The Client
ITelligence are a leading provider of IT solutions for businesses across the globe. Based just off Fleet Street in Central London, their UK office required an interactive display capable of supporting multi-touch collaboration workflows, videoconferencing, presentation and integration with their existing boardroom AV infrastructure.
Crossover were engaged to help with this requirement for the boardroom, having developed a trusting working relationship on the back of several smaller works carried out at ITelligence's office over the previous few months.
The Solution
The Microsoft Surface Hub, released in 2015, is an interactive digital whiteboard and videoconferencing solution tailored for businesses and dedicated to unlocking the ‘power of the group’ both locally and remotely. Its touch screen (ITelligence opted for a huge 84” display, but it is also available in 55"), slim profile, impressive back-end hardware and custom version of Windows 10 OS provide powerful collaboration options for a range of room sizes.
The large format touch screen is highly responsive to both pen use and finger touch, similar to that of a smartphone or tablet device; making it incredibly easy to navigate, draw and edit during a meeting or interactive brainstorming session. Each Hub comes with two pressure sensitive interactive pens that allow users to write, draw, capture, select and erase content on screen. An attached wireless charging dock holds the pens when they are not in use.
Both models of the Hub are flanked by Full HD, 30FPS video cameras integrated with a directional microphone array that rejects unwanted noise and focuses on the speaker in the room, prompting the Hub as to which camera to use. Thus the Hub makes an excellent all-in-one solution for videoconferencing.
Additionally, the cameras and microphones act as occupancy sensors (along with ambient light sensors) that will automatically power save or power-on depending on room usage.
Videoconferencing is made simple with an integrated Skype for Business sidebar, perfect for launching scheduled or ad hoc VC calls, as well as content and screen sharing. Once a session ends, users can easily save and send content automatically to the group.
The Hub is also designed to integrate with existing conference room infrastructure, making it easier to deploy in a wide array of existing spaces. Inputs like HDMI, Bluetooth, USB 2.0/3.0 and near-field communication (NFC), make it easy to connect and share with devices and peripherals that your business already uses.
Challenges
Some of the challenges with this installation included safely transporting the Surface Hub, weighing in excess of 125kg when unpacked, to the 4th floor boardroom without using a lift. The display was to be positioned against a thin plasterboard wall (not particularly load-bearing), requiring a floor-mount support solution to be employed.
Crossover supply and install the Microsoft Surface Hub, plus a host of other interactive whiteboards and videoconferencing solutions. We'd be delighted to hear about your business needs and give you the best advice on solutions that will deliver return on investment and enhance your workflow and collaboration experience.
Contact us for more information on collaborative work solutions for your offices and meeting spaces
If you have a business with local and remote collaboration needs, Microsoft's Surface Hub provides unparalleled digital whiteboarding and video conferencing capabilities.