Selecting any new system, tool or platform to integrate into your organization—especially something that all of your colleagues will use—is a big decision. You have many people to satisfy, including those paying for the system and those actually using it. More features, less money: it’s always a compromise.
There are a few things you shouldn’t compromise on when it comes to choosing a wireless presentation system, though. Simply ask yourself and the providers these five questions (and maybe a few more) during your search.
1. Is This Wireless Presentation System Secure?
If you’re still relying on VGA connectors, you may find all those new features in a wireless presentation system tempting—until you realize that security has taken a back seat.
You’re entrusting the information of your organization and staff to a third party, and you should feel secure that the solution won’t end up causing a new problem.
Some will simply shy away from wireless systems, claiming that new technology will always come with people who would try to exploit it, but there are also providers that stay one step ahead. When evaluating different wireless presentation systems, don’t just ask them if the system is secure—ask them how they ensure security.
Want to know more about wireless presentation system security? Ask these questions:
- Does it comply with my company’s security policy?
- Is network traffic between user devices and the wireless sharing system encrypted?
- What security testing do you perform and how regularly?
Of course, there’s more to security. Whatever provider you choose should be able to outline every security feature of the wireless presentation system.
2. Does This Wireless Presentation System Just Replace A Cable?
When you use a cable to connect your laptop or other device to a larger display, you’re simply mirroring your screen without any additional functionality. If there aren’t any other features, you’re paying for the absence of a cable.
A wireless presentation system should provide a better meeting experience. Screen mirroring is just one of many features, as these systems are intended to be a collaborative tool fundamental to the meeting.
Record must-have features for a new system, and make sure that you also note the pain points of the current one in use. But don’t fall into the trap of thinking only about your own experiences or your peers. Staff in a different role or department may have needs for a wireless presentation system beyond your use case.
Want to know more about wireless presentation system features? Ask these questions:
- Does this wireless presentation system allow markup and annotation?
- How many users can share content at a time on one display?
- How do remote users participate in a meeting?
- Can you provide a list of features and give an example of how they would be used?
There are tons of other questions to ask. Since these systems often have similar practical wireless sharing features that can be used to compare one against the other.
3. Is the Wireless Presentation System Scalable and Futureproof?
As technology evolves and your organization grows, the technology you adopt must be able to evolve and grow along with it. Wireless sharing systems that require multiple pieces of hardware for each meeting participant, for example, are neither scalable nor futureproof. The hardware may break, go missing, become too expensive to deploy, or simply become obsolete.
Want to know more about scalability? Ask these questions:
- What kind of hardware is required for this wireless presentation system?
- How are new features and updates deployed?
4. What Devices Can I Use With This Wireless Presentation System?
A majority of businesses support or plan to support bring your own device (BYOD). Allowing employees to use their own devices at work, however, has led to a frustrating problem: the lack of compatibility.
It’s more than whether or not your coworkers use a Mac or a PC—a wireless sharing system that truly supports BYOD allows all types of smartphones, tablets, and mobile devices to interact with any type of display.
Want to know more about BYOD and wireless sharing systems? Ask these questions:
- What personal devices does this system work with?
- What personal devices does it not work with?
- Does it support other screen mirroring technologies such as AirPlay and Miracast?
- Does it allow third-party integrations?
Some wireless presentation systems also feature digital signage capabilities that extend its use outside active meetings.
5. Does the Wireless Presentation System Offer Value Outside of Meetings?
As mentioned, a wireless presentation system should be fundamental to meetings, but it should also be fundamental outside of them. According to the State of Meetings report compiled by Swiss online scheduler Doodle, professionals waste two hours in “pointless” meetings each week—which translates to wasted money.
Want to know more about the value of wireless presentation systems? Ask Mersive all these questions—and more.
