Boom Collaboration says demand for Bring Your Own Device deployments is increasing in 2024, marking a reverse in recent trends.
This sees a shift towards a return to BYOD deployments and a reduction in the use of video conferencing alternative solutions.
In recent years, the pandemic created a preference for remote and hybrid systems, and a greater use of BYOD devices and rooms. Boom says this return to BYOD deployments is mirrored by more general industry analysis.
Boom co-founder Holli Hulett explained: “After the pandemic, organisations began to develop longer term strategies where in-room roll-outs such as Teams or Zoom were more popular, offering benefits such as fewer IT and security issues.
“First we had working from home trends and then a wider return to the office. More people back in the office means more video calls across more rooms and devices. Dedicated in-room technology has limitations. BYOD is more practical and a better fit.”
Hulett reports a spike in BYOD demand, adding: “The use of individual devices is taking over. BYOD offers benefits such as plug-and-play simplicity, lower costs and a platform agnostic approach.”
The percentage of BYOD rooms versus in-room systems has been shifting over the last 12 months, in an ever-changing workplace, agrees fellow company founder Fredrik Hörnkvist. “BYOD setups - where users bring their laptops or mobile devices to connect to the room's AV system - have seen a rise, as hybrid and flexible work models became more common.
“As companies adapted to remote and hybrid working models during the pandemic, the demand for BYOD rooms surged.”
Many businesses are now opting for flexible, cost-effective solutions. “The pandemic created a shift towards plug-and-play systems, where users wanted to use their own devices without relying on permanent room systems.
“Demand for BYOD rooms is expected to continue growing, especially for smaller huddle rooms and mid-sized meeting spaces. In-room systems will be more limited to boardrooms and presentations within enterprises.”
He emphasised: “The flexibility and lower cost of BYOD solutions make them attractive especially for SMBs embracing hybrid work. They offer more reseller opportunities compared to fully-fledged room systems.”
Hulett concluded: “There’s no doubt BYOD is back on top and generally packs a bigger punch in the majority of environments.”