In a context where hybrid working has become commonplace, companies need to rethink their workspaces to facilitate collaboration between teams and give management the means to steer the company's activity. Microsoft Teams Rooms (MTRs) are a good way of achieving this. However, the acquisition and installation of the equipment required for their deployment represents a considerable expense for the company. How can you make the most of such an investment?

The equipment required includes cameras, loudspeakers, microphones and controllers, not to mention the specific network equipment needed to connect the room. All this equipment quickly proves expensive, especially when several rooms are set up on several sites, and in some cases the sums spent can run into the hundreds of thousands of euros. To justify such budgets, and to optimize return on investment, it's imperative that rooms offer the best possible performance.

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Optimizing Microsoft Teams rooms for added value

Although the use cases for Microsoft Teams may vary from user to user, everyone needs it to work. Global availability of the communications platform and optimum call quality are therefore essential if users are to reap the full benefits. And let's not forget that in a tense exchange, either internally or with a customer, poor communication quality can only contribute to aggravating a problem.

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In 2023, all companies are looking to encourage their employees to return to the office. Ensuring that Microsoft Teams rooms are running as smoothly as possible will, on the one hand, offer more value to staff who are physically present to take part in hybrid or face-to-face meetings, and, on the other hand, offer teleworkers the convenience of using them to compensate for their physical absence.

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To achieve this, it is necessary to have the means to monitor equipment usage and quality levels, and the ability to diagnose problems as they arise. Ideally, IT teams should be able to proactively identify and remedy problems likely to affect a number of different rooms, equipment or users.

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Specially designed platforms, such as Martello Vantage DX, are the best way to monitor and control Microsoft Teams meeting rooms.

Mastering a piece of equipment and its performance makes it possible to set standards defining which type of equipment to use with which application, and to apply them elsewhere in the company. Indeed, while many third-party devices integrate seamlessly with Microsoft Teams, some may be better suited to the company's business than others. By rationalizing the equipment/user/location combination, the initial investment made in Microsoft Teams equipment and rooms can thus contribute to improving other areas of the business.

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The aim is to help every user

Enhancing the value of Microsoft Teams rooms isn't just a question of focusing on the use made of them by staff. Internal and external VIPs also need them to work seamlessly, enabling the company to project an image of professionalism in all circumstances.

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Suppose a board of directors organizes a meeting combining face-to-face and distance learning. All members must be able to participate in the best possible conditions. Their time is precious, and given the investment involved, poor audio or video quality simply won't be tolerated. In fact, what IT teams often dread is receiving a complaint from a member of the management committee. And for good reason. VIPs exert enormous influence, so it's always best to keep them happy.

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Ultimately, focusing on the employee experience increases the adoption rate of videoconferencing and helps justify the investment made in various hardware and software. It's like developing a feedback loop whereby performance excellence encourages the use of Microsoft Teams meeting rooms. And to achieve this, you need a tool to manage and optimize the use of Microsoft Teams rooms, focusing on the experience of all users. That's what Martello Vantage DX was designed to do.

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