By Mike Melikyan, Access Networks Director of Network Engineering
Several factors present greater opportunities for systems integrators to strengthen their foothold in the commercial market. Corporations are calling employees back to the office with promises of more comfortable, efficient work environments, hospitality establishments are integrating new connected technologies to attract and retain patrons, entertainment venues are enriching experiences by feeding curated information to customers via the cloud, and owners of MDUs are increasing sales and social engagement among residents by building interactive communal spaces.
A wide range of technologies will help bring these experiences to fruition, the most vital being a reliable, stable enterprise-grade Wi-Fi network that’s been professionally designed, installed, and configured. A standard off-the-shelf networking system simply can’t enable seamless interoperability of the myriad devices—distributed audio and video, automated lighting and thermostats, controllable shading and more—becoming increasingly commonplace in commercial environments. Nor can a basic networking system ensure ample bandwidth, speed, and coverage to maintain optimal efficiency, productivity, and exceptional user experiences in diverse commercial applications.
It’s a situation reminiscent of the difficulties felt by families during the pandemic. They quickly realized the limitations of their existing networks as they struggled to work, learn, and entertain efficiently and reliably at home and were eager to explore better options. Integrators rose to the challenge and met those needs by working creatively to specify, design, configure and deploy more robust networking foundations to support the bandwidth requirements of tech-savvy users. The new systems are designed to offer enterprise-grade coverage, speed, and reliability to keep multiple users connected and devices performing optimally.
This was a pivotal moment for the custom integration channel. The industry had matured to a point where there was little difference in the networking needs and expectations of residential and commercial customers.
Now it’s time to turn our focus to commercial settings, where the adoption of sophisticated AV, lighting and automation technologies is growing and advanced networking solutions are the linchpin. Why not optimize the performance of the technologies you may already offer commercial clients with the addition of an enterprise-grade networking solution designed and engineered for large-scale connectivity, cybersecurity, and customization? The timing is right and many networking solutions have easily transitioned from residential to commercial environments.
Dealers and integrators should rely on the manufacturers and distributors they work with for commercial endeavors through focused business strategies, marketing and sales initiatives, and dedicated tech and design support.
For example, now as a combined business, Snap One and ADI are able to offer even stronger support to customers and enable more commercial work that may have been rejected in the past due to perceived limitations, but is now an option with the backing of an enterprise-grade network. With a few adjustments, the same solutions that have been deployed in residential projects for many years are prepared to handle the rigors of even larger, more complex networking requirements in commercial settings.
You’ve likely only brushed the surface of what an enterprise-grade networking system can do in residential settings. By expanding into commercial sectors, integrators can open the throttle and see what’s possible and tackle the unique networking challenges of commercial projects with ease and confidence. Here are three key areas that an enterprise-level networking system is able to address:
- The biggest elephant in the room when discussing networks with commercial customers is security. With so many users accessing incredible amounts of sensitive data, cybersecurity risks are incredibly high and all it takes is one employee or patron to open a malicious link and the entire organization is compromised. Consequently, the responsibility falls on the networking system. Manufacturers and integrators need to work together closely to select the right products and design systems that meet the end users’ needs when it comes to safety and security.
- Scalability is another key consideration. Many end users want systems that can easily be expanded through the addition of new hardware, firmware, as well as service, and can be scaled and customized to the size and scope of any commercial project, be it a large corporation or a boutique hotel. Dedicated VPNs and ISPs can be assigned and appropriate network security and prioritization protocols commissioned, based on the specific needs of the commercial client. Systems are designed for long-term viability, so the networking system can be modified as the needs of the commercial customer change.
- Finally, looking beyond manufacturing enterprise-grade home networking equipment, the design, customization, installation, and management of the system is critical. To ensure strong, even Wi-Fi coverage, impenetrable network security, and ongoing system maintenance and customer service, systems need to have comprehensive remote monitoring and remediation set up to mitigate costly downtime for businesses.
Differentiation and market expansion have always been the lifeblood of the custom integration channel and manufacturers are continuing to see huge potential in the commercial sector. Additionally, integrators should work closely with their manufacturers and dealers to understand the latest products and solutions available to assist them as they break into new markets.
