CONNECTING THE WORLD:
EXPLORE THE POWER OF UC&C
HOW UC&C IS MODERNISING THE WORKPLACE
EXPLORING UC&C TOP TECH & TRENDS
MEET OUR MIDWICH UC&C TEAM
UNIFIED MAGAZINE | ISSUE 1
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3 CONTENTS Avixa: empowering skills & talent in UC&C �������������� 20 Midwich empowers businesses with comprehensive Zoom solutions 21 Enhancing online meetings with UC&C (DTEN) ����� 22 Upgrading workplace productivity with UC&C ���������������������������������������������������������������������� 24 Revolutionising collaboration: How Midwich adds value 26 Collaboration at work & the importance of UC&C �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 28 Our UK experience centres 31 8 18 10 Welcome to Unified 4 Meet the UC&C team 5 Certified UC&C solutions ���������������������� 6 20 Questions with Greg Bennett 8 Hybrid work: How UC&C is modernising the workspace �������������� 10 Exploring top UC&C tech & trends 12 Going green: How UC&C supports sustainability goals 13 Midwich: The home of Microsoft Teams Rooms ���������������������� 14 How can Neat help your business? 17 How blended learning is transforming education ����������������������� 18
WELCOME TO
Welcome to the first-ever edition of Unified Magazine!
This magazine is a useful introduction to the Midwich Unified Communications & Collaboration (UC&C) team and our value-added proposition, with plenty of interesting content from our technology partners, and the latest news from the UC&C industry� Here at Midwich, we believe we can help our customers on a journey to deliver exceptional UC&C solutions and services to their end-user community� From Microsoft Teams Rooms and Zoom ecosystems to the latest BYOD solutions and fully integrated collaborative workspaces!
n this first issue, you can expect valuable insights into the fantastic range of solutions and services we have to offer, and a first look at the latest news from our vendor partners We also share our thoughts on a wide range of applications for UC&C technology such as hybrid work, the modern workspace and education
We are proud to host Unified 2023 at one of our demo facilities, Innovation House in Bracknell, giving you an opportunity to get to know all things UC&C and see the technology for yourself, in over 50,000 square feet of demo space
UC&C is a broad term for the integration of a range of communication tools These include video conferencing & collaboration, voice and telephone, email integration, instant messaging, present, content sharing, mobility, and BYOD
support� Here at Midwich, our focus is on video conferencing and collaboration, specifically supporting resellers as independent trusted advisors Our expertise puts us in a great position to help resellers and end users find the best state-of-the-art technology, for their space and workflow These solutions can also benefit from a suite of optional managed solutions, that can be tailored to the individual customer
UC&C technology empowers organisations to unify their communication channels, leverage collaboration tools and optimise their workflows. The result is a more connected, productive, agile, and happy workforce. One of the key benefits is enhanced teamwork, so without further ado, let’s introduce the Midwich UC&C team!
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MEET THE TEAM
Our UC&C teams are the heroes driving our UC&C offering forward� With their wealth of experience and knowledge, there is nothing they can’t handle�
UC&C Superpower! Committed to excellent customer service
UC&C Superpower! Makes things happen
UC&C Superpower! Juggling tasks to ensure best results
UC&C Superpower! Able to Zoom from one project to the next!
UC&C Superpower! The ‘Teams’ Player
UC&C Superpower! Able to convert highly technical language into simple English in seconds
UC&C Superpower! Not phased by any problem, no matter how big!
UC&C Superpower! Speedy responses!
UC&C Superpower! The Oracle: Able to answer any UC&C related question�
5
GARETH UNDERWOOD Sales Specialist
LOUIS ROBINSON Systems Architect
JAMES FORREST Sales Specialist
IAN STRANGE Microsoft Teams Rooms Disti Champion
CHRIS SOUTHERN General Sales Manager
PETE WILLIS Channel Relations Manager Zoom Alliance
MARK WYSOCKI Divisional Manager
PHIL ASHBY General Sales Manager Partner Alliance
GREG BENNETT Business Manager
CERTIFIED UC&C SOLUTIONS
Creating efficient communications environments
Our dedicated UC&C team is committed to transforming the way businesses communicate and collaborate Our team leverages cutting-edge technologies and industry-leading expertise to empower businesses to harness the full potential of UC&C
Our UC&C brands
We are proud to offer a wide portfolio of leading UC&C vendors Whatever your needs, we can offer the product portfolio and value-added support required for the ideal UC&C strategy�
The history of UC&C at Midwich
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1
MAGAZINE ISSUE
QUESTIONS
4
What’s the most impressive piece of UC&C technology you’ve seen?
The Microsoft 365 Copilot is fascinating, the AI features in a lot of products now is very impressive�
What are the key trends and challenges you see in the UC&C landscape today?
The continuous evolution of the collaborative room space
What is your role at Midwich?
I head up our UC&C Business for the UK�
How did you start in AV?
As an apprentice working for IBM in their customer demo centres, I got hooked from there
Why do you love working with Midwich?
The culture of the business is amazing, passionate, fun and everyone is really supportive of one another�
What makes a good UC&C product?
Designing a product with user experience first A product with user experience as a first priority
2 6 11 1 5 10
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Be the hardest working person in the room�
What’s one piece of technology you couldn’t live without?
Microsoft Teams
9 3 7 12 8
What do you find most exciting about UC&C?
It’s an area of technology that’s embedded in our way of life, and it’s always changing at a super-fast rate�
What do you think we can expect to see more of in the UC&C space?
AI will drastically change the approach to modern workplace
What makes UC&C important?
It’s integral to all parts of everyday life in terms of the way we communicate and collaborate�
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would you choose and how would you use it?
Time travel! I’d love to see what the future holds�
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8 UNIFIED MAGAZINE ISSUE 1
20
WITH GREG BENNETT, BUSINESS MANAGER AT MIDWICH.
What are some of the most profound ways UC&C impacts collaboration?
Greater mobility and more effective communication, all of the collaboration tools to improve productivity and output
Tea or coffee? Coffee!
If you didn’t work in UC&C, what would you be doing?
I’d still want to work in the Pro AV industry, I love it!
What’s your desert island book?
Probably some sort of survival guide from Bear Grylls, but one of my favourites is Ulysses�
Do you prefer working at home or in the office?
Mixture of both - home if I’ve got to focus on a certain activity, and the office so I can be around my colleagues
What’s your dream car?
I’m weirdly not overly into cars, so if it’s not a Ferrari or something similar I’d perhaps want a more practical luxury campervan I can tour Scotland in
Do you think UC&C will change the modern workspace? If so, how?
The dynamics of how and where people want to work are in constant flux, alongside advancements in technology that strive to ensure a seamless experience
What’s your favourite hobby? Bouldering, Gym and attempting DIY�
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16 15 17 13 18 14 19 20 9
HYBRID WORK: HOW UC&C IS MODERNISING THE WORKPLACE
nabling home working, providing data and illuminating trends in productivity and engagement. These are just some of the ways that show how UC&C is a crucial part of the modern workplace.
With employees working from a variety of locations, businesses must ensure that their teams remain united; reaching company goals as efficiently as if they were all in the same building The rapid pivot from an office-based setting to hybrid workplaces was well-received by employees who appreciate the new work-life balance in the aftermath of the global pandemic
Technology has evolved to the point where organisations can support users wherever they are, without limiting employee productivity or satisfaction, while maintaining business goals and objectives�
A UC&C strategy offers users a secure connection from all devices linking them together in one, easy-to-use system� This creates an improved user experience with flexible, digital applications wherever an internet connection is available Employees can chat, video call, file-share and screen-share all through a single interface
One of the steps organisations should consider is moving to a cloud-based solution
The simplicity and efficiency of UC&C cloud-based platforms allow businesses to save on operational costs in the long term Furthermore, it enables extensive security functionality and the expertise of a reliable cloud partner to build and support a more robust security framework
The future of UC&C in the workplace
The truth is that all organisations should be prioritising UC&C. Especially larger entities in both the private and public sectors, whose employees rely on working from multiple locations as an essential part of their work process.
While UC&C can deliver a host of fantastic benefits to modern companies, it can only accomplish amazing things when the business has the right strategy in place. After all, even the best system can’t do much for an organisation if its employees refuse to use it.
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EXPLORING TOP UC&C TECH TRENDS
he lure of hybrid working is now the crux of creating a successful business alongside preserving a happy workforce. In turn, organisations should be aware of such technology trends to implement them seamlessly into their businesses.
UC&C tech developments
A UC&C strategy is vital to organisations looking to make huge advancements in video conferencing Video communication is widely facilitated with the likes of Microsoft Teams and Zoom, improving an organisation’s productivity whatever the sector
Zoom Rooms
Bridging the gap between people working remotely and those in the office Zoom Rooms offers UC&C solutions to businesses� With a brand new layout, the speaker or content is placed front and centre of the gallery meaning remote workers have a front row seat in online meetings This ensures everyone can fully participate in the meeting, wherever they are because they can see and hear everyone clearly
Microsoft Unified VR
Mesh is Microsoft’s take on unified VR, enabling organisations to create custom immersive experiences that provide a new way to connect with features such as avatars and spatial audio. Overtime it is stipulated that Mesh will integrate with Microsoft Teams Rooms which means that users will be able to perform Microsoft Teams meetings actions inside VR.
Innovations like this could effectively cut across locational barriers and make hybrid work as seamless as ever.
UC&C trends
Innovative cloud-based integration
In a multi-cloud model, an organisation can utilise a combination of on-premises, private cloud and public cloud servers to build, operate and access applications consistently
Having multiple cloud-based UC&C systems at part of an organisations workflow can aid in making business processes leaner and simpler by enabling regional availability, reducing costs and maintaining privacy all the while maintaining a high level of communication and collaboration
AI
Excited or apprehensive about it, AI is slowly becoming part of technology workflows and soon will be considered the norm - from data insights to chatbots and small assistants� AI in a UC&C strategy can help automate processes throughout the business, improve accessibility with speech-to-text transcriptions and even facilitate collaboration with file retrieval and scheduling
But what we should focus most on, is improving the connection between people and IT We already have the technology to do so much in communications; the most important thing now is to find better ways of utilising it As UC&C technology trends advance the possibilities are set to become limitless for businesses
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MICROSOFT TEAMS MEETING IN VR
GOING GREEN: HOW UC&C SUPPORTS SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
t is now a necessity for businesses to make a conscious effort to contribute to the “going green” movement. With the continuous advancements in technology, organisations now can easily implement sustainability goals. They can use UC&C technologies not only to enhance their employees’ productivity but also to minimise their carbon footprint.
As technology is constantly improving, organisations can now easily implement sustainability goals With the support from technology solutions such as UC&C to enhance their employees’ productivity as well as reduce their carbon footprint
UC&C for businesses
UC&C refers to an integrated toolset that combines all audio, video and content-sharing solutions In today’s world, employees can find themselves working across vast geographical landscapes using a seemingly limitless number of devices Streamlining the number of tools and systems employees need to use into one configuration across any device eliminates confusion and promotes an easier and more productive workflow
The business win
A crucial tool for modern enterprises is a UC&C system operating mainly on the cloud This allows organisations to shift away from traditional ways of communicating and collaborating to a more cost-effective and intuitive strategy Thus, eliminates overhead costs such as telephone charges
The global pandemic was a learning curve for businesses, work statistics have found that there has been a 40% increase1 in companies opting for flexible working arrangements This means that workers no longer need to commute to work every day This has led to more organisations using UC&C solutions to support their teams’ collaborative processes while working remotely Thus, employees have an all-in-one system to contact, contribute and connect professionally while not being tied to one desk, improving productivity and employee wellbeing
In addition, allowing employees to work remotely significantly reduces the emissions previously produced by staff as well as keeping travel costs and expenses low, improving the overall sustainability goals companies are now trying to achieve�
So, does UC&C promote sustainability?
UC&C solutions can promote sustainability however, to be truly effective they must fit in with how employees work and live – not the other way around. It is no longer possible to dictate how employees should fit in with tools and solutions.
UC&C tools offer a provable, direct way for individuals to fight climate change. It is these small initial changes that once adopted by existing and future generations, will have a positive environmental impact on a wider and broader level.
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1 https://www travelperk com/blog/top-hybrid-work-trend-stats-from-global-companies/
THE HOME OF MICROSOFT TEAMS ROOMS
icrosoft Teams Rooms is a modern meeting space solution purposefully designed to remove the barriers between spaces, places and people, delivering the best Teams meeting experience to all participants.
We at Midwich are proud to offer our reseller partners great Microsoft Teams Rooms Experiences for their customers Midwich is now a strategic distribution partner of Microsoft, meaning we are specially equipped to support and enable our Pro AV reseller community with the design, deployment and support to deliver certified Microsoft Teams Room experiences to their end users
82%
82% of businesses say they expect to have more flexible work from home policies post-pandemic
273%
273% ROI - businesses noted a three-year return on investment when switching to Microsoft Teams Rooms
80% Employees spend 80% of their time collaborating
7.8%
Only 7.8% of the nearly 90 million meeting rooms worldwide are enabled for video
Microsoft Teams Rooms Certified Devices available from Midwich
We offer the largest portfolio of Microsoft Teams Rooms-certified devices under one roof! This, combined with our dedicated team of UC&C specialists, makes us the perfect partner to support your business Additionally, our experience centre, Innovation House, is the ideal playground to get hands-on with these devices
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Interested in how Midwich can support your Microsoft Teams Rooms offering? Please contact Ian Strange (Microsoft Teams Rooms Disti Champion ) at: ian.strange@midwich.com 07967 833475
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Agile working works with your current IT infrastructure and means employees can do their best work whether they’re at home, in the office or anywhere in between.
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HOW CAN NEAT HELP YOUR BUSINESS? With
Wayne Mason, Distribution Lead EMEA/APAC at Neat
oin us as we pick Wayne from Neat’s brain to find out what makes Neat stand out as a UC&C manufacturer and the invaluable products and services they offer.
With the rise of hybrid working, what factors have contributed to Neat’s success as a growing player in this market?
The changing landscape in terms of different styles of rooms has contributed to Neat’s success, users are more demanding and want something different At Neat, our primary focus is making things “embarrassingly simple”
What specific experiences and capabilities offered by Neat’s solutions have resonated with organisations?
We’re always listening to our customers’ feedback and want to provide great out-of-the-box experiences
The software and AI capabilities we have integrated into our Neat devices make them easy to install and scale The investment protection we offer is best in class and our products are rapidly being developed and enhanced all the time All this means we deliver on our promise of a better way to meet and collaborate
Which strategic initiatives have Neat undertaken to differentiate itself from other players?
About 22 months ago, Neat decided to build a business that was partner-led and ultimately distribution-led This was a strategic decision to create an acceleration of scale You can’t achieve this unless you conduct yourself differently from the other players, without giving too much of your secret recipe away� That’s what we do, we “partner” with our partners, fully respecting them as individual businesses and working with them to drive profitability
How has the partnership with Midwich contributed to Neat’s success?
Midwich has been a real success story for Neat and has been pivotal in Neat’s growth. We signed Midwich in 2021 and are now in our 6th trading quarter. We are still seeing sustained growth and Midwich services Neat partners across three major regions now (Americas/EMEA/APAC).
They embrace our craziness and share the same desire as we Neaters; to succeed and find a solution to any question.
1
2
3
Meet, create and collaborate better. For more information on the Neat Range please get in touch with the UC&C Team: ucc@midwich.com
4
HOW BLENDED LEARNING IS TRANSFORMING EDUCATION
gamified learning and the retention of pupils’ engagement within school lessons
he concept of using technology to supplement in-person learning is not a new one. What’s more, definitions of blended learning have, in the past, been hard to pin down. However, in recent years, the consensus is that blended learning is growing in popularity, characterised by processes such as gamification and varied face-time as well as flipped classroom strategies.
Advantages of blended learning
Blended learning represents a fundamental shift in instruction methods It has the potential to optimise outcomes for individual students in ways that traditional instruction can’t� Blended delivery modes allow for each aspect to be taught using the most appropriate medium for the topic at that stage of learning
At higher levels of education blended learning has become quite prominent, as learning materials are always available and accessible for students Every student is unique and has a different work ethic to others, blended learning offers students access to classes, lecturers and learning materials, remotely or in person There are a few reasons as to why a student may choose to learn remotely such as fitting learning around their lives outside of education etc
Blended learning gives scope for learners to experience new software and hardware� With 74% of teachers using game-based learning to enhance their lessons1, there is a positive correlation between the implementation of
Discovering how to use such technology can aid pupils in their academic areas of study, as well as promote soft skills such as problem-solving and self-advocacy Therefore, blended learning can prepare individuals for future endeavours in a plethora of work-based scenarios
As more students work independently, teachers have more time to provide face-to-face support and individualised instruction with greater frequency Teachers can deepen and strengthen student/teacher relationships and gain insights into students’ personal struggles and needs These insights empower teachers to comfort and coach students through challenges that often serve as obstacles to learning such as; attention/learning difficulties, and feelings of failure� With gamified learning, students can try again if they don’t succeed the first time, helping to eliminate any fears of failure
In summary, it’s easy to see why blended learning has become popular over recent years. The approach of combining online and remote activities with face-to-face interaction can help both students and teachers.
Blended learning is more flexible, adaptable and engaging for learners than generalised classroom learning, it also allows instructors to cater to the unique needs of their students. All it requires is the right technology, strategy and training.
1 https://research com/education/interactive-learning-statistics
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AVIXA: EMPOWERING SKILLS & TALENT IN UC&C
n today’s quickly evolving digital landscape, more and more organisations are embracing the benefits of digital transformation. UC&C technologies are now integral in modern workplace dynamics. With the rise of hybrid workspaces and the need for seamless communication, organisations are increasingly looking to Avixa to drive their UC&C strategies forward.
Empowering hybrid workspaces
Avixa plays a crucial role in developing standards in the AV industry and providing certifications for professionals in the AV and UC&C space Avixa-certified individuals possess the necessary expertise to design, implement and manage advanced UC&C solutions, enabling effective communication and collaboration across diverse work settings
Skills, development and training
Avixa’s comprehensive training programs and certifications equip AV professionals with the necessary expertise to navigate the intricacies of the UC&C landscape From audiovisual design to project management skills, Avixa offers specialised training programs, conferences and exhibitions that ensure individuals can keep their skillsets up to date with the latest industry knowledge and best practices The focus on skill development empowers professionals to excel in their roles and consistently deliver exceptional results
Talent recruitment
In AV, innovation and expertise are paramount, so businesses need to attract top talent to ensure success Avixa acts as a central hub for connecting employers with skilled AV professionals - their online job boards and networking events create opportunities for organisations to find qualified candidates for their needs With Avixa’s platform, companies can streamline their recruitment processes and tap into a vast pool of talent�
Retention strategies
Retaining skilled AV professionals is crucial for the growth and sustainability of organisations Avixa provides numerous resources to support retention efforts Avixa provides ongoing professional development opportunities, including webinars, workshops and conferences, allowing individuals to stay up to date with emerging trends and technologies Additionally, Avixa fosters a sense of community through networking events and forums, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration among AV professionals By investing in the growth and engagement of their workforce, organisations can significantly improve retention rates
Avixa plays a crucial role in the AV industry through its comprehensive training programs, talent recruitment initiatives and retention strategies, Avixa plays a crucial role in elevating the industry. As the AV industry evolves, organisations leveraging Avixa’s resources and support will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.
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MIDWICH EMPOWERS BUSINESSES WITH COMPREHENSIVE ZOOM SOLUTIONS
oday’s digital landscape is in constant flux and effective communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of business success. Midwich has been offering Zoom-certified hardware since 2021, bringing seamless and reliable communication experiences to our customers and end-users. We were also awarded the Zoom Master Agency for licensing in June 2022.
And now, we are delighted to announce that Midwich is now a distributor of Zoom licensing, meaning that we can offer the full Zoom licensing portfolio to our reseller partners This makes Midwich the go-to destination for businesses seeking comprehensive Zoom solutions, combining hardware and licensing under one roof
At Midwich, we understand that exceptional communication requires cutting-edge hardware to meet diverse business needs and budgets Our video conferencing systems from renowned manufacturers are equipped with high-quality cameras and advanced microphones, delivering lifelike visuals and crystal-clear audio The wide variety of interactive displays on offer enables real-time contenting sharing, annotation, and seamless teamwork
As an authorised Zoom reseller, we offer licensing options that enable businesses to leverage the full power of the Zoom platform This provides a unified and hassle-free user experience Our dedicated team of AV and IT experts offer comprehensive technical support and maintenance services, giving fantastic peace of mind so businesses can rely on their Zoom solution for smooth and uninterrupted communication
What are Zoom Rooms?
The modern workspaces for hybrid teams, Zoom Rooms bring HD video collaboration into any space – in the office, in the classroom, or at home – and enable in-person and remote participants to interact in real time Simple to start a meeting, book a room, and share content, Zoom Rooms are the conference room experience you’ve always wanted
As remote work and virtual collaboration redefine the modern workplace, Midwich stands at the forefront of empowering businesses with the tools they need to thrive.
For more info please contact Pete Willis (Channel Relations Manager – Zoom Alliance) at:
peter.willis@midwich.com
07944 699402
21
ENHANCING ONLINE MEETINGS WITH UC&C
ith a growing number of meetings taking place online, it is crucial to have the right technology in place to equip meeting rooms for seamless collaboration.
The success of online meetings relies on utilising suitable technology to ensure consistent productivity However, it is equally important to fully realise the potential of the chosen online collaboration platform
Microsoft Teams Rooms connects over 270 million users daily The Microsoft Teams Rooms Certification is a highly sought mark of quality that shows a piece of technology has been rigorously tested and verified by Microsoft to meet its compatibility, functionality and user experience standards
DTEN are excited to announce that their D7X 55” Android Edition is officially certified for Microsoft Teams Rooms Phil Ashby, our General Sales Manager, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Microsoft Teams Rooms certification makes the Midwich and Microsoft Teams Rooms partnership even stronger; we look forward to more DTEN solutions becoming Microsoft certified soon ”
This means it can be seamlessly integrated with Microsoft Teams software To quote Wei Liu, DTEN’s founder and CEO, “DTEN is built on the fundamental idea that collaboration should always be natural, immersive and meaningful We are pleased our signature DTEN experience will be available to more users than ever ”
With the Microsoft Teams Rooms certification, DTEN are well-positioned to provide productive and user-friendly collaboration experiences Additionally, DTEN anticipates Microsoft Teams Rooms certification for their D7X 75”, bringing the power of Microsoft Teams Rooms to larger displays
But even the smoothest meeting software is useless without reliable hardware It quickly becomes frustrating and unproductive if participants cannot see or hear each other during a meeting The DTEN D7X boasts upgraded speakers, cameras and microphones designed to minimise background noise and effortlessly capture the entire meeting room
By leveraging powerful, tried-and-tested technology, businesses can embrace the future and enjoy the benefits of online meetings. By maintaining productivity regardless of location, a new realm of flexibility and freedom is unlocked through online collaboration.
For more information on the DTEN Range please get in touch with the UC&C Team:
ucc@midwich.com
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UPGRADING WORKPLACE PRODUCTIVITY WITH UC&C
orkplaces have entered an era of it no longer being essential to work at a single desk, phone or computer screen. As technology is taking enormous leaps, professionals have the freedom to share their skills and pursue new opportunities anywhere in the world.
This leads to an issue for companies having to accommodate the needs of employees who don’t want to be tethered by wires and physical locations� This has resulted in an abundance of fantastic communication tools, that are available as a touch point for any size of business However, with such a surge in advanced communications it can overwhelm workers and IT teams
UC&C combines every modern form of communication into one easily manageable platform
A productive workforce
A way that employees feel more involved with their organisation is through good company communication 86% of employees in the UK state that poor collaboration and communication is the main cause of workplace failure1
UC&C integrated solutions avoid time wasted and improve the business performance with consistent user experience, resulting in fewer mistakes and less stress So, collaboration in general is a lot easier which can make a huge difference to the productivity and wellbeing of teams
Moreover, in larger organisations, 43% of employees already use instant messaging on the job to improve efficiency, enhance team collaboration, and reduce reliance on business emails2 For this reason, there is a demand for UC&C to be integrated with its own mobile applications and tools
1 https://pumble com/learn/communication/communication-statistics/
Innovative hub
An environment that curates an innovative spirit is crucial for businesses around the world When a team knows who is present, they know which skills, perspectives and insights to call upon Driving innovative ideas is the main element that sets businesses apart from the competition
Recent research suggests that employees who are engaged are 87% less likely to leave their organisation3 Thus, a UC&C solution is an ideal way of providing this environment, allowing users from across the business to work together in near real-time
The freedom of an intelligent workplace
Studies show that the link between productivity and wellbeing produces a positive formula between employee satisfaction, superior efficiency and lower staff turnover, equalling higher business profitability4
Therefore, incorporating UC&C into your business enables staff to have the freedom to work efficiently and effectively regardless of their location or the device they are using. When it comes to improving organisations, UC&C is a key part of many digital transformation strategies as it eliminates the complexity of diverse communication solutions and brings employees together.
2 https://www hrdive com/news/poll-43-of-employees-use-instant-messaging-tools-on-the-job/444599/
3 https://pumble com/learn/communication/communication-statistics/#Effective_communication_increases_productivity
4 https://www sciencedirect com/science/article/pii/S0921800921000471
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YOU SAID “OH, NO PROBLEM”
BUT THEY HEARD “OH NO”
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Proprietary Bose transducer technology delivers rich, crystal-clear audio
Elegant low-profile design made possible by renowned Bose engineering Resources, support, and remote management software included
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REVOLUTIONISING COLLABORATION: HOW MIDWICH ADDS VALUE
Pre sales
We consider our customer’s future growth and evolving needs and carefully select the right solution from our extensive and diverse vendor portfolio, with direct access to all vendors Providing a tested and certified solution, from qualified and experienced specialists in both audio and video�
Demo/loan
Our unique demo facility at Innovation House is the largest multi-vendor centre in Europe, supported by our satellite demo centres in Edinburgh and Manchester� We offer in-person and remote demonstrations, so customers get first-hand experiences of our UC&C solutions and their benefits, wherever they are We also offer loan units for on-site demonstrations that can stay on-site for a week’s trial
Finance
We offer credit services designed to suit our trade customer’s needs Our range of various solutions helps your business’s cash flow and budgeting flexibility
Project support
Our team provide support across the entire project lifecycle, from design to delivery With aftercare from our Mi Support services which can give 24/5 support when purchased with the hardware solution
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We empower organisations to improve productivity with a consultative approach and localised support, tailoring our solutions to customers’ needs With our unrivalled expertise and a range of options to support customers at every stage of the buying process, we can help businesses achieve their objectives effectively�
Platform specialists
Our team have dedicated Microsoft and Zoom heads, who bridge the divide between global organisations and our customers This helps them build lasting relationships that benefit both parties
Global offering
With a vast network of offices and distribution channels across the globe, we can cater to the diverse needs of customers worldwide by providing localised support and expertise
Logistics
We have teamed up with the UK’s leading couriers to ensure products reach our customers as intended, regardless of value, size or location With a dedicated ACE team to help deal with your delivery questions�
Mi Services advanced tech support
We offer specialised technical expertise and support to our customers No matter the challenges, we are here to provide prompt and effective technical assistance Our services include 24/5 phone support, gold stock for next-day replacement, and the option to synchronise warranties across all our brands for the same duration�
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Our UC&C business offers comprehensive solutions that integrate various communication and collaboration tools.
COLLABORATION AT WORK & THE IMPORTANCE OF UC&C
ost businesses rely on a long list of hardware, software and other technologies to keep employees productive and aid them in collaborating and communicating with co-workers.
UC&C helps businesses streamline those tools to provide employees with simple, cohesive and reliable systems. When implemented effectively, UC&C tools increase team responsiveness and employee satisfaction.
Task management
Task management can be considered one of the most critical purposes of UC&C, having this function available on any platform enables employees and teams to track the progress of the entire lifecycle of tasks and projects from planning and creation through to execution and implementation This creates a touchpoint, so co-workers immediately know how far along tasks are
In a recent study, 80% of those who rated their productivity highly said they have the right technology and tools for the job1 This proves UC&C tools are useful for a productive and successful workflow�
Remote team collaboration
Near extinct are the days of completely in-person meetings An increasing number of employees are interested in flexible working, and a solid UC&C platform helps facilitate the feeling of being in the same room as your team even if you’re hundreds of miles away
The next generation of employees will expect to use video for communication and collaboration, 62% of them already use video technology to share information in their daily
lives2 Fortunately, video conferencing is a must-have for many UC&C solution systems to include in their plans To go from text to video in only a single button press is a very attractive and seamless way of working for employees
Increase team responsiveness
Businesses that support remote work tend to have more responsive and engaged employees than in-office configurations Recent research suggests that 60% of employees cite mobile technology as a major contributor to their increased productivity3
As people become more reliant on technology; especially when it comes to mobile devices, there is an increasing demand for UC&C solutions to flexibly adapt so they can be used on a wide range of devices, allowing productivity to continue Employees can simply sign into their preferred device from any location alerting colleagues to their presence and availability Moreover, when using UC&C tools to manage tasks and communications employees can respond and complete deliverables from anywhere
Streamlined processes
UC&C technologies save time and facilitate staff productivity. Giving everyone the ability to connect to each other as readily as possible. A unified workforce makes teams more efficient and effective.
The knowledge of how technology can bring people closer within the office, rather than replace employees is key to how we can understand the future of UC&C solutions and the benefits they can have on productivity. 1
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ed-world-technology-report/2012-CCWTR-Chapter1-Global-Results pdf 3
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https://www telegraph co uk/business/future-technologies/creat-
2 https://www cisco com/c/dam/en/us/solutions/enterprise/connect-
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For businesses and schools looking to add video conferencing to their meeting and learning spaces, Solstice Conference adds agnostic conferencing support to any room to allow meeting hosts to use their conferencing service of choice.
How it Works
By wirelessly connecting users’ laptops and conferencing apps to the room display and audio/video peripherals, Solstice Conference delivers a new class of Bring Your Own Meeting (BYOM) room system that reduces the cost and complexity of deploying video conferencing to new spaces and enhances traditional conferencing with rich content sharing. And with a one-step start regardless of conferencing service, Solstice provides a consistent and easy way to begin every meeting.
Key Capabilities
Agnostic room conferencing connects Zoom, Teams, and other conferencing apps running on users’ laptops to the room technology, providing seamless support for all major conferencing platforms without vendor lock-in.
One-step start delivers the convenience of a traditional room system with the flexibility to use the conferencing service of choice. Solstice allows users to launch and connect the web conference to the room in a single step from their own laptop device.
Wireless connectivity of user devices to the room display and room peripherals offers a completely touchless meeting experience where users engage and control the room technology from their own devices.
Rich content sharing enhances traditional conferencing and improves the collaboration experience between onsite and remote participants, allowing multiple participants to share, control, and markup content.
A new class of room system that enhances video conferencing with rich content sharing.
1. Enter a 4-digit PIN and Solstice automatically starts any scheduled conference.
2. The room display, camera, and audio are wirelessly connected to the conference. meetings.
4. Remote participants view everything happening on the room display.
Reach out to your account manager for a demo
Request a Demo
Spotify brought you the latest music as a service. Netflix brought you entertainment as a service. If you’d like the latest technology with access to unrivalled expertise, Midwich has the answer with Mi Services. Mi Services: Mi Finance, Mi Support, and Mi Workplace. Works like any subscription service, giving you access to phone support 24/5 with real people that can help to keep your solutions working. visit miglobalservices.com What’s not to love? Midwich brings you technology as a service. Midwich has the answer with Mi Services
OUR EXPERIENCE CENTRES.
Midwich is in an extraordinary position to offer our customers the fantastic opportunity to get hands-on with technology and see first-hand how it can benefit them.
AV Hub, Edinburgh
A destination for the AV community to host, demonstrate and educate It’s essential to see and touch technology so we can understand, connect and revolutionise customer experiences That’s why we’re so passionate about making this space as accessible and valuable as possible
Nimans Centre, Manchester
A truly flexible space to use for whatever you need With a showroom, presentation suite and multiple displays, the Nimans Centre is well-equipped for anything from showcases to presentations
Innovation House, Bracknell
Your technology playground Innovation House is home to the UK’s largest multi-brand experience centre, showcasing the latest AV solutions from over 60 leading brands, across 15 application zones
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our full terms and conditions, a copy of which is available upon request. All trademarks are the property of their respective manufacturers. E&OE. Your calls may be recorded for training or demonstration purposes. Copyright © Midwich Ltd 2023, Vinces Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4YT. B279-Q223-DT ucc@midwich.com | microsoft@midwich.com | zoom@midwich.com
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