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SKC COMMUNICATIONS’ TECHNOLOGY SUMMIT PRESENTED THE FUTURE OF COMMUNICATION IN BUSINESSES
More than 600 technology experts converge in Kansas City to discuss the latest unified
communication trends in businesses, health care and education
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – SKC Communications hosted its annual U-Collaborate Smart Communications Technology Summit Aug. 3 showcasing the latest unified communications and collaboration technologies including videoconferencing, video sharing, voice solutions, web conferencing, and custom audio/visual integration. The conference was designed to provide the very latest information to a variety of industries so that they stay educated on the latest advances in communication technology.
The Summit, now in its fourth year, brought together more than 600 technology professionals from around the country to learn about the newest technology from industry leaders such as Cisco, Polycom, Avaya, Microsoft and Plantronics. The Summit consists of manufacturer exhibits, educational breakout sessions, keynote presentations, and peer-to-peer collaboration.
SKC’s tradition of esteemed keynote speakers remained the highlight of the Summit this year. Speakers included:
• Marthin De Beer, SVP Emerging Business Group, Cisco
• Ken Kannappan, CEO, Plantronics
• Phil Edholm, VP Technology Strategy & Innovation, Avaya
• Brad Johnston, President, Polycom Americas
• Andrew Davis, Senior Partner and Co-Founder, Wainhouse Research
At least three trends were identified during the speakers’ presentations and the exhibiting manufacturers trade show that organizations should consider as critical for communications technology leadership in the coming months.
First, video communication is here to stay
“Video is happening and it’s happening today,” said Marthin De Beer. “Soon you’ll visit your physicians in person less, and consult them by video more. The same goes for your lawyer, your accountant and even your yoga instructor.”
Summit speakers emphasized the ease at which Corporate America is already accessing video on the Internet. Now the challenges are archiving for quick retrieval, instant search systems, sharing, training and executive broadcasts.
“Video is allowing our workforces to connect and learn like we haven’t seen before. As the new ‘Skype generation’ enters the workforce, they will demand tools that allow them to connect to anyone at anytime,” said De Beer.
Second, keeping your mobile workforces connected
The time when employees worked mostly from offices and cubicles is nearly gone. Companies can be confident as employees work from home, in remote office locations, and on the road that they will remain accessible and connected.
“This new workforce model needs technology solutions that keep them connected wherever they are, and wherever business is happening. Imagine someone calls your desk phone with an important question, but you’re driving to a client meeting; based on your indicated “presence” status, the call is automatically rerouted to your cell phone - without the caller ever even knowing. Or imagine a video solution that allows you to join your management meeting face-to-face while you’re waiting for your flight at the airport. No one misses a beat. Today’s communication technology keeps workers accessible and productive, which means faster decisions and lower operating costs,” said Ken Kannappan, CEO, Plantronics.
Third, keep it simple
“If the experience isn’t easy, workers won’t adopt the technology,” said De Beer.
What average office associate or hospital nurse knows how to set up a video conference? Today’s technology integrators are companies like SKC Communications. It is their goal to design solutions that create a simple experience for the user, such as replacing complicated remote controls with intuitive touch panels and simple interfaces.
“Employees get excited about the benefits of the technology when it’s simple to use and they are confident in their everyday use,” said Tray Vedock, president and CEO of SKC.
“Building integrated solutions and bringing clients, manufacturers, and our experts together at a Summit of this magnitude is what makes SKC unique. We are enthusiastic about the capabilities of communication technology and excited about bringing together the pieces that make the processes work for our customers.”
About SKC Communications
Founded in 1986 as a Plantronics headset distributor, SKC has grown to become a full-service communications technology integrator specializing in Unified Communication and Collaboration technologies such as videoconferencing and telepresence, voice solutions, and custom A/V integration. SKC provides technology solutions that enable its clients to better collaborate, communicate and connect with their key stakeholders - any time and any place. SKC focuses on ensuring you have the right communications technology to achieve your business goals now and in the future. Visit SKC's website at www.skccom.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. |