Lessons from BT's Large Scale Microsoft Teams Rooms Deployment
Jul 24, 2024
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James Robinson, AV expert, discusses BT's large scale Microsoft Teams Rooms deployment. Topics include standardizing AV equipment, integrating devices, selecting solutions based on needs, and challenges like mixing BYOD, Surface Hub, and Teams Rooms.
Strategic planning and standardization are crucial in deploying Microsoft Teams Rooms at scale.
Adapting to changing work scenarios and overcoming resistance are key during technological transformations.
Deep dives
James Robinson's Transition to Independent AV Consultant
James Robinson, formerly head of audiovisual at BT, discusses his transition to being an independent AV consultant. After years at BT managing technology interactions in office spaces, he now operates Adventure AV. He shares his experiences working on large-scale Microsoft Teams Rooms and Surface Hub deployments, offering valuable insights on project approaches.
Challenges Faced During the Pandemic Transition
BT faced challenges during the transition to remote work due to the pandemic, which accelerated their adoption of Microsoft Teams. The massive increase in VPN usage for video traffic strained the infrastructure, leading to a rapid transition to cloud-based services. The shift highlighted the importance of adapting to changing work scenarios and overcoming resistance to new ways of working.
Standardization and Centralized Technology Model at BT
BT underwent a strategic transformation to consolidate offices and implement a centralized technology approach. Centralizing visual technology under IT streamlined operations and eliminated ad-hoc equipment purchases. A shift towards standardized meeting room experiences, including Microsoft Teams Rooms, aimed to improve collaboration and simplify technology management across the organization.
Lessons Learned in Deploying Microsoft Teams Rooms
Lessons from deploying over 1200 Microsoft Teams Rooms at BT highlight the importance of strategic planning and standardization. Strategies included distinct room experiences based on user needs, remote management for efficient support, and staged deployment rings for updates. Maintaining vendor consistency and adapting room designs over time based on evolving technology needs ensured effective and user-friendly meeting environments.
James Robinson, Director & Principal AV Consultant at AVenture Audio Visual, shares his extensive previous experiences with deploying Microsoft Teams Rooms at scale at BT.
James' transition from BT to an independent AV consultancy
BT's journey from one of the biggest Lync and Skype for Business deployments to Microsoft Teams
The complexity of standardizing AV equipment across managing office locations and deploying 1200 Microsoft Teams Rooms
Mixing BYOD, Surface Hub and Teams Rooms
Real-world challenges such as integrating and managing different AV devices
How to evaluate and select AV solutions based on organizational needs
Thanks to AudioCodes, this episode's sponsor, for supporting the community and for helping to make content like this possible.
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