As we transition from enforced work-from-home to a future which looks flexible and mobile, a newly hybridised workforce is seeking solutions which offer the right combinations of features to support this. Thin clients and virtualised desktops provide security for the enterprise, putting the applications and assets back under the complete control of the information security department, while still enabling colleagues to use their own devices, wherever they are working. Those who were already cloud-enabled were so much readier than others, for the rush to remote in 2020.
Connected by conversation
When people are working from anywhere, they not only need a fast and accurate connection to corporate networks and data, they need to be connected to each other. And this is where the importance of audio underpins that virtual closeness — because while the world fell in love with video conferencing in 2020, sound is vital.
Or as Rob Moore, American Regional Sales Director for EPOS, stated in a recent interview,
“Without good audio, you don’t have any kind of meaning whatsoever… So anytime your connection quality is poor, we suggest you turn off video, because if you don’t have good audio, you don’t have a good meeting”
Moving into 2021 we’ll see 5G connectivity rolling out, and even better real-time virtual experiences being enjoyed from anywhere, whether you’re streaming a shoot-em-up or participating in an HD immersive corporate event. The edge client and all its required security and compliance features will be provided via a thumb drive or completely remotely, meaning that even when coming into an office environment, employees won’t have to touch any device other than their own, and the bootable operating system supplied won’t make any difference to their personal hard drive or settings.
All of this helps remove the ‘virtual distance’ which impedes effective collaboration, as well as degrading culture and morale. But however engaging the on-screen environment, the illusion of closeness is shattered as soon as the audio glitches or sputters, or you miss a vital question or remark.
Consumer audio gear is not up to the job
While thin clients mean the virtualised desktop experience works anywhere, the output of sound depends entirely on local hardware.
At the start of lockdown, many people dug out the tangled pods which came with their mobile phone as a first solution but quickly realised that these just weren’t good enough for quality and reliable audio, particularly in a group setting. Ensuring that team members working from home, or working flexibly, have access to the hardware and software they need to support this is vital, and Moore has noticed a responsive decentralisation of corporate procurement, enabling employees to order what they need via internal portals and have it shipped to them at home fast. EPOS’ supply chain has risen to the challenge throughout the difficulties of 2020 and ensured that employees can order exactly what they need, to work comfortably and well.
As Trey Baumgardner, Sales Manager with IGEL, pointed out, “every company’s IT director should view their employees as customers… Providing them with the tools that are going to provide a great experience.” Thin clients and virtual desktops enable high-performing graphics applications on any device, and people increasingly expect an audio experience which supports that — whether they’re working from home, an office, or on the move.
You can discover more about EPOS’ range of headsets and speaker-phones designed to compliment both home-based and mobile working solutions, at Eposaudio.com.
