Bundles: The Rise of Certified Mixed-Manufacturer Systems in Unified Communications
Potential Finger Pointing With BundlesThe unified communications world is evolving rapidly. Artificial intelligence is transforming the power of both hardware and software, enhancing human-to-human connections over short and long distances. But as the industry changes, so does the way we design and certify collaboration solutions.
A handful of collaboration platforms from four major players dominate the video collaboration space – Microsoft, Zoom, Cisco, and Google. Each provides real-time video and audio communication to large and small groups across many locations. To ensure consistent experiences, these platforms often certify endpoints and systems for use on their platforms. These certifications involve technical compatibility and consistency, and – if we’re being honest – are also significantly influenced by business relationships. Regardless of the reason, when you deploy a certified hardware solution for a software platform, you can generally expect it to perform at least adequately and consistently.
The Shift from Custom Integration to Bundled Solutions
Historically, consultants and integrators built customized rooms using best-in-breed equipment from multiple manufacturers. In these cases, the consultant or designer acted as the expert, ensuring proper functioning amongst components. The success of these installations varied depending on the skill of the integrator, but the model had the necessary degree of initial responsibility.
In recent years, however, simplification has been the trend. Rooms have gotten smaller, and organizations have increasingly purchased hardware from a single manufacturer or provider – hardware that did not require complex integration. Fully certified solutions for Microsoft Teams Rooms or Zoom Rooms – where one company provides the entire system – have become the majority use case.
But now, we’re seeing a new twist. With the emergence of Microsoft’s Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP), manufacturers that have never even thought of building a video device are getting their systems certified as Microsoft Teams video solutions – doing so by partnering with third-party video companies. (Personally, I find it fascinating to see video systems certified on prestigious platforms from companies that historically have never made a videoconferencing product.)
