This month, Commercial Integrator published an article interviewing several MSP and IT Service providers management staff about the readiness of commercial AV integrators to handle the convergence of AV and IT. Among those interviewed was our own president, Stephen Switzer!

To provide a good background, many companies like to have TVs, digital signage or kiosks in public areas, like waiting rooms and the lobby. Traditionally, these devices did not using the IP network, but were connected with dedicated cabling. Because of this, the AV integrators were much like plumbers, electricians or tile installers in that they had no need to connect to their devices to the Internet or any other network. Since new products have emerged which integrate with other line-of-business applications and allow for computer and smart phone control of these systems, there emerged a new need for network connectivity. Unfortunately, the AV installers received just enough training to know how to make the installation work, but usually just barely and with no introduction to security. Furthermore, once the AV system was installed the contractors exited and called the project done, never to return to assess security, install updates, etc.

Peruse the articles on this site and you'll find a trend pretty quickly; hackers are thinking day and night about how to break into corporate networks and these devices are just another category in the long list of IoT devices that have been released in recent years with little to no thought on security. This creates a weakness in a network. You know that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. This is just the same in a network; It's only as secure as the least secure device connected to it.

So, 3 question were asked to 5 panelists about the commercial AV integrators:

  1. Do you believe that if AV integrators are not already IT companies, they need to begin transforming themselves into IT companies? Why or why not?
  2. As AV systems increasingly move onto the network, are there additional opportunities for AV integrators and MSPs to cooperate, leverage each other’s competencies and synergize?
  3. What is your assessment of AV integrators’ readiness to handle enterprise-grade cybersecurity standards and deploy network-based systems for FedGov customers, financial institutions, etc.?

Check out the article to read the responses of all panelists, including our presidents'.

MSPs and IT Professionals Assess AV Integration

More importantly, if in your company you have a vendor coming in that needs to connect to, adjust or do anything with your internal IT network, do yourself a favor and contact your IT service provider or MSP. They can help you to keep your business safe from the mistakes of other companies who do not work in IT. Don't fault them for now knowing - it's just not in their skill set. If you don't have an IT company, we'd be honored to consult with you!