Since 2011, Pioneer Group has tackled digital transformation head-on, producing audio/video solutions and networking infrastructure for some of the UK’s largest organisations – including football venues and other sporting stadia. Pre-pandemic, the company also focused on corporate communications and meeting room design. Mark Childerhouse, Director, Pioneer Group, said that that focus led to earning the distinction of Google Partner Accreditation. He noted that it also prepared the company for what the pandemic would bring.
Childerhouse touched on the changing role of unified communications and how it is evolving to extend support for the hybrid work environment. According to him, there’s been a catalyst for change during the pandemic – remote and office working has accelerated the demand for UC technology. The express goal of said technologies is to help companies and individuals increase productivity and engagement. Childerhouse believes that this extends to the maintaining and development of customer relationships, adding: “Unified comms help streamline communication at home and within the workplace, allowing everyone to collaborate and communicate, helping to create flexible work workplaces.”
Harnessing the Power of Video Conferencing Tools
According to Childerhouse, this is where video conferencing systems like Google Meet come into play.
“These kinds of solutions offer a perfect fit for the hybrid working model because they are accessible from anywhere at any time. They are also adaptable to any environment or meeting room, and security, along with privacy, is one of Google’s biggest priorities”
“Google even adopted the Hybrid Working model and implemented its own technology to support this within the organisation, showcasing the power of its technology.”
Childerhouse said that companies like Pioneer Group, ones that hold the title of ‘Authorized Google Meet hardware and software reseller,’ are qualified to facilitate a future where UC is the ‘biggest enabler of hybrid work.’ I learned that Pioneer Group also works with several other partners, including Logitech, ASUS, Acer, Lenovo to name a few.
Childerhouse said that any of its work from home solutions qualify as future of work enablers, including ones designed for the ASUS Chromebook. This also includes ones geared toward senior management like its ACER Chromebase for Meetings offering. There is even a solution designed for the kind of enhanced hybrid experience Childerhouse described – one that taps into their partnership with hardware experts and developers, Logitech.
What about huddle spaces? Well, Childerhouse said that these spaces will not be in short supply and should remain a staple of hybrid working moving forward. The company has an ASUS Starter Kit to help solve that problem, he noted.
Localised Support is a Must During Critical Times
Local support during a pandemic is key to success, especially when communications are mission-critical in many industries. “We have access to all these products and can tailor a package to suit the hybrid working model, and we’re in the field deploying systems,” according to Childerhouse.
This kind of dedication – even during COVID-19, is now required of resellers and partners. Customers want to know that someone has their back and that support is available – not only over the phone but in-person. Childerhouse said this is why offering local support during a pandemic is a big differentiator.
Pioneer Group recently launched an online web store featuring all the latest Google Meet products, a move that will enable customers to browse a range of offerings, view their features, and talk to one of their advisers via live chat.
