3 Reasons MSPs Shouldn’t Pass on AV Work

One of the most hotly discussed topics in the professional Audio Video integration industry is “How do you manage your client’s systems and what is your revenue model for doing so?” AV systems, particularly in the business environment, can be complex and require a significant amount of ongoing maintenance and upkeep to consistently perform to the client’s expected service level. As these systems and equipment have evolved over the last decade to be increasingly connected and dependent on IT for functionality, the amount of monitoring needed has only grown. However, a big portion of the AV Integration industry is still learning how to effectively manage their client’s systems in a systematic and profitable way. MSPs have had the service contract and reoccurring revenue model figured out for years and, very often, already have the internal infrastructure in place to support these types of ongoing client needs. It would seem natural for MSP companies to extend their service offerings to include AV work and support, but there is a surprisingly high percentage of MSP companies that are very reluctant to involve themselves in AV work for the clients. Those that do, are missing out on business growth, improved client satisfaction and a significant revenue stream. I can point to three specific reasons that MSPs who are turning down AV work are making the wrong decision:

  1. Nearly all AV equipment used in the corporate or business environment (and the residential world for that matter) is connected to the network and, in many cases, is reliant on connectivity to properly function. Everything from video distribution and power management, to room control and scheduling is happing on, and over the client’s network and AV equipment can cause significant network performance issues if the network infrastructure isn’t set up to properly manage the AV data traffic. The AV hardware is going to be on the network YOU are managing; do you really want to leave the configuration of that hardware up to another company? No one knows your client’s network and systems better than you, so who better to make sure that the AV systems that are installed won’t impact their system up time or your SLA metrics?

  1. No longer do AV systems, always require a site visit to solve the smallest problems.  Now, tools exist that allow you to manage the AV systems as part of the clients overall network and AV Integrators say that 80% of client AV issues can be resolved via a remotely managed portal or system. Connected AV hardware is now (mostly) remotely accessible and via management platforms, like SnapAV’s OVRC, allow you to configure, troubleshoot and manage that AV equipment in the same manner as your client’s network.

  1. If you don’t do the work, the client will find someone else who will and they may end up displacing you as the service provider for the client. End client feedback consistently says that one of the primary factors on selecting service partners is previous experience or an existing relationship with a firm. As a company who is already managing their IT systems, there is a built in level of trust your clients likely have that will often lead them to ask you first about doing any AV work in their business. You’re already the incumbent service provider, why turn away business from an existing client you trust? Your AV vendor partners are absolutely invested in helping you specify and deploy their systems so why not rely on your partners and help grow your business?

For those of you who have been doing AV work for some time and have been reading this post thinking, “Well, duh,” hat tip to you, you’re doing the right thing. We talk with MSP partners every day who exhibit an initial reluctance to jump into doing complex AV systems but, in most cases and with our support, they are able to successfully deploy and manage AV systems for the clients and grow their business.

– Josh Litwack, Director of Commercial Sales @ SnapAV

Ah, August is here.

And it’s back to school season where both students and parents are making plans for the big return. For some, technology plays a major role.

So here are some quick tips, parents, for when using tech as a tool:

*Plan a technology routine. By creating consistent tech-usage habits, such as limiting computer use to a certain amount of time per day, kids will learn how to better manage both their time and school workload.

*Don’t let technology interfere with sleep — this is crucial for learning.

*Introduce websites that could compliment learning, like Grammarly for writing help or Khan Academy for online lessons.

*LEAD BY EXAMPLE! If you aren’t always on an electronic device, your kids won’t wanna be either. Remember, they’re sponges.

On a more serious note, in addition to monitoring technology use, the FBI is reminding parents this year to review and monitor howtheir children use smartphones. Cell phones are a great way for parents to keep in touch with their children, but parents and kids alike need to recognize the risks that come bundled with that device.

From scams to cyber bullies—if your child is old enough to have and carry a phone, then it’s also time to have a conversation with him or her about potential risks.

Here are 10 basic phone/computer tips to help keep your child safe:

*The phone should default to a locked setting. The only people who should have that access code are the child and the parent.

*Parents should know every password to every device and every password to every app on that device. Sure, you want your kids to have some privacy as they grow up, but they are still kids. You pay the bill, and as long as that child is a child, he or she is your responsibility.

*Check those accounts — as well as instant messaging programs and texts — for disturbing content on a regular basis. You and your kids should have a non-negotiable understanding that this access is a requirement for continued phone use.

*Parents should make sure their child is using appropriate screen names. “Babygirl2005” and “sweet16” may sound cute and innocent, but they can be a beacon to predators.

*Check the privacy and security settings on the phone and the apps. Check regularly to make sure they are up-to-date.

*Learn about how photos are geo-tagged. Even if you are discreet about what you post, your photos could be tagged in the meta-data with your child’s exact location. Do you want just anybody to know what school your child goes to or what field his team uses for soccer practice? You should be able to turn this feature off in settings.

*Teach your kids to never respond to calls, texts, or emails from unknown numbers or people. Scam artists and predators will victimize anyone, regardless of age.

*Talk early and often to your child about the dangers that they may find on the other end of the line. If your child is old enough to carry a phone to school, they are old enough to have a frank discussion with you. Be open and responsive. If your child does encounter a bully or other disturbing content, you want them to feel like they can come to you to for help.

*Talk to your kids about what constitutes appropriate language and photos. One sexually explicit photo can change a life forever. It is crucial that they understand that just because something starts out as a private communication between two people does not mean that it can’t be shared with thousands of people in mere seconds.

*Teach your children to program the privacy settings on social media feeds to the highest level and to reject any “friend requests” from those they don’t know and trust in a face-to-face relationship. Parents should also consider forbidding any new “friend requests” by their kids, without parent approval.