Feb. 16, 2021 - The nature of AV is evolving. And the changing landscape is getting even more complex as hybrid work, real-time data access and remote collaboration become the standard. In a recent interview with AVNetwork, we shared our vision on a unified hardware-software-services proposition and agile portfolio to navigate the changing markets.

The migration to software-driven applications and cloud-based services

The global IT SaaS (software-as-a-service) market continues to soar and is expected to hit $436.9 billion by 2025. In the last decade, this trend has progressed to the proAV industry which is steadily marching along a similar software-reliant trajectory.

And the rapid shift to remote teaching, learning, and working during Covid-19 underscored the need for intuitive software and managed services even more. The new world asks for a unified, data-driven approach to ProAV software, hardware, and services.

In a high-end meeting room, for instance, clients want much more than a standard video setup. Now, it’s about creating—and maintaining—truly multifunctional solutions that unite on-site and remote workers. Clients are demanding versatile tools with access to the cloud, collaboration software, and video conferencing apps.

The holy trinity: an integrated portfolio of hardware, software and services

In 2019, Barco first mentioned the ambition to step up our service portfolio and sharpened the software capabilities. Since then, we have transformed from a market-leading hardware company to a full solutions partner leveraging the combination of innovative hardware with premium software and a service offering.

From our hybrid classroom solution to the different remote collaboration platforms, we invest in forward-looking solutions that support the future way of working for all our customers. Some examples:

• With new software solutions such as NexxisCare and NexxisLive, we have now started building up a portfolio of SaaS building blocks that makes it easier to remotely manage ORs and to involve the necessary people, wherever they are.
• With ClickShare Conference, our wireless conferencing system, and the accompanying ClickShare Desktop App you easily turn any space into a hybrid meeting space connecting all participants, in-room or remote, in a matter of seconds. 
• The new Management Suites for projectors and video walls offer an IoT platform to monitor, diagnose and control your fleet from one central location. The cloud-based solution facilitates stress-free administration and easier remote serviceability.

In addition, in 2021, we revised our services framework — Enable, Protect, Optimize —bringing our AV solutions together with support and managed services in a consultative approach. With installation support at initial setup to 24/7 assistance and remote cloud-based management, Barco services are supporting customers, end-to-end, start to finish.

This integrated hardware+software+services proposition forms the foundation for a resilient offering that enables great end-user experiences while ensuring peace-of-mind at the best possible cost of ownership.