The Role of AVaaS in Digital Workforce Transformation

As video conferencing and other collaboration tools have grown to become a vital part of many modern businesses, the need for audio visual services has grown tremendously. To meet this need, AV as a service (AVaaS) has gained much traction. It provides companies with an efficient and budget-friendly alternative for managing their communications technology. 

What is AVaaS?

AVaaS stands for “Audio Visual as a Service.” Like other “as a service” type businesses, AVaaS companies provide a subscription-based service designed to fulfill the specific needs of an organization on an ongoing basis.  

In the case of AVaaS, the vendor provides audio and visual services. This includes things like phone lines, video conferencing tools, and digital displays, as well as the support and monitoring services for these and many other technological needs. AVaaS companies typically offer hardware, software, network infrastructure, and around the clock support.

This means that companies are not burdened with the task of staffing their own AV or IT department, and they do not have to invest capital to own, install, or maintain equipment. The AVaaS model is becoming increasingly popular as it offers several benefits, such as lower upfront costs, scalability, and flexibility.

How is AVaaS enabling the digital workforce transformation?

The AVaaS sector levels the playing field by delivering the latest AV tech that firms need in order to compete in today’s highly interconnected and distributed world.

Here are just a few ways that AV as a service is empowering the new digital workforce:

• Enabling remote work: With AVaaS solutions like video collaboration, remote workers can collaborate and communicate with their colleagues in real-time from any location. Employers can hire the best talent for the job, regardless of the candidate’s geographic location.
• Enhancing digital collaboration: AVaaS can set up collaborative platforms for team members to work together on projects, share files, and make decisions in real-time, leading to better teamwork and faster decision-making. Such platforms include Microsoft Teams and Cisco Webex.
• Improving communication: AVaaS providers offer a number of tools that empower business communication, whether employees are located on-site or at home.  AVaaS vendors can set up chat and instant messaging tools that help teams communicate effectively and engage with each other.
• Increasing efficiency: AVaaS solutions automate routine tasks such as scheduling meetings, sending reminders, and managing files, freeing up time for employees to focus on more important tasks.
• Creating spaces for collaboration: With a hybrid workforce, maintaining communication is essential. AVaaS companies design office spaces with this in mind, providing the necessary displays and audio systems to connect employees in a variety of different ways.

Why choose AVaaS over other alternatives?

In the past, businesses would require entire departments to run and maintain all of this technology. In addition, they would have to invest significant capital into buying equipment and ongoing maintenance. Or they would take a shoestring approach that is prone to unreliability and hinders interoperability. 

Thanks to AV as a service, firms of all sizes have a turnkey alternative to bringing their AV capabilities into the future. AVaaS offers many benefits over the alternatives, including:

• Reduced costs: AVaaS eliminates the need for businesses to purchase expensive hardware and software, reducing upfront costs. Opting for AVaaS is a smart way to reduce capital expenditures while retaining all of the technology tools your firm needs to excel.
• Predictability: Working with a AVaaS provider simplifies budgeting as costs are typically fixed each month
• Support: When things aren’t working right, AVaaS companies can provide immediate support to get your video collaboration and other critical communication tools up and running again. Companies usually offer various tiers of support to match your budget. Having a dedicated team to respond to issues ensures reliability and continuity without disrupting the schedules of your team. 
• Scalability: AVaaS solutions can be easily scaled up or down based on seasonality or changes in the market. This allows companies to only pay for what they need, when they need it. 
• Flexibility: AVaaS products can be accessed from any device or location, making it easy for remote workers to collaborate and communicate with their colleagues seamlessly. A DIY approach can lead to unexpected technical difficulties at critical moments.
• Easy maintenance: AVaaS equipment is maintained by the service provider, eliminating the need for businesses to hire IT staff to manage their AV infrastructure. This on its own can generate significant cost-savings for many corporations.

While in-house teams or traditional conferencing service providers that offer audio-only solutions suit some businesses, they lack the scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness of AVaaS solutions. The modern digital workforce is nimble and responsive, and demands the same approach when it comes to its communications capabilities. 

For more information on how the role of AV as a service can have a profound impact on your company’s productivity and profitability, contact us, and one of our experts can steer you in the right direction.