Keeping employees connected and collaborating with each other has become a modern business challenge as enterprises explore the benefits of remote and hybrid work. One way to foster exceptional communication within the new distributed workforce is getting the right Microsoft Teams Room setup.
Teams Rooms build upon the Microsoft Teams communications suite with the addition of audio and video devices that enhance the teleconferencing experience. This allows groups of employees located at different sites, as well as remote employees, to meet with each other seamlessly.
Microsoft Teams Rooms can be set up in almost any space. However, factors such as seating capacity, room dimensions, and layout will guide your setup decisions. A larger room may require multiple cameras or microphones strategically placed to capture audio and video from all participants, for example.
Below are the major considerations to keep in mind when evaluating a new Microsoft Teams Room setup:
Hardware Considerations for Microsoft Teams Rooms
There’s a wide selection of hardware options that are compatible with Teams Rooms, and each offer their own unique features and benefits. Popular brands include Logitech, Poly, Crestron, Lenovo and Yealink. There is a comprehensive process for devices to become Microsoft Teams certified, but it is also just as important to make sure you work with a knowledgeable vendor.
Display Considerations for Microsoft Teams Rooms
Display selection and placement is a crucial factor in a Teams Rooms deployment. Make sure you have an appropriate number of screens to give every participant an optimal view. Larger rooms will require larger and/or multiple screens, while smaller rooms should have smaller and/or single displays. Consider interactive displays with touch functionality as a way to elevate the collaboration experience both in and out of calls.
Audio Equipment Selection for Microsoft Teams Rooms
Audio is arguably the most important factor of any collaboration setup. Clear voice transmission that minimizes background noises is essential for effective communication. Evaluate the acoustics and soundproofing to determine which microphones and speakers, would be most appropriate. Features such as noise cancellation, echo reduction and wide audio coverage may be needed to overcome less than optimal environmental conditions.
Proactively Optimize Your Microsoft Teams
Learn how to maximize the quality of Microsoft Teams Phone to enhance your collaboration estate. See how IT can create and manage a Teams Phone SLA for your organization, and discover how working with a holistic partner can optimize Teams Phone costs.
Room Control System Options for Microsoft Teams Rooms
A room control device, to operate cameras, displays, lighting, scheduling, presentations, and so on can be a very useful addition to a Teams Room set up. Typically this is a dedicated panel, of which there are many choices including models built for Teams Rooms. Ultimately, the hardware you choose and purpose of the room will dictate the best solutions for your organization.
Room-Specific Setups for Microsoft Teams Rooms
Some types of rooms will have different requirements from others. The larger the space and the more participants, the more complex the set up will be. Conference rooms may require larger displays and advanced audio capabilities, while boardrooms may require high-end solutions for executive-level meetings.
Find the Perfect Microsoft Teams Room Setup for Your Organization
Getting all of the components just right is a major undertaking, but you do need to do it alone. Consult with partners that have years of experience and can quickly put together the right setup for any space. Start with Yorktel to find out everything that we can do for you.