Value
Switching to Kramer meant an upgrade in capabilities, as VIA has many features that were not available with the university’s previous system. Among them, wireless video conferencing and collaboration, and the ability to use Microsoft Teams and Zoom natively from VIA are particularly big advantages for users. The IT department greatly values the remote, centralized deployment, management, and configuration, and the easy user experience due to centralized software package distribution.
“In addition to the clear price-to-quality ratio inherent in the Kramer solution, the university has been able to save on cabling costs and has been able to modify its premises into more transformative spaces for education,” says Jyri. “For example, the main building has been able to be fitted-out fully wirelessly, since microphones are also wireless today. There is no need for fixed tables anymore. And the low latency in video conferencing improves quality.”
Beyond those significant benefits, it’s the convenience and security of the Kramer VIA system that Jyri is most enthusiastic about. “Kramer’s VIA is easy to use, can be managed remotely, and the VIA app for PC users is especially user-friendly,” he says.
“Operating on a closed network with frequent firmware updates, the solution has also proven to be data secure,” he elaborates.
Feedback from users has been predominantly positive, and the University’s IT department is satisfied with the improved data security and remote management.
Having successfully upgraded its presentation solution with Kramer, the university is continuing to expand and enhance its AV capabilities. “We are expanding all the time,” says Jyri. “We have been focusing on expanding our current facilities to be suitable for hybrid teaching methods, and we want to enhance our teamwork facilities.”
As for recommendations for colleagues and other universities considering their options for a new AV solution, Jyri concludes: “You should investigate different options very carefully and test devices in real-life scenarios. Personally, there are three different things I’m looking for when considering these decisions – remote firmware updating, available product support, and that the lifecycle of the chosen products is long enough.” All areas that, in his assessment, Kramer has successfully met. The current program to upgrade all VIA Connect Plus units with the newer VIA Connect2 is a solid indication of the university’s satisfaction.