Why is it essential to build a bridge between AV and IT?

I am sharing an article posted in Spanish a few months ago, about this never-old subject regarding communication between AV and IT
Why is it essential to build a bridge between AV and IT?
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Casassus explains that, after the first two years of the pandemic, it is noted that the
public is more demanding in terms of their participation in virtual meetings and
conferences, so it is necessary to capture their attention with new or previously
little-explored topics. Hence, transforming AVIXA's online events' programming to
return to global interest matters to the association will mark the content schedule
during the year. "One of those issues is the integration of AV and IT, which, although it
has been going on for years, still requires a lot of dialogue and awareness between the
different actors," he says.
The IT industry, companies, internal departments, and professionals suddenly managed
AV systems that they knew little about and had to learn quickly. This allowed them to
discover a panorama with many growth opportunities. "Several IT companies decided to
venture into AV, incorporate staff, create new business areas, and even acquire AV
integration companies to strengthen their service offerings," says Casassus.
And although this turns out to be an opportunity for the AV sector, it also brings
fundamental challenges to the coexistence and convergence of both industries. "We
notice that the communication between both worlds fails," he warns. "IT work is very
structured, and practically everything is defined by standards, while AV work, although
its standards, also include a craftwork component. In AV, we talk more with the
customer and the end-user to discover the needs and the tailored experience we must
provide".
Casassus gives the example of an AV technology integration project in a boardroom. For
the IT pro, it will be essential to know the network infrastructure requirements, access
to WiFi, and security, among others. While for the AV pro, it will be crucial to know who

will use the space and how, their age range, digital skills, frequency, and time of use of
the room. The AV pro will focus on the user's perception and the integrated experience
that will be lived in the boardroom. "And these differences are not always fully
communicated or understood, hence the goal of the AVIXA Congress, which is to build
better communication bridges between AV and IT," he says.
"If we know better what we do, we respect the limits of the job, and we communicate,
then the solution and user experience will be more satisfactory. It is essential to explain
how the systems work on both sides so that the relationship flows better", adds the
interviewee.
The Congreso AVIXA featured a speaker who exemplifies the ideal communication
bridge. Gary Hall, CTS-D, CTS-I, Senior Director U.S. Public Sector Strategy, Operations &
Market Access at Cisco Systems offered the keynote speech. Hall is a technology
expert who lives in both industries. Along with his career at Cisco Systems, Hall was
president of the Board of Directors of AVIXA (2017-18). Due to his knowledge, he holds
the CTS level in the areas of Design and Installation.
"In addition to Gary Hall, we had many IT specialists, including Pyxis in-house
experts who are very excited to share their ideas and learn about the relationship
between IT and AV," adds Casassus.
Facing the convergence between both industries and understanding that
communication will be strengthened with efforts such as those of the congress, we
wanted to know his future vision of AV integration companies and their relationship
with IT. "The AV industry will not be the same as we know it now. AV integration
companies will incorporate more elements of IT with the user experience. Still, it seems
that they will continue on their path, although increasingly related to IT and learning
from each other", he replies. "I see it as the joint creation between an architect and an
interior designer."
Finally, we asked him to share some advice for AV integration companies. "An AV
integration company, small or large, must know that all solutions start with the design
and assembly of the network in the space where the AV solution will be installed.
Therefore, it is essential to have an IT specialist who does all the pre-planning work and
makes sure that the network performs to meet the project's needs and allows the
audiovisual experience to flow in the best possible way".
If you are an AV or IT pro or a solution client that involves systems and technologies
from these sectors and you speak Spanish, then the next edition of Congreso AVIXA has something for you. You are invited to explore its programming and register for free through https://congreso.avixa.org/

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