, reputational damage and operational disruption.

This shift requires system integrators to move away from feature-driven product discussions and toward platform-level outcomes. Security teams may be excited by new capabilities and technologies but IT teams first want to understand how a platform manages risk.

Integrators should be prepared to explain how a solution reduces complexity, limits liability and minimizes human error by automating routine tasks.

What Security System Integrators Can Consider When Speaking to the IT Buyer

Speaking IT’s language—data governance, network impact, cybersecurity posture—goes a long way toward building trust. Integrators who address IT concerns early can reduce objections, shorten review cycles and build confidence with IT.

In practice, here are a few things system integrators can address:

Compatibility with the existing technology stack

• Open integrations that support single sign-on (SSO), cloud platforms and established systems
• Flexible deployment models that work in on-prem, cloud or hybrid environments
• Built-in interoperability through strong APIs or widely adopted standards

Cybersecurity and regulatory compliance

• Data protection measures such as end-to-end encryption to support confidentiality and privacy
• Compliance capabilities aligned with relevant regulations and standards, depending on region and sector
• Role-based access controls and multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access
• Audit trails and activity logs that support oversight and compliance monitoring
• Recognized cybersecurity certifications and standards for cloud-based services

Reliability and system resiliency

• Defined service level agreements (SLAs) that support continuous operations
• Disaster recovery capabilities, including automated failover and business continuity strategies
• Scalable performance that supports growth without degrading system reliability

Bringing IT and Security Teams Together

Integrators are uniquely positioned to act as a bridge between IT and security, helping both sides understand each other’s priorities. In the IT world, subscription-based software and ongoing maintenance agreements are standard. In contrast, security teams have historically favored one-time system purchases that are maintained internally. Navigating these differences requires clear communication and expectation-setting.

Because many IT buyers do not come from a physical security background, integrators should expect to explain not only what they are proposing but how it will affect IT workloads and responsibilities. This creates an opportunity to reframe the conversation around benefits that matter to IT teams, such as interoperability, scalability, resiliency and long-term maintainability.

Integrators can also look for areas of natural alignment with IT goals, including compliance, data protection and on-prem versus cloud deployment strategies. When a solution includes built-in safeguards—such as cybersecurity hardening guides, security posture scoring or controls that restrict access to authorized users—these should be highlighted early in the discussion.

Automation is another strong point of connection. IT teams are often stretched thin and are drawn to solutions that reduce manual effort through centralized management, automated updates or simplified configuration.

While many IT stakeholders favor cloud-based software-as-a-service models for their continuous delivery of patches and improvements, governance preferences vary. Some organizations want direct control over deployments, while others prefer automatic updates.

Integrators who understand these governance models can recommend solutions that align with how IT teams prefer to work—making approvals faster and deployments smoother.

Get Buy-In Early in the Process

For integrators, working effectively with IT is more critical than ever. It’s no longer enough to simply invite IT to the table late in the process. Integrators need to understand IT’s priorities, preferences, and goals from the outset—and adapt their approach accordingly. Security solutions are far more likely to be approved when they align with the organization’s established IT best practices, governance models and risk tolerance.

Today, there are very few scenarios in which a security deployment would not require IT review and sign-off. Even systems designed to be isolated or air-gapped must be assessed to confirm how they are installed, maintained and updated and to ensure no unintended connections introduce vulnerabilities.

To adapt to this reality, integrators need to build credibility through early and consistent engagement with IT, ideally starting with the very first meeting. Bringing IT into the process early helps ensure that security decision-makers are aligned with current network security, governance and compliance requirements.

Alex Halliday is director of channel enablement, North America, sales, at Genetec.

The post How Security Integrators Can Reach IT Decision-Makers More Effectively appeared first on My TechDecisions.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on January 19, 2026. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

As a new year begins, it’s natural to take stock of overarching industry trends that shape integrators and clients’ product choices and, thus, manufacturers’ product design choices. Although many might cite “AI” as the buzzword of our era, I’d suggest a different one: “frictionless.” With the line between AV and IT blurring to the point of nonexistence and integrators increasingly working shoulder to shoulder with corporate and education IT departments, the appetite for speed and simplicity — completely frictionless technology usage — has never been greater. And it’s very clear that BenQ has taken notice.

Hands-On Testing of BenQ InstaShow WDC15

Recently, I had the opportunity to conduct hands-on testing of BenQ’s InstaShow WDC15 wireless presentation system, a screen-mirroring solution that the company released to considerable acclaim late this past summer. Being much more a journalist than a technologist, I tend to begin product reviews with a bit of trepidation, not knowing how easily I’ll be able to manage hardware setup, software downloads and UX navigation. With the InstaShow WDC15, however, unboxing to screen mirroring took all of five minutes!

The InstaShow WDC15 comes in a small, relatively lightweight package, reflecting the streamlined, unfussy nature of the solution. The box contains the receiver unit, one button unit with built-in USB-C connector (additional button units are purchasable separately), a cradle capable of holding up to two buttons, an HDMI cable and various other separately packaged accessories. These include a power adapter that offers U.S. and European plug options and twin antennae for the receiver unit, as well as basic mounting components. Mounting options for the WDC15 include pole mount and wall/ceiling mount.

Most pleasing to me was that, unlike some competitive devices, which might include a hefty instruction manual, the WDC15 includes (and requires only) a simple quick start guide.

Plug and Go

Upon unboxing, I plugged the button unit into my laptop via USB-C; immediately, I heard a chime indicating that a new device was detected; in less than 10 seconds, the button shone green to indicate readiness to mirror. There was no automatic redirect to a website to download software and no prompt to initiate an app. How refreshing to see “plug and play” really mean plug and play!

Next, I screwed the two antennae onto the receiver unit, attached and plugged in the power adapter, and connected the receiver unit to a 4K flatscreen LCD via the included HDMI cable. Within seconds, the corresponding circle on the receiver turned green, indicating readiness to pair. After turning on the TV, I tapped the button unit and, in two seconds, the 4K TV mirrored my laptop, showing all the fine details and content nuances that business collaborators and students alike expect these days.

In my tests, I found latency to be quite minimal, with only a slight delay when scrolling up or down in a Word or Excel document; there were no distracting sync issues when streaming videos from YouTube.

BenQ InstaShow WDC15 is Supremely Flexible

Although my own testing centered on a flatscreen LCD, the InstaShow WDC15 is supremely flexible, allowing screen mirroring on any kind of display, via projection, on monitors and on interactive displays — virtually any device that can accept an input. One notable feature is touchback support: When paired with an interactive display, the WDC15 allows the interactive display to control the source device (e.g., the laptop), wirelessly, from anywhere in the room.

The InstaShow WDC15’s feature set makes it an outstanding choice for education institutions and corporate meeting spaces. In the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) era, the product works seamlessly across operating systems: Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS and Linux-based. And the complete absence of software installation means that even locked-down devices — quite common in corporate and education settings — can screen mirror effortlessly with the WDC15. Up to 16 simultaneous connections are possible, and no login is required.

For Technology Managers, There’s Much to Like

In an era of empowered IT departments, discerning technology managers will find much to like about the InstaShow WDC15. For this group, foremost among the product’s benefits is its complete absence of network bandwidth impact. Moreover, IT departments will appreciate BenQ’s seriousness about security, with the WDC15 boasting certification under the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) 4.0 standard, a mark of resistance to hundreds of common hacks. Moreover, the system utilizes enterprise-grade AES 128-bit encryption. In short, IT managers whose technology estate includes the WDC15 can rest easily, secure in the knowledge it doesn’t create vulnerabilities.

The InstaShow WDC15 is equally compelling for end users and guests, from teachers to corporate meeting participants. They can screen mirror in minutes, with zero training required, without having to download software or bother with an app, while benefiting from the full 4K capabilities of the display they’re mirroring onto. Unlike some competitors whose screen mirroring is limited to 1080p or even lower resolution, the WDC15 offers 30fps video at 4K resolution. This ensures that classroom and meeting room displays are utilized to their full potential, with the screen mirroring not imposing any limitations.

BenQ InstaShow WDC15: It’s About Value, Not Price

Admittedly, the InstaShow WDC15 ($799) isn’t the cheapest wireless presentation system on the market. However, its ease and quickness of use, 4K friendliness, AES128 encryption and CVSS 4.0 certification, and lack of subscription cost with no software to use or app to download makes its value high and its total cost of ownership surprisingly low.

It seems certain that the BenQ InstaShow WDC15 will be a foundational part of consultants and integrators’ arsenal when they’re designing and spec’ing for classrooms, meeting rooms and other collaborative spaces.

Dan Ferrisi is Group Director of Content and Editorial at Emerald

The post BenQ InstaShow WDC15: A Hands-On Review appeared first on My TechDecisions.

Universities are filling up with network-connected devices. Smart locks manage building access. HVAC systems run on automated controls. Cameras stream to command centers. Vending machines, printers, thermostats, research tools and classroom displays all connect to the network. The Internet of Things (IoT) is everywhere.

These devices are often invisible to most of campus life, quietly making things run more smoothly. But for IT and security teams, they represent a rapidly growing liability. Each device is a potential entry point for an attacker looking for a path of least resistance. And too often, universities don’t even know what their IoT landscape actually looks like.

The Expanding IoT Footprint in Higher Ed

A modern institution of higher education operates more like a small city than a school. Hundreds of buildings may be tied into the same digital infrastructure, and each department brings its own tools and purchase preferences. Devices arrive from dozens of manufacturers and run software that is rarely standardized. The result is an unmanaged sprawl of smart systems, all connected and all potentially vulnerable.

The first security problem is that many, if not most, institutions still lack a complete inventory of their connected devices. Traditional discovery strategies often miss IoT assets because they communicate over obscure or proprietary protocols. Even when devices are visible, IT teams often don’t know what software they’re running or whether they’ve received recent updates.

The risks become clearer when you consider what these devices actually do. Connected door locks and building systems affect physical security, lab equipment and research infrastructure support time-sensitive or grant-funded work, and classroom technology and signage shape the student experience. Each of these categories carries risk not just to data, but to operations.

Digital Breaches Can Have Physical Security Consequences

Security breaches on campus no longer stop at stolen data, but have the potential to disrupt real-world systems. In a worst-case scenario, that puts people at risk. A compromised building automation system might allow an attacker to disable alarms or unlock secured areas. Access to HVAC systems could shut down ventilation in research facilities or residence halls. Camera systems might be hijacked to track movement or manipulate surveillance records.

These kinds of intrusions were once theoretical. Today, they are plausible and increasingly documented across sectors.

Universities are particularly exposed because they tend to maintain more open and flexible networks than traditional corporate environments. Academic freedom often requires fewer restrictions on network access, and many devices end up getting deployed without central IT involvement. Security policies may vary between departments or not exist at all for operational technologies.

Traditional Campus Security Strategies Miss the Mark

Most campus security stacks are built around endpoints like laptops and servers, but IoT devices are fundamentally different. They typically run stripped-down operating systems that don’t support endpoint agents. Many come with hardcoded credentials that users cannot change. Firmware updates are inconsistent or unavailable, and some devices lack even the most basic protections (like encrypted traffic or secure boot processes).

Conventional scanners often fail to detect them. Network monitoring tools might miss unusual traffic patterns because the devices operate outside expected behavior profiles. The gaps are large enough that attackers can use IoT devices as hidden footholds inside the network without immediate detection.

Device Visibility, Prioritization and Monitoring: A Smarter Approach to IoT Risk

To improve, universities must start with visibility. You can’t secure what you can’t see. Discovery mechanisms designed for IoT can uncover a full inventory of connected devices, including model numbers, firmware versions, and communication patterns. The strategy must rely on behavioral analysis, not just IP scans, to surface the devices that traditional systems miss.

Once visibility is established, prioritization becomes key. Not all devices present the same level of threat. A vulnerable light sensor behind a firewall might be low risk, while a connected access control panel exposed to the open internet is far more urgent. Universities should consider factors like how devices are segmented on the network, what privileges they have, and what kinds of traffic they generate.

Real-time behavioral monitoring adds an essential layer. IoT devices tend to behave predictably. A thermostat shouldn’t start making DNS requests or communicating with external command and control servers. When anomalies occur, they need to be flagged and acted on immediately.

From Detection to Containment

Once a threat is identified, containment must happen quickly. The longer a compromised device remains online, the more time an attacker has to move laterally. Automated isolation, packet capture, and investigation workflows allow campus teams to respond before an incident spreads.

Speed matters because the stakes are growing, and campus operations depend on uptime. Building access, lab integrity, and student services all rely on digital infrastructure working as expected, so a single compromised camera or lock can cascade into a serious operational failure.

Start Now to Get Ahead

Universities can act now without overhauling everything at once. The most important step is to begin discovering what’s on the network and where the gaps are. Prioritize the systems that support critical operations. Look at who owns which devices and what policies govern them. Start separating operational technology from academic and administrative networks wherever possible.

From there, teams can build a roadmap. IoT procurement processes should include baseline security requirements for all new devices. Update schedules should be set and tracked, and security policies should reflect the fact that many devices on campus cannot be patched or monitored like traditional endpoints.

Cultural change also plays a role and, in some ways, can be the most challenging factor. But ideally, facilities, IT, and academic departments will treat IoT security as a shared responsibility. Open communication and shared tooling help build consistent coverage across campus.

A Critical Moment for Higher Education

IoT devices will continue to scale, but universities have an opportunity to get ahead of the threat. With visibility, context, and faster responses, they can turn a chaotic sprawl of devices into a manageable and secure foundation. The longer they wait, the more difficult it will be to close the gaps.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site CampusSafety on August 4, 2025. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

Shankar Somasundaram is the CEO of Asimily.

The post Universities Face Rising IoT Security Risks Amid Device Growth appeared first on My TechDecisions.

At the outset of the conversation, Grass reflects on the state of the workforce today. Post-pandemic, workforces continue to be mobile and fluid, with a strong continuing trend of “hoteling” workers who are not tethered to a particular space. “Being able to communicate to those people effectively can be a challenge,” Grass acknowledges. Plus, we continue to see far too many unthinkable situations in workplaces across the country. Sadly, companies need to be prepared to deal with them.

Singlewire Software Helps Integrators Pursue Mass Notification

Singlewire Software, of course, plays a leading role in partnering with integrators exploring the mass notification category. According to Grass, “Our tagline is ‘Detect, Notify and Respond,’ and that’s what we really help customers do. And we help our channel partners work with customers to better detect the issues happening, notify their staff of what’s going on, and better respond and more quickly respond to the issues that might be out there.”

What makes Singlewire Software different, Grass says, comes down to this: It’s really that facility-based communication platform. “We are just software-based. So, we help customers leverage their current infrastructure and maybe infrastructure that they’re looking at purchasing.” So, if a customer is looking to upgrade to IP speakers or wanting to shift to a hosted phone system, Grass says, Singlewire Software can “…help enable those type of technologies to better communicate daily or in the case of emergencies.”

Later in the interview, Grass makes clear that he believes all integrators should be looking at the mass notification category. And he underscores that Singlewire Software stands ready to help channel partners realize more revenue and become stickier with their customers.

Grass particularly highlights abundant opportunity (and need) in healthcare, K-12, retail, manufacturing and other verticals. “Those types of customers really have the need for technology such as this,” he declares.

Watch the full video Q&A below for the whole story on mass notification from Singlewire Software and Jim Grass.

The post Singlewire Software on Mass Notification Solutions appeared first on My TechDecisions.

As modern higher education demands technologies like lecture capture, voice amplification, and hybrid learning, URI’s AV team has been pivotal in ensuring seamless and equitable learning experiences.

Leading this effort is Jeffrey Levesque, lead information technologist, who has spent nearly a decade managing and standardizing diverse AV technologies across campus. Among the solutions, the Catchbox Plus system emerged as a reliable and user-friendly choice, addressing URI’s audio needs effectively.

Managing Complexity in a Diverse Environment

“Lead Information Technologist doesn’t tell the full story,” Levesque says. “In practice, I’m the AV designer, engineer, programmer and support for the campus.”

URI’s and Levesque’s journey with classroom technology is one that many universities and AV teams will find familiar with. What began as a few tech-equipped spaces rapidly expanded, especially during the pandemic, resulting in a diverse array of technologies across classrooms. This diversity, while born out of necessity, quickly became unmanageable.

“Every room looks different,” Levesque explains. “You might have different endpoints, one screen or multiple screens. We get a lot of questions, especially in the summertime when instructors are trying to figure out where they are teaching in the fall.”

This inconsistency led to a flood of support requests, particularly at the beginning of each academic year. The small AV team of just four people, responsible for managing technology in about 150 rooms, found themselves overwhelmed – “the call volume was unbearable,” recalls Levesque.

Common tasks included instructing on the technology, recharging misplaced mics, appeasing frustrated lecturers, and endlessly changing out broken lavalier mic wires. “Instructors kept wiring up wrong and breaking them in the process. It happened so much, I stopped getting the really high-quality ones, as they would break them anyway,” Levesque admits.

Adding to the complexity was the need for hybrid learning capabilities, thrust into the spotlight by the pandemic. Many classrooms lacked the necessary audio equipment to support this format effectively.

“The pandemic forced my campus to jump forward and do hybrid learning. I need to get audio in all my classrooms now because only the big spaces had any sort of microphone technology,” Levesque says.

Standardization & Simplification with Catchbox Plus

Facing these challenges, Levesque embarked on a mission to create a standardized setup across all rooms, carefully choosing technology that would form part of that standard. The Catchbox Plus wireless microphone system emerged as the perfect solution for their audio capture needs.

“We’re putting a Catchbox Plus in every classroom,” Levesque states. “By the time we’re done, we’re going be right around 150 of them across campus.”

Levesque chose Catchbox for its reliability, user-friendliness and versatile connectivity options. Or, as Levesque says, “Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity!”

Reliability & Ease of Use

Compared to their previous audio systems, which were often complicated and challenging to maintain, Catchbox offered a much simpler, more efficient solution.

“For me, it’s not just about delivering crisp, clear audio. It’s equally important that the system is easy for my instructors to use. The simpler the setup, the better,” Levesque explains. The Catchbox Plus wireless microphone system delivers exactly that. Whether using the Clip or the Cube, the process is seamless — just pick it up, and it’s ready to go.

Levesque finds the magnetic docking stations to be particularly well-suited for the classroom environment. “I can have the charging station on the lectern and the magnet ensures the mics are always in the right place and charging for the next user. Unlike our previous solutions that needed to be carefully connected to the charger in a specific way – something instructors would fail to do over and over again.”

Another load off of Jeffrey’s shoulders was that Catchbox worked out of the box – he wouldn’t have to go into settings and adjust sound levels for each setup. “It picks up audio tremendously. It just comes through sounding clean no matter whether they’re holding the Cube up close and personal, or they hold it further away. It picks them all up equally and everyone comes through sounding great.”

The team also found that Catchbox required minimal maintenance compared to their previous systems.

“At the start of this year, we were like – where are the calls? With Catchbox, support tickets and general maintenance have gone way down,” Levesque notes.

Versatile Connectivity & Integration

Catchbox’s versatile connectivity options were another significant advantage. Whether integrating with their existing AV-over-IP (AvoIP) system or providing a simple USB connection for hybrid learning, Catchbox delivered.

“Why we like the Catchbox so much better is that if I don’t have a DSP in the room, I know I can take the USB out on that and feed that to a computer and I’m good,” Levesque explains.

The ease of installation was also a major plus. Levesque adds, “They were easy to install. Because they’re also PoE powered, I just have to plug in my single network cable, and we pop up online. I go into my Dante controller and I send it where it needs to go.”

Levesque says, “Whenever I’m evaluating AV tech, the first question I have is – does it integrate with what I’m using as the control system for my classroom? Catchbox’s many integrations meant I didn’t have to worry on that front.”

An Effortless Way to Boost Student Engagement

Perhaps most importantly, Catchbox has helped boost student engagement, particularly in large classrooms where interaction was previously challenging.

“Everyone, anytime anyone gets to use the Cube, they’re blown away by how well it works,” Levesque shares, when asked about what the end users think of Catchbox. “Instructors like that there’s more engagement in the classroom now. It’s more interactive for them,” he says.

The unique design of the Catchbox Cube has turned asking questions into an engaging activity that students genuinely want to participate in. Previously, handheld mics were passed around for audience engagement, and wanting to ask a question was often met with a collective groan from peers, as it would mean awkwardly passing the microphone hand-to-hand across the hall and disrupting the flow of the lesson.

“Now, students are eager to engage, even if it’s just to throw the Cube. And instructors are happier because of the active audience,” Levesque shares.

URI also appreciates the branding feature – being able to put the university’s logo on the microphones. “It’s somehow a small bonus and a massive benefit at the same time,” Levesque shares. “We’re already branding the lecterns, and visibility and recognizability are very important for the university.”

Looking Ahead

As URI continues its journey towards a fully standardized AV setup across all classrooms, Catchbox has become an integral part of their strategy. When asked if Levesque would recommend the Catchbox solution to others. He confidently endorses this solutions, stating, “I already do. I tell them – it’s going to make your life easier on campus.” His recommendation underscores the value Catchbox delivers, making it a practical choice for institutions aiming to elevate their campus-wide AV capabilities.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on March 4, 2025. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post Catchbox Plus: The Mic Solution That Finally Gave URI’s IT Team a Break appeared first on My TechDecisions.

While many physical security departments were previously hesitant to consider cloud-connected solutions, they now have a greater understanding of the benefits these solutions bring. Cloud solutions are helping campuses better utilize resources to achieve goals while minimizing operational complexity.

Cost is an important driver for many schools. While on-premises security solutions remain common, the investment in infrastructure can be significant. Servers, information technology (IT) and security staff, wiring, software installations, maintenance and updates all add up.

The post Your Guide to Choosing the Best Cloud Security System for Your School appeared first on My TechDecisions.

Preparing for Strategic Investments in Emerging Technologies

Emerging technologies will play a central role in the evolution of our industry in 2025. The future calls for investment in advanced connectivity, generative AI, next-generation software development, digital trust, cybersecurity and immersive-reality technologies. IT will play a critical role in supporting these initiatives by creating the infrastructure, security, and operational framework necessary to thrive as a technology-driven company.

This approach requires a shift in how we view technology adoption: rather than focusing on whether to adopt these new technologies, we must prioritize how best to prepare for and adapt to them. IT leaders should assess current systems, skill sets and vendor partnerships to ensure alignment with the company’s future direction and goals.

Strategic Partnerships and Scaling Through Existing Expertise

With emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity solutions rapidly advancing, IT faces a familiar decision: build or buy. While companies will develop unique capabilities internally, partnering with specialized vendors is key to scaling the technology, particularly with AI and cybersecurity. Leveraging vendors with a strong AI focus allows organizations to capitalize on cutting-edge solutions without bearing the entire development burden internally. This approach provides IT with scalable solutions that can be rapidly deployed, enabling technology teams to focus on delivering value in core areas.

In 2025, IT will not only enable these vendor partnerships but also ensure they integrate seamlessly into your larger technology ecosystem to support the company’s vision. By building on a larger scale and working with established, AI-enabled vendors, IT can enhance infrastructure resilience, scalability and security. This strategy allows businesses to grow efficiently and stay agile in a competitive market.

Evaluating ROI and TCO

As businesses prepare to invest in new technology, IT leaders face the challenge of evaluating the return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) for these cutting-edge solutions. Emerging technologies often carry high upfront costs but promise transformative benefits over time. For instance, while licensing costs for AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot may be high, the potential productivity gains and efficiency improvements make them worthwhile.

To maximize these benefits, IT teams need to invest in products and tools that will enable their hybrid workforces to collaborate and work more effectively. The IT department must work closely with divisional leaders to ensure AI investments yield tangible results. Create an AI community champion network to collaborate with IT departments and identify effective training and development opportunities that enable a lean workforce to fully adopt and leverage new technologies. This collaborative approach ensures a more comprehensive ROI and positions the company for continued innovation.

Strengthening Security

IT team’s approach to security will include a balanced focus on training and awareness, governance and auditing and technology investments. By distributing resources across these pillars, companies can maintain a proactive security posture and build a foundation of trust with their customers. Leveraging industry frameworks and benchmarks will help IT assess and demonstrate security performance, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with best practices.

Sustainability and Futureproofing Technology Investments

As we plan for 2025, sustainability is an increasingly important factor in technology decision-making. IT’s role in supporting sustainability includes choosing high-quality, durable solutions that align with your company’s commitment to long-term value. By investing in future-proof technologies that can evolve over time, IT helps reduce the frequency of refresh cycles and minimizes waste, both environmentally and financially.

Sustainability plays a key role in delivering value responsibly, ensuring that current needs are met while paving the way for future growth with environmental awareness. Futureproof solutions with flexible, scalable capabilities support goals for sustainability, adaptability and operational efficiency.

IT Teams Propel Innovation in 2025

In 2025, the role of IT teams will extend beyond operational support to actively driving and enabling transformative innovation. By forming strategic partnerships with the right vendors, investing in advanced technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and connectivity and fostering a culture of security, sustainability, and employee empowerment, organizations can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Rafal Komosa is the associate vide president of IT enterprise architecture and security at Shure.

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on December 4, 2024. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post Budgeting Tips for IT Pros/CIOs in 2025 appeared first on My TechDecisions.

Across the TTMAT estate, a traditional projector and whiteboard setup was the standard classroom AV set up.  While benefitting from familiarity, this AV set up also presented a variety of teaching and practical limitations. For example, projectors could cast glare on screens, meaning disruption to presentations, and additionally, the reliance on lamps not only inflated costs but also created downtime when replacements were required. In addition, this legacy setup could create a physical barrier between teachers and technology, hindering the desired dynamic learning experience.

The Avocor Display Solution 

The Trust embarked on a comprehensive vendor selection process to upgrade the AV. The Trust would give priority to future proof solutions. Longevity was also a critical factor, and it became apparent that some vendors lacked the established track record to inspire confidence. Furthermore, the Trust envisioned a technology solution that seamlessly integrated with existing workflows and sought a software-agnostic approach to empower teachers to utilize their preferred software and learning platforms without restriction.

Avocor’s interactive E Series displays emerged as the frontrunner. Not only did the E Series offer a reliable and durable solution, but its gesture recognition technology set it apart at an early stage. This forward-thinking feature resonated with the Trust’s vision of fostering a more interactive and engaging learning environment. Equally important was the integration with a teacher’s laptop or PC, transforming the displays into an extension of their existing tools. Finally, the elimination of lamp replacements significantly improved the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), making Avocor a financially attractive option.

“Our traditional AV setup was reliable, but limited,” says Daljeet Kangh, Director of Information Technology Services at Sandwell Academy Trust. “We envisioned a future-proof solution that would create a more engaging learning experience, but also improve the TCO of our AV systems. We’ve been delighted with the positive impact Avocor displays have had on our classrooms and look forward to equipping even more classrooms in the future.”

The Trust has made a bold decision to implement Avocor interactive displays in 112 classrooms, so far, across its network. This move has signified a commitment to providing teachers and students with the most advanced technological tools available. The E Series high-definition screens offer a vibrant and captivating visual experience for students.  While the transition from VGA to HDMI presented a minor technical hurdle, the Trust’s IT team addressed it swiftly, ensuring a smooth integration. Avocor’s 7-year warranty, coupled with ongoing support, offered further peace of mind, guaranteeing long-term reliability and reducing potential downtime.

Avocor Displays Transform Classroom Dynamics 

Since the implementation, the Trust has witnessed a dramatic improvement in classroom dynamics. The Avocor displays’ intuitive touchscreens and gesture recognition capabilities have fostered a more interactive student learning experience. Teachers can now engage students in real-time collaboration, fostering deeper understanding and knowledge retention. The Trust has also been impressed with the displays’ remarkable durability, withstanding the demands of a busy classroom environment. The mixture of 65-inch and 75-inch displays caters to classrooms of varying sizes, and plans are already underway to equip additional classrooms with this technology.

The Avocor displays are central to the Trust’s mission for educational excellence, empowering teachers and creating dynamic, engaging learning for students for years to come.

Editor’s Note: Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on November 26, 2024. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post Thomas Telford Multi Academy Trust Transforms Classrooms with Avocor Interactive Displays appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The study, conducted among 1,800 AI decision makers surveyed across six countries and 4,200 employees from 14 countries, highlights that despite strong enthusiasm for AI, there is a clear disconnect between trust in the technology and its actual use in the workplace. While 85% of decision-makers express high interest in AI, the vast majority (82%) acknowledge they need to better understand how AI can improve workplace efficiency.

Read Next: Four Questions to Guide High-Impact Enterprise AI Integrations

AI Workplace Challenges

Additionally, although 54% of employees believe AI can improve their work and 54% feel confident in their ability to collaborate successfully with AI, there’s still a significant gap in actual adoption in regular use at work. Jabra’s data found this appears due to several perceived challenges and demographic considerations:

• 90% of employees wouldn’t trust AI for tasks that require creativity and innovation. This reluctance isn’t just about trust, it’s also about the satisfaction that comes from being personally involved in these more meaningful tasks.
• There’s a clear generational divide in AI adoption, with 47% of Millennials and 37% of Gen Z indicating they feel positive about AI versus only 15% of Boomers. Adoption wise, 28% of Millennials and Gen Z use AI day to day at work, versus just 15% of Boomers.
• AI decision-makers are relatively young – 58% are between the ages of 18 and 39 – and 71% are not from the IT department.

Paul Sephton, head of brand communications at Jabra, says, “We see many organizations eager to jump on the AI wave, but some are still dancing in the dark when it comes to effective implementation and meaningful use. As tools rapidly shift toward voice-driven input rather than text alone, it’s crucial for organizations to recognize how this evolution will change our interactions with AI and enhance productivity.”

He continues, “To avoid what we call ‘AI-washing’— simply jumping on the AI bandwagon — organizations must carefully evaluate the productivity gains that AI can offer and actively involve their employees in this journey. At Jabra, we believe in harnessing the power of AI not just to enhance productivity, but to foster a more connected and capable workforce, driving innovation and collaboration at every level.”

Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on October 23, 2024. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post AI in the Workplace: Jabra Finds Only 26% of Office Workers Use It Daily appeared first on My TechDecisions.