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.

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What is Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP)?

Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP) is an Android-based platform designed for secure, centrally managed device ecosystems. Initially introduced for meeting room and collaboration devices, the platform is now expanding into additional enterprise display scenarios. Through compatibility with IAdea’s MDEP-based devices, NoviSign enables organizations to deploy digital signage endpoints that align more closely with modern IT operational and governance requirements.

NoviSign IAdea Integration

With NoviSign running on IAdea devices powered by MDEP, digital signage endpoints can be integrated into broader enterprise device strategies rather than managed as isolated AV systems. This approach supports more consistent security controls, access policies and lifecycle management practices across distributed display networks.

“Supporting IAdea devices running Microsoft MDEP allows us to better align digital signage deployments with enterprise IT security and management expectations,” says Gil Matzliah, CEO of NoviSign. “Together with IAdea’s MDEP-based hardware platform, we can offer customers a more scalable, secure, and future-ready foundation for operating signage networks.”

NoviSign IAdea Benefits

For system integrators and resellers, NoviSign’s compatibility with IAdea’s MDEP-based device portfolio introduces a platform-aligned deployment model for digital signage, designed to simplify operations, strengthen governance and support long-term scalability as enterprise display environments continue to evolve.

The cooperation was presented at the NoviSign Partners Summit and will be showcased at ISE at both NoviSign’s (Hall 4, Stand 4G600) and IAdea’s (Hall 1, Stand 1E700) booths.

Editor’s Note: Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site Commercial Integrator on February 2, 2026. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.

The post NoviSign Now Supports IAdea Devices Powered by Microsoft MDEP 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.

Epiphan Video has introduced the EC20 PTZ Camera, the latest addition to its cloud-managed Edge ecosystem. The EC20 is the only camera on the market to offer native, out-of-the-box fleet management, says the Palo Alto, Calif.-based, provider of capture and streaming solutions. Designed for higher education and enterprise environments, the EC20 aims to simplify large-scale camera deployment and operation.

When integrated with Epiphan Edge, the EC20 enables centralized management of camera fleets, transforming standalone devices into a unified, always-visible system. This approach reduces downtime, streamlines installations and simplifies ongoing operations, Epiphan says.

Cloud-managed EC20 cameras deliver instant, centralized visibility across entire deployments through a single Epiphan Edge dashboard. Teams can quickly identify which cameras are online or offline, view video thumbnails and audio meters, and access essential device details including IP address, serial number, MAC address, and firmware version.

“Epiphan’s EC20 Camera was designed from day one to be part of a cloud-managed fleet,” says Yusupha Touray, vice president of product at Epiphan. “Instead of guessing or logging into cameras one by one, customers get continuous, lightweight visibility that enables proactive problem-solving at real-world scale.”

Beyond visibility, EC20 and Edge reduce support effort through secure remote access to camera controls. From anywhere, teams can access the camera’s web UI to adjust image settings, refine framing with presets, reboot or power-cycle devices, and perform firmware updates, including batch updates across the entire fleet. This remote capability helps resolve issues faster while minimizing disruption to live spaces.

Deployment speed is another key advantage of the EC20. The camera is engineered to move from unboxing to capture-ready in minutes through Epiphan Edge. Installers avoid time-consuming in-room configuration, while IT teams maintain consistent settings across every camera. The result is faster rollouts, fewer repeat site visits and the ability to scale deployments without increasing headcount, whether across dozens of enterprise meeting spaces or hundreds of classrooms.

By combining Epiphan hardware, camera firmware, and cloud infrastructure, EC20 completes the industry’s first end-to-end managed PTZ camera ecosystem, designed to integrate seamlessly with Epiphan Pearl capture appliances and cloud services.

“Managing cameras at scale has traditionally been painful. Manual setup, no central visibility, drifting image settings, and time-consuming updates,” says Touray. “EC20 changes that model entirely. It’s not just a camera. It’s a new way to deploy and operate video infrastructure, built for the scale our Pro AV customers actually need.”

The EC20 PTZ Camera is available to purchase, with Edge cloud management available in Spring 2026.

Epiphan Video will be at Integrated Systems Europe at booth 4R660 in Barcelona from Feb. 3-6.

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Shure, provider of workplace collaboration solutions, announced the IntelliMix Bar Pro, an all-in-one video bar engineered to solve IT’s everyday challenges in meeting spaces. Per the company, the newest addition to its collaboration portfolio expands Shure’s suite of solutions designed to enhance the AI-powered workplace.  The company will also showcase IntelliMix Bar Pro for the first time at ISE 2026 in Barcelona.

Shure IntelliMix Bar Pro Features

According to Shure, the IntelliMix Bar Pro delivers exceptional audio and video coverage from a single device, making it ideal for medium to large meeting spaces. Its patent-pending camera placement and AI-framing technology enables precise capture of non-verbal cues, creating more engaging and productive meetings for all participants.

“Businesses today need seamless audio and video solutions to make AI-driven collaboration effortless, and we’re committed to delivering future-ready, reliable AI experiences in every meeting space. The IntelliMix Bar Pro achieves this by combining Shure’s industry-leading audio expertise with cutting-edge video technology,” remarks Sam Sabet, chief technology officer at Shure. “Engineered for the AI-enabled workplace, the IntelliMix Bar Pro is breaking barriers by covering large rooms with a single front-of-room device. Close development of this enterprise-ready solution with Microsoft now allows our customers to deploy systems faster and reduce maintenance, significantly lowering the total cost of ownership.”

Scalable Systems for Enterprise Environments

According to Shure, the IntelliMix collaboration portfolio is engineered for enterprise-grade scalability, reliability, and consistency, delivering streamlined deployment and dependable performance across diverse environments. The IntelliMix Bar Pro also integrates patented Shure Microflex Advance array microphones with high output, premium stereo loudspeakers to deliver superior audio for meeting experiences.

The company adds that the onboard IntelliMix processing enhances audio clarity by reducing background noise and isolating voices. This further supports precise transcriptions for AI tools like Copilot in Microsoft Teams and ensures audio clarity to boost productivity.

Building on MDEP

Built on the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), the IntelliMix Bar Pro also prioritizes a foundation of security and long-term stability for enterprises. MDEP enables IT teams to deploy and manage systems confidently, at scale and with a consistent performance while meeting stringent security and compliance requirements. The collaboration between Shure and Microsoft reflects a shared commitment to quality, innovation and customer satisfaction for AI-powered experiences, says the company.

“This collaboration with Shure shows what’s possible when enterprise security, quality hardware, and deep platform integration come together. By building on MDEP, Shure delivers devices that are secure by design, manageable at scale and ready for the realities of modern IT environments. It’s a strong example of shared values translating into real customer impact,” states Juha Kuosmanen, Head of MDEP.

Empowering Smart Meetings and Collaboration

Shure adds that the IntelliMix View AI framing technology accurately frames each participant as they would appear in person. Four 4K cameras offer a combined 135-degree wide-angle field of view to ensure full-room visibility and the ability to intelligently highlight active participants.

Streamlined Setup and Remote Management

According to the company, the Android-based IntelliMix Bar Pro, built on MDEP, includes an onboard compute. This simplifies setup, reduces potential points of failure, and lowers overall maintenance. IT teams can securely control, manage and update devices remotely using ShureCloud and other enterprise IoT systems like Pro Management Portal and ServiceNow.

With the IntelliMix Bar Pro, Shure says it will continue to lead the way in workplace collaboration, delivering intelligent solutions that empower IT teams and elevate meeting experiences across the enterprise. Innovations like IntelliMix View AI Video Framing position the IntelliMix Bar Pro as a smart, scalable platform for AI-powered workplaces.

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Two years after Yealink launched MeetingBoard, this innovative all-in-one videoconferencing board, certified by Microsoft Teams and Zoom, has made a strong impact across industries such as manufacturing, education, finance and legal. As IT managers increasingly prioritize smart, plug-and-play solutions that simplify deployment and minimize maintenance, the demand for seamless, integrated collaboration tools continues to grow. MeetingBoard Pro is designed to meet this need — delivering a next-generation, all-in-one experience that enhances meetings and makes teamwork more effortless than ever.

Enhanced for Pro-Level Meetings

In today’s dynamic work environment, professionals seek meeting experiences that are both intuitive and engaging. Yealink MeetingBoard Pro has been engineered to elevate every facet of the user experience.

Its advanced triple 50MP camera system with IntelliFocus intelligently tracks speakers and adjusts framing in real time, ensuring that every participant is captured with exceptional clarity. Complementing this visual prowess, the 16-MEMS microphone array — enhanced by AI noise cancellation — delivers full-duplex audio across a 12-meter range. These upgrades create a meeting environment that is visually impressive and acoustically pristine, empowering teams to communicate naturally and efficiently.

All-in-One Design for Effortless Meetings Anywhere

Meeting solutions should be straightforward and easily accessible, and MeetingBoard Pro delivers on that promise by retaining the plug-and-play convenience and high mobility of the MeetingBoard series. Say goodbye to complicated setups and messy cabling — simply power it on, and it instantly turns any space into a smart meeting room within seconds. Thanks to its movable floor stand, MeetingBoard Pro can be effortlessly relocated between different areas, making it ideal for flexible hybrid work environments.

Enterprise-Grade Security with Android or Windows

Supporting Android solution or Windows solution, MeetingBoard Pro offers flexibility to meet diverse business needs. The Android-based version supports Android 13 and is designed for future upgrades. Integrated with the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), even the Android version upholds enterprise-grade security and management standards, providing a seamless and secure collaboration experience.

Pro Meetings On Board: A Versatile Ecosystem for Enhanced Team Collaboration

MeetingBoard Pro supports a broad range of accessories that is designed to be versatile across all spaces, including small meeting rooms, large conference rooms, open areas, and executive offices. Users can augment their setup with a PTZ camera for large conference rooms, extension microphones for superior audio capture in expansive spaces, or a presentation pod for seamless screen sharing (unavailable in the United States market). These accessories empower teams to tailor their collaboration environment, driving dynamic and productive teamwork, whether in intimate team discussions or large executive meetings.

Yealink MeetingBoard Pro is now available globally through authorized partners.

For more information, please visit this website or contact your local Yealink distributor.

The post Yealink Launches MeetingBoard Pro to Elevate Meeting Equity and Team Collaboration appeared first on My TechDecisions.

The ASCII Group, the vendor-neutral community for managed service providers (MSPs) in North America, has unveiled the speaker lineup for its highly anticipated ASCII Edge 2026 conference series. This multi-city event is designed to empower MSP business owners through peer-driven education, hands-on workshops and community engagement.

Scheduled to take place in eight cities across the United States and Canada, ASCII Edge 2026 aims to foster in-person learning and candid discussions among MSPs. The series reflects The ASCII Group’s decades-long commitment to supporting the MSP community with practical insights and real-world expertise.

The 2026 conference will feature keynote addresses from James Gadomski, a shipwreck treasure hunter and History Channel personality, and Carolyn April, vice president of research and market intelligence at GTIA. In addition to these high-profile speakers, the event will include sessions led by industry experts and experienced ASCII member MSPs. Notable speakers include Emily Tell of IdeaTilt, Wayne Hunter of Avtek Solutions, and Joe Rojas of Start Grow Manage, who will cover topics such as AI adoption, revenue strategies, and market differentiation.

The program also includes interactive workshops and peer discussions. One highlight is a Day 1 workshop presented by Kaseya, which will focus on helping MSPs leverage underutilized marketing development funds to drive measurable pipeline results. Additional workshops are expected to be announced in the coming months.

“ASCII Edge has always been about bringing the right people into the room,” said Jerry Koutavas, CEO of The ASCII Group. “When MSPs come together to share openly and learn from one another, they gain clarity and confidence in the decisions they’re making. That’s what ASCII Edge is designed to deliver.”

For more information about ASCII Edge 2026, including event details and registration, visit events.ascii.com.

The post ASCII Edge 2026 Unveils Speaker Lineup for MSP-Focused Conference Series 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.

Yealink’s MeetingBar portfolio is built around these needs, offering all-in-one video bars that simplify deployment while ensuring intelligent, consistent collaboration across every room size.

Powerful Meetings, Simple Connect in Small Rooms

In small rooms, enterprises often struggle with lengthy setup times or unreliable day-to-day performance. The MeetingBar A40 addresses these pain points with a design that makes video meetings as simple as plugging in a cable. With a one-cable connection linking the console and bar, IT teams can deploy in minutes, and users can walk in and start their meetings without technical hurdles.

Key benefits include:

• Fast, simple deployment that minimizes IT workload.
• AI-powered dual-camera system, keeping focus sharp and framing accurate.
• One-cable solution that powers, connects, and shares content seamlessly.
• Flexible use with native Teams and Zoom support, or BYOD for other platforms.

Big Impact for Bigger Spaces

Larger meeting rooms face different challenges: wide spaces make it harder to track speakers, and poor audio pickup can derail hybrid collaboration. The MeetingBar A50 meets these challenges with high-performance computing and scalable audio expansion, ensuring every participant is seen and heard.

Highlights include:

• Qualcomm 8550 processor, delivering 10× more AI computing power than the previous generation for seamless performance.
• Advanced AI video features such as IntelliFocus, Auto Framing, and Video Fence, enabling accurate tracking even in spacious rooms.
• 16-mic array with AI Audio 2.0, suppressing noise and echo even in challenging acoustic environments.
• Flexible audio expansion, supporting ceiling-mounted or tabletop microphones to cover every corner of the room.

Easy Management

Enterprises often struggle with managing fleets of devices across multiple rooms and locations. The Yealink Management Cloud Service (YMCS) provides a single, cloud-based platform for monitoring, updating, and configuring all Yealink devices. IT administrators can troubleshoot remotely, push firmware updates, and ensure system health without stepping into the room—reducing maintenance costs and improving efficiency.

Enterprise-Level Security

Security and compliance are non-negotiable in today’s workplace. The MeetingBar A40 and A50 run on Android 13 and are part of the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), ensuring enterprise-grade protection. This means long-term security patches, reliable OS updates, and standardized compliance that help IT leaders meet internal and external security requirements with confidence.

Learn more about MeetingBar solution here.

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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.

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