The next leap in wireless technology, WiFi 7 is perfectly tailored to meet the burgeoning demands of modern business environments thanks to its unparalleled speeds, lower latency, and higher device capacity. This new WiFi is set to transform productivity in the workplace, paving the way for optimized workflows and setting the stage for further business growth.

A Glimpse into WiFi 7

The WiFi 7 release is more than a mere incremental upgrade – it’s a revolutionary step forward.

With WiFi 7, get ready for peak speeds of up to 46 Gbps (a dramatic increase from WiFi 6’s 9.6 Gbps). Lag times are reduced to ensure that real-time applications run smoothly, and busy days are no longer a concern thanks to WiFi 7’s increased connected device capacity.

In essence, WiFi worries are a thing of the past! WiFi 7 guarantees stable and robust connections, even in the most demanding settings.

Advancements in WiFi 7 Technology

WiFi 7’s significant capacity increase is possible because of its wider channel bandwidths (it can now support up to 320 MHz channels). 4096-QAM modulation allows for simultaneous data transmission, while Multi-Link Operation (MLO) enables devices to connect multiple bands simultaneously, which wasn’t possible with WiFi 6.

These technologies significantly enhance the reliability of the connection and decrease load times, as they allow devices to dynamically switch between links based on congestion and signal quality, always using the most optimal route. Enhanced MU-MIMO and Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) improve data transmission efficiency for multiple devices, making WiFi 7 a robust and versatile solution for modern business needs.

The Business Benefits of WiFi 7

Upgrading to WiFi 7 goes beyond connection enhancements; it boosts business as a whole. Companies can remain competitive in a fast-paced digital world thanks to these seven key advantages:

1. Increased Speed: Enhance productivity and minimize downtime while enjoying faster file transfers, smoother video conferencing, and quicker access to cloud-based applications.
2. Lower Latency: Boost the performance of real-time applications like video conferencing, virtual reality, and VoIP connections while experiencing smoother and more responsive communication and collaboration.
3. Higher Capacity: Eliminate dropped connections and quickly reduce congestion in high-density environments (like offices and public spaces). Higher capacity means consistent performance you can count on.
4. Enhanced Reliability: Feel confident in your connectivity with MLO-enabling devices designed to switch between links based on connection quality, which will minimize dropped connections.
5. Future-Proofing: WiFi 7 is essential to support future technological advancements across your business.  Prepare for future demands and emerging technologies while facilitating future growth and extending the lifespan of network investments.
6. Improved Security: Advanced security features protect against cyber threats and unauthorized access, safeguarding sensitive business data and communications like never before.
7. Enhanced User Experience: Create a more satisfying experience for your employees, clients, and visitors by facilitating more reliable connections and increased productivity.

WiFi 7 is an essential upgrade for businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve. Not only does it boost current operations, but it also paves the way for future innovations and business growth.

Essential Upgrades for WiFi 7

Of course, transitioning to WiFi 7 will require upgrades. WiFi 7 routers and access points compatible with WiFi 7 will be required, along with client devices supporting the new standard. Network infrastructure must be updated to support higher speeds, including switches and cabling.

Keep in mind that your network design and configuration should be optimized to ensure maximum coverage and minimal interference, taking into consideration access point density. Network management software should be updated or replaced to support WiFi 7 features. With Activo as your guide, the transition to WiFi 7 can be quick and seamless, with minimal downtime to your operations.

Embrace the Future with Activo

Our team is ready to help you transition to WiFi 7. Here’s a peek at our upgrade process:

Beginning with consultation and planning services, we will assess your current network infrastructure and develop a comprehensive upgrade plan.

We handle equipment procurement and installation, sourcing WiFi 7-compatible hardware while ensuring minimal disruption to business operations. Our experts will design and configure your network for optimal performance, considering factors like coverage, interference, and device density to deliver maximum benefits.

We then will provide comprehensive training for your IT staff and ongoing support to manage and troubleshoot the new network. For businesses with multiple locations, we coordinate comprehensive Canada-wide rollouts, ensuring seamless integration and minimal disruption nationwide.

Activo: Your Trusted Partner in Network Technologies

WiFi 7 is on the horizon, and the time to prepare is now. Contact Activo to discuss upgrading your business to WiFi 7 and experience the benefits of next-generation wireless technology.

Stay connected, stay competitive, and future-proof your business with WiFi 7. The future is faster, more reliable, and it’s here—are you ready?

The post Prepare to Future-Proof Your Business with WiFi 7 appeared first on Activo.

Previously standalone systems like security, audio/visual, lighting, HVAC, energy management, and more are connected through a centralized IP platform that facilitates cloud-based building management. Digital sensors feed data into this centralized hub, enabling data analysis to provide insights and allow operators to monitor and control building systems in real-time as required.

What are the Benefits of Digital Buildings?

Access to this real-time data enables businesses to predict faults, monitor system performance, and gain insights into how a building’s spaces can be optimized. It allows users to adapt building conditions for wellness, comfort, and productivity.

Let’s dive into some of the individual benefits gained when businesses adopt digital buildings.

Energy Efficiency

Digital buildings monitor energy usage in real-time and continually collect data which can be used to influence decisions and optimize energy consumption. By comparing lighting usage to building occupancy and natural light availability, for example, or with insights regarding air quality, businesses can create sustainable and energy-efficient offices and reduce over-consumption. This data-driven decision-making results in lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint, aiding companies in reaching their sustainability goals and acquiring a LEED certification.

Occupant Experience

Smart buildings allow operators to adjust internal temperatures and change lighting settings through intuitive interfaces to produce a more comfortable experience for occupants, effectively increasing tenant satisfaction and retention. Digital buildings also collect data regarding business amenities like parking availability and occupancy percentage to influence decisions and produce a streamlined experience for occupants and visitors alike.

Cost Savings

Businesses benefit from cost savings when utilizing digital buildings thanks to their ability to optimize energy usage and enable informed decision-making. Real-time data on machine performance allows managers to perform predictive maintenance when required and avoid costly issues down the road. Occupancy data helps managers to optimize the building’s energy use and reduce waste.

Predictive Maintenance

IoT sensors throughout smart buildings allow managers to monitor building systems and equipment in real-time and address potential issues before they become significant disruptors. The ability to detect and address issues like malfunctioning equipment, environmental changes, and network congestion allows businesses to fix problems as they arise and avoid significant delays or disruptions, improving overall operations and occupant experience.

Increased Security

Digital buildings can integrate with electronic security systems to monitor and restrict access to certain areas and provide real-time video surveillance and analytics to aid in security monitoring. With the addition of real-time alerts and notifications, businesses can effectively protect their occupants and assets in case of emergencies while reducing liability and associated costs.

How to Transition to a Digital Building with Activo

Activo specializes in the installation and integration of the technologies and systems required for digital buildings.

Activo begins by collaborating with businesses to develop a comprehensive plan for transitioning to digital buildings. We provide complete project management services to ensure the transition to digital buildings is completed on schedule, on budget, and to the desired specifications to guarantee a successful result.

By partnering with Activo, businesses can ensure a smooth and successful transition to digital buildings that enable them to reap the benefits, including lowered operational costs, higher security measures, and improved occupant experience. Our expertise, experience, and range of services provide a holistic transformation to digital buildings that enable businesses to achieve their goals and realize the full potential of digital building technologies.

Are you interested in implementing an integrated building management system into your office? Activo’s foundation is built on our solid understanding of network solutions.  Activo is a true integrator who has the proven capabilities to integrate smart security technologies into your digital building. Contact us today to get started and see how we can help!

The post What is a Digital Building and Why Does My Business Need to Adapt? appeared first on Activo.

Managed Services provide a 24/7 preventative solution to your business’ infrastructure as a whole.  A proper Managed Services solution is ideal for managing your security, communication, and network infrastructure. But why choose managed services over outsourced IT?

What’s the difference?

Third-party outsourced IT usually works on a break-fix model of service where the provider fixes issues as they arise. It’s a reactive approach with little focus on preventative maintenance.

Managed services view your IT solutions as a whole and are a relationship of integrated services. It uses a proactive approach where specialized skills are used to optimize your solutions, completing work every day to keep your network, security, and communications working 24/7.

Managed services providers maintain networks, perform necessary updates, and keep your system running smoothly while offering helpful advice on optimizing and improving your network based on how you use it.

What Outsourcing IT Offers

Businesses often choose to outsource their IT solutions because it is less expensive. Hiring someone to perform smaller tasks and fix problems as they arise can often be cheaper.

Often hired to complete certain tasks instead of looking at a network as a whole, IT outsourcing is valuable for smaller companies who do not have the resources to build an in-house team or who can’t prioritize their infrastructure yet.

Why Choose Managed Services

Managed services like those provided by Activo, provide the benefits of outsourcing and a professional IT department, without the drawbacks.

With managed services, you will have an outsourced team of experts who manage your network and its needs. Rather than having to solve problems as they occur, this team will work on preventative maintenance daily to ensure your system works all the time, allowing your business to focus on what matters most – serving your clients.

As the managing solution, the team who works on your network will have an intuitive understanding of your needs and will be able to make updates, complete repairs, and keep you connected faster than an outsourced team who is looking for the first time.

Managed services also provide all-inclusive solutions. Rather than relying on a single fix, your team will provide solutions like physical and cyber security, communications through tools like Microsoft Voice and Teams, and manage cloud services to keep you and your team connected around the world.

This is valuable as businesses must be constantly prepared – a disconnect can lead to massive losses that can last until you are reconnected. Using a managed services provider negates risks – you are less likely of being disconnected and will have the best network solutions available to you, thanks to the experts working with your business.

Managed services are on a fixed budget, meaning there are no surprise repair costs as there can be with an expensive outsourced fix to something that could’ve been fixed earlier.

Even if you don’t have the means to build an in-house team, it is recommended to use managed services, as their preventative maintenance keeps you running in the long term.

Managed services have become a more popular way to have business requirements met. Companies can get the benefits of both outsourcing and professional IT departments, without the cost of IT in-house. If you’re ready to stop relying on inconsistent networks and find long-term solutions to help optimize your business, contact Activo today. We provide custom-managed service arrangements that fit the needs of your business and help it grow.

The post Help Your Business Thrive with Managed Services appeared first on Activo.

Built from the same foundation, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G provide higher data rates, increase network capacity, and connect more users and devices. In healthcare, Wi-Fi 6 will be the preferred choice for indoor networks such as those at hospitals, while 5G will be used in the field to solve medical challenges.

Able to provide ultra-fast speeds and low-latency, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G can meet patients’ and providers’ needs more accurately, efficiently, and cost-effectively. These technologies can address healthcare challenges through improved telemedicine services, robotics, AI, medical file sharing, wearable sensors, and more.

Telemedicine

The COVID-19 pandemic made people realize the importance and potential of telemedicine, allowing healthcare professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat patients remotely. Most telemedicine appointments require the use of high-quality video that, at present, is subject to high-latency due to the limited available bandwidth.

Wi-Fi 6 allows healthcare providers to move away from in-person appointments with the ability to transmit high-quality video in real-time. This will help doctors examine patients from rural areas who will use 5G’s high bandwidth and low-latency connections for their appointments.

Wi-Fi 6 and 5G will enhance telemedicine by providing faster treatment for patients and medical access in areas not available before.

AI for Diagnosis and Treatment

Artificial intelligence (AI) is currently being used to identify various types of tumours and identify which diseases a patient is most at risk from. AI automates the tasks of health specialists and provides patients with more accurate diagnosis and treatment plans. It can analyze more samples than humanly possible and build an algorithm that can reduce misdiagnosis. However, AI requires large amounts of data to be analyzed for real-time learning over high-bandwidth networks that might not be easily accessible.

Wi-Fi 6 and 5G’s large bandwidth and data transfer speeds are critical in supporting AI. With 5G, data can be shared easily on-the-go, while Wi-Fi 6 will be used to analyze it at the medical facility, making diagnosis and treatment more readily available. Further, Wi-Fi 6 and 5G would allow more data to be processed, leading to more accurate results.

Medical File Sharing

Patient medical records and large image files created by MRI or CAT scans can amount to hundreds of gigabytes of data. Hospital networks are put under strain when these files have to be transferred, and this can potentially delay diagnosis or treatment.

Wi-Fi 6 with higher data transfer rates allows healthcare professionals hospital-wide access to large medical files that were historically difficult to transfer. Using 5G, large medical files can be transferred from remote locations with greater efficiency. A reduction in the time required to transfer medical files leads to faster diagnosis, treatments, and second opinions for patients, while doctors can treat more patients from the office or home.

Robotic Surgeries (Telesurgery)

In healthcare, robotic surgery has the potential to change millions of lives. The first robotic surgery was conducted in 2001, but the technology has not seen widespread implementation. For robotic surgeries to be successful, network connections are critical to ensuring fast reaction times between the surgeon and the corresponding robot.

Wi-Fi 6 and 5G significantly reduce latency, allowing doctors to perform complex surgeries on patients using robotic aides. Like telemedicine, robotic surgeries would enable doctors to perform surgeries on patients remotely and access far-flung areas.

Emergency Support in Smart Cities

The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed emergency support services in many hospitals, with patients being turned away due to a lack of ICU space. To overcome challenges associated with emergency support, smart cities with Wi-Fi 6 and 5G have started experimenting with technologies that automatically inform a hospital about a patient’s condition when they are in an ambulance and when to expect them. This information would allow the hospital to get ready to treat the patient or warn the ambulance if there is no ICU bed available, with the system automatically routing the patient to the next available hospital.

The patient’s medical records would be electronically transferred to the hospital before arrival, ensuring the right medical setup. Further, the smart city’s traffic lights are controlled by 5G and would automatically synchronize with the ambulance, saving time and increasing safety.

Wearable Health Sensors

The global wearable medical devices market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 26.8% from 2021 to 2028. This growth will be fueled by 5G enabled remote monitoring devices that will provide more real-time notifications, precision, and data-insights into a patient’s healthcare.

5G will also allow more wearable medical IoT devices to be connected to a network, and the data gathered from these devices can be monitored more efficiently by doctors who have access to Wi-Fi 6. Through wearable health sensors, doctors can detect changes in their patients’ health and react in real-time.

From Reactive to Preventative Healthcare

Wi-Fi 6 and 5G can be truly transformative in healthcare by changing the way it’s practised. These technologies have the potential to make the medical field preventive from its present reactive treatment model. Our genetic code can be studied in detail through AI, and doctors can warn us about future diseases that can impact our health. Wearable devices can collect large samples of data and alert doctors if any preventative measures need to be taken before a patient’s health deteriorates.

Transform Your Businesses with Activo

Activo is a premier network systems integration and leading national IP infrastructure company that specializes in network systems planning, integration, installation, and support services throughout Canada. We design and build IP networks that efficiently converge systems, allowing businesses to fully leverage emerging innovations with future-ready infrastructures.

Contact us today if you want to learn more about how Wi-Fi 6 and 5G improve connectivity and provide more efficient healthcare solutions.

The post Wi-Fi 6 and 5G Will Provide A New Healthcare Ecosystem appeared first on Activo.

Our doctors, nurses, clinicians, and all other healthcare professionals are on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19.  As they work selflessly to save thousands of lives, it is key that ICT services at hospitals and long-term healthcare facilities run without any interruption.

Activo is committed to supporting the medical community during this time and has been working with major hospitals and long-term healthcare facilities across Canada by supporting essential communications including cabling, voice and data communications, WAN, LAN and WLAN support.

Hospitals across Canada are experiencing an influx of patients and ICT is essential for coordination, accessibility, and information sharing. Activo provides communication services to several hospitals in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and to facilitate smooth operations, we have a Dedicated Technician on Site (DTOS). This service allows us to provide an immediate response to patients who require critical care.

Seniors are the most at-risk demographic from COVID-19 and those being looked after at long-term care facilities have been unable to maintain physical contact with their friends and family. Our teams are providing remote monitoring for our healthcare clients on a 24 X 7 X 365 basis. Round the clock Tier II and Tier III remote technical service is also available for MAC and repair services.

Activo is focused on the challenges that arise in Canada as a result of COVID-19 and will adapt its approach to continually support our clients across all sectors.

Contact us to learn more about the services we are providing for hospitals and long-term healthcare facilities.

The post Activo Providing Essential ICT Services for Hospitals and Long-Term Care Facilities appeared first on Activo.

But fast forward to 2020 and 4G is old news. Today, tech experts, consumers, and business owners are anticipating the day when 5G technologies go mainstream. Amazingly, we might not be that far away.

What Makes 5G So Special?

While the shift from 3G to 4G felt more monumental to the average consumer, the transition from 4G to 5G is actually far more significant. Whereas 4G offered 10-times faster speeds, 5G promises to improve download rates by as much as 100 times over existing 4G networks.

Here’s a practical look at what this means:

• With 3G, it would take 26 hours to download a three-hour movie.
• With 4G, that time was reduced to just 6 minutes
• With 5G, that same movie can be downloaded in just 4 seconds.

The more technical explanation is that:

• 3G response times are typically around 120 milliseconds
• 4G offers response times between 15 and 60 milliseconds
• 5G promises a response to reduce response times to just 1 millisecond

Anticipating the Impact of 5G

While 5G will make things more convenient for the average mobile user, it won’t necessarily be life-changing. The real impact will be felt in the business world, where increased speeds will benefit operational efficiency, value offerings, and profit margins.

Here’s a look at some specific industries and applications that could be transformed by 5G in the coming years:

• Smart homes: As homes get smarter, 5G promises to make networks more reliable by reducing downtime and service outages. There’s also the promise of eliminating lag speeds and response times between when home devices are triggered and when users receive notifications. There’s also an expectation of greater security.
• Autonomous vehicles: Driverless cars depend on network speed to make split-second decisions that could mean the difference between being involved in a head-on collision and avoiding an accident. 5G technology is expected to have a significant influence on the development and consumerization of self-driving vehicles by making them smarter, faster, and – most importantly – safer.
• Medical device technology: 5G technology offers higher capacity and lower latency, which allows healthcare systems to monitor patients in real-time and use advanced medical device technology to address specific needs with better outcomes and lower risks.
• IoT: Naturally, increased 5G speeds will allow IoT devices to share data more efficiently and communicate faster. This will impact every business across all network-connected industries.
• Industrial equipment: 5G will revolutionize industrial businesses, factories, and manufacturing by replacing wired connections and speeding up processes. This will result in better economies of scale and lower input costs.
• Agricultural machinery: Many rural areas are still lacking in network speeds. 5G has the ability to bring faster networks that disrupt cumbersome processes and allow agricultural machinery to operate at peak efficiency. The result will be greater output, lower costs, and fatter margins.

This is just the start. By the time 5G becomes the norm, every industry and network-connected product or application will be directly influenced for the better.

Transform Your Business With Activo

Activo is a premier network systems integration and leading national IP infrastructure company that specializes in network systems planning, integration, installation, and support services throughout Canada. We design and build IP networks that efficiently converge systems, allowing businesses to fully leverage emerging innovations with future-ready infrastructures.

For more information about how Activo can transform your business with 5G technology, Contact us today!

Read more from Activo:

• Cloud-Based Communications Solutions Offer Flexibility for a Distributed Workforce
• Why Structured Cabling Is the Backbone of the Digital Building
• Why You Need to Be Ready to Deploy a Digital Building Architecture

The post How 5G Technology Transforms the Internet and the Way You Do Business appeared first on Activo.

What is Video Analytics?

Video analytics – also commonly referred to as video content analytics (VCA) – is the term used to describe the capability of automatically analyzing video to detect and examine temporal and spatial events for important information and relevant insights. It’s used in a wide variety of industries, niches, and applications and is quickly becoming a major force in modern society. Video analytics can send real-time alerts for loss prevention, increase situational awareness, accelerate investigations in cities, and improve traffic and parking direction and flow.

According to the research firm MarketsandMarkets, the video analytics market is projected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2016 to a staggering $4.2 billion by 2021. This steep growth curve is largely due to the utilitarian value it provides across the board. The algorithms used in this form of analytics can be implemented as software on general-purpose machines, or as hardware in specialized video processing units.

Understanding the Impact of Video Analytics

The beauty of video analytics is that it isn’t restricted to any specific industry or application. It’s currently being used to transform and secure homes, businesses, and cities. Here’s a glimpse at some specific areas that are currently being influenced:

• Home: Most homes have some type of video doorbell or security system that notifies homeowners when there’s activity on their property. However, one of the biggest pain points with these cameras is their inability to properly differentiate between vehicles, people, animals, postal workers, children, etc. With video analytics, advanced recognition technology can classify notifications based on who or what is detected (including specific people).
• Retail: Video analytics not only improves security in retail stores by reducing shrinkage and theft, but it can also provide managers with feedback based on various layouts and setups. This can lead to stronger customer engagement and better profit margins.

• Public places: Video analytics is perhaps best utilized in public spaces where community officials and law enforcement agencies need to monitor large crowds and sets of people. Facial recognition tools allow these agencies to identify high-risk individuals and potentially thwart terrorism and other malicious behavior. Though the advantages of using video analytics in public places are apparent, there are privacy concerns that need to be addressed from time to time.
• Sports stadiums: Sports stadiums have been targeted over the years for criminal behavior and terrorism. Video analytics not only helps stadium officials identify high-risk scenarios, but it can even track attendance and occupancy by counting people as they enter and exit the stadium. Furthermore, it has the ability to identify disruptive fans and inebriated/violent individuals who are compromising the in-stadium experience for other paying fans.
• Industrial areas: In terms of manufacturing, industrial warehouses can leverage video analytics to track items, reduce shrinkage, and maximize productivity and efficiency. It can even be used to anticipate breakdowns and provide recommendations for preventative maintenance.
• Transportation: Whether it involves airports, seaports, or subway stations, video analytics can provide valuable information on various incidents and accidents. Furthermore, it has the ability to reduce crime and increase response times to suspicious activities and emergency scenes.

These are just a few examples of areas where video analytics is having an impact. In the coming months and years, more industries and locations will continue to be impacted and influenced for the better.

Incorporate Video Analytics Into Your Security Plan

Activo is Canada’s leading national network system integration. We specialize in providing businesses with superior network systems planning, integration, installation, and support services. For more information about how Activo can incorporate video analytics into your security plan, contact us today!

Read more from Activo:

• Cloud-Based Communications Solutions Offer Flexibility for a Distributed Workforce
• Why Structured Cabling Is the Backbone of the Digital Building
• Why You Need to Be Ready to Deploy a Digital Building Architecture

The post How Video Analytics is Helping Secure Your Home, Business, and City appeared first on Activo.

Among the many benefits, intelligent building technology offers are a reduction of energy costs, the use of data to timely monitor performance, and early detection of faults. In short, smart buildings directly benefit the building owner, manager, and occupants. Here is how:

Operating Costs

Imagine walking into a building in which the temperature and lighting can automatically change to individual and environmental preference. By using sensors and monitors, smart buildings can set the temperature according to the weather outside or switch lights on or off depending on whether there is anyone in the room. Valuable insights can be gained into how much energy a building is consuming and this data can be used to make real-time adjustments to the HVAC and lighting systems remotely by building managers. With access to this data on their smartphones, employees are more aware of their carbon footprint and are mindful of energy consumption.

Operating costs can easily rise in buildings when equipment is not performing to optimal levels or needs repairs. Smart buildings can detect faults in a time-efficient manner, providing owners and managers with relevant data that can be used to make informed decisions on what measures are required to rectify the situation. With early detection, preventive steps can be taken, saving time and money on costly repairs or worse, further damage.

Employee Productivity 

Besides cutting down on energy costs, smart buildings can gather data and provide valuable feedback on how to make a space more engaging and productive for employees. The building automation system can monitor the air quality and detect when CO2 levels are high and automatically adjust the oxygen levels. This leads to employee alertness, better concentration, and improved productivity.

With personalized controls, smart buildings allow employees to control temperature and light settings, creating a more productive and comfortable working environment. Employees can also increase their efficiency by reducing time spent on mundane tasks. For example, in a smart building, employees can locate colleagues, reserve space for a meeting or find the optimal working area through a web interface or mobile app.

By promoting a comfortable and environmentally friendly space, HR professionals can use a smart building to attract new talent and decrease the turnover of existing employees. Smart buildings use data to save energy and increase efficiency. They provide an automated system that helps reduce operating costs and measures which boost the productivity of employees. Smart buildings provide solutions for owners, managers and those who occupy them.

Embracing intelligent building technology is essential in staying ahead of your competitors. To take full advantage of emerging innovations with future-ready infrastructures, it is essential to have a network systems infrastructure based on your specific requirements.

At Activo, we leverage technology to develop IP networks to help you gain that competitive edge. For more information about how Activo can incorporate intelligent transform into your existing or new structure, click here.

Contact Activo to Learn More

Activo is a national network system integrator that specializes in providing superior network systems planning, integration, installation, and support services across Canada. Whether you’re looking to enhance your building’s security, add intelligent lighting, or reduce energy consumption, Activo is here to help. Contact us today for information on our intelligent building solutions.

 Read more from Activo:

• Why Structured Cabling Is the Backbone of the Digital Building
• Why You Need to Be Ready to Deploy a Digital Building Architecture
• 5 Factors Driving the Digital Building Transformation

The post How Smart Buildings Can Lower Costs and Increase Productivity appeared first on Activo.

Statistics in Favour of Cloud-Based Communication Solutions?

The Cloud Communications Market anticipates a growth of $ 4.4 billion by 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 26.8%. Statistics in favour of cloud-based communications proves that cloud is the present and future and traditional PBX services are the past:

• $37 billion: is the cost of poor communication.
• $26,041: the cumulative cost per employee per year due to productivity losses resulting from communications barriers
• 27 million: is the number of employees in North America that will use cloud communication tools by 2020.
• $167.1 billion: is the estimated worth of the unified communications market by 2025.

Benefits of Cloud Communication Systems

Cloud-based communication technology solutions offered by Activo and its partners deliver capabilities that businesses need to effectively connect with their customers, partners, and employees. The benefits include:

• Unifying communications (UCaaS): The cloud integrates and unifies both real-time and non-real-time communication services across enterprises ensuring all communication needs are met through one easily accessible platform. With communication integration within existing IT ecosystems, users can receive enterprise-quality calls from their browser, send SMS messages and faxes all from one device.
• Cost-effective solution: Cloud telephony has rendered traditional Private Branch Exchange (PBX) services redundant, which means no more costly onsite data centres and telephone equipment. With the cloud, your communication systems are hosted on an offsite business server which is installed by a telephony provider. So, enterprises can enjoy seamless business communication for a monthly subscription fee.
• Voice and Collaboration Services: It helps enterprises connect on-desk phones to conference room endpoints and mobile apps that enable people to stay connected whether they’re working just down the hall or travelling in another country.
• Simplifies administration: With a small monthly fee, a communications provider maintains and updates communications systems for clients as and when required, thus allowing an enterprise to focus their energy on growing their business.
• Better customer experience via Interactive voice response (IVR): Cloud-based IVR allows organizations the option of automatically segmenting callers without human intervention thus prompting a better customer experience and driving revenue generation.
• Up-to-date software: Your cloud telephony operator will ensure that all clients have access to the most up-to-date software versions at all times. This cuts additional software update costs, time for installation and up-gradation.
• No service maintenance contracts: Cloud communication eliminates the need for traditional, bulky phone contracts provided by legacy phone providers.

Contact Activo to Learn More

Activo is a national network system integrator that specializes in providing superior network systems planning, integration, installation, and support services across Canada. Whether you’re optimizing an existing communications strategy or you’re starting from scratch, we’d be happy to help!

Contact us today for information on how to migrate towards the communication cloud.

Read more from Activo:

• Why Structured Cabling Is the Backbone of the Digital Building
• Why You Need to Be Ready to Deploy a Digital Building Architecture
• 5 Factors Driving the Digital Building Transformation

The post Cloud-Based Communication Solutions Offer Flexibility for a Distributed Workforce appeared first on Activo.

Here are some ways you can maximize your return:

You Need a Network Systems Plan

You can’t do anything without a well-documented network system plan in place. Don’t be sparse with the details. Your network is the backbone of your entire business and must be thoughtfully structured. Create a plan that prioritizes efficiency so that your flow of information is seamless.

Ensure Cohesive Integration

With all the various communication tools and networking systems in today’s market, it’s easy to find something that helps your business. But if you add too many fragmented pieces to your organization, you quickly learn that they don’t all communicate well together. As you develop your technology stack, prioritize cohesive integration – meaning all systems should effortlessly communicate with one another.

Get Serious About Security

The need for superior security can’t be understated. Every modern networking system must be developed with multiple layers of security. A failure to do so could result in extensive and costly cyber-attacks in the years to come.

Prioritize Scalability

Your business isn’t the same size today as it was yesterday, and it won’t be the same size tomorrow as it is today. Businesses are always changing and it’s important not to lock yourself into a network system that’s based solely on your present needs. Scalability is paramount. Prioritize it and you’ll find it easier to grow without restraint.

Train Employees Well

The truth of the matter is that you can have an absolutely perfect communications strategy, but it won’t work unless your team is properly trained on how to fully utilize the technology and systems you’ve put in place. People represent both the strongest links in your network, as well as the weakest. Plan accordingly by training them well.

Contact Activo to Learn More

Activo is a national IP infrastructure company that specializes in providing superior network systems planning, integration, installation, and support services across Canada. Whether you’re optimizing an existing communications strategy or you’re starting from scratch, we’d be happy to help!

Are you ready to take the plunge? Contact us today to learn how Activo can help you maximize your success in the IoT!

Read more from Activo:

• Why Structured Cabling Is the Backbone of the Digital Building
• Why You Need to Be Ready to Deploy a Digital Building Architecture
• 5 Factors Driving the Digital Building Transformation

The post How to Generate Maximum Return on Your Communications Investment appeared first on Activo.