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At InfoComm 2015, Microsoft® and AMX®, a HARMAN Professional brand, announced that they have entered into a partnership to integrate Microsoft's Surface™ Hub collaboration system with industry-leading solutions from AMX for controlling and managing collaboration technologies in conference rooms, boardrooms, classrooms and other environments. With over 30 years of industry leadership developing AV control and management technology, AMX has a deep understanding of how to integrate purpose-built collaboration systems like Surface Hub with other AV and IT systems that span an enterprise.
Microsoft Surface Hub is a collaboration system that features a Windows® 10-based 55" HD or 84" 4K display serving as a focal point for typical activities that take place during a collaboration session. Surface Hub leverages its large display to deliver applications for white boarding, content sharing and presenting, as well as running conferencing applications like Skype® or Lync® to easily incorporate remote participants into the meeting. Surface Hub also includes advanced multi-touch and multi-pen capabilities that recognize up to 100 touch points with precision, allowing natural human interaction with the display for white boarding, free-flow ink drawing and execution of apps.
AMX technology simplifies the meeting experience with technologies that control the meeting environment and integrate that environment with an organization's IT infrastructure. AMX solutions include user interfaces for managing the room technology, switching and control systems for distributing audio and video content during meetings, digital signage systems for distributing information throughout an enterprise; and software solutions that simplify the configuration, monitoring and maintenance of AV systems. While Surface Hub is uniquely designed to simplify and streamline activities that take place during a meeting, AMX intends to incorporate Surface Hub into a unified platform that simplifies activities for organizations before, during and after the meeting.
Long before the first meeting takes place, the various components of the collaboration technology need to be configured or programmed to work seamlessly together. To that end, AMX is incorporating Surface Hub into its popular Rapid Project Maker (RPM) software, thereby eliminating the need for integrators to undertake expensive custom programming in rooms with Surface Hub. Using RPM, customers can easily set up these new rooms to be monitored and maintained in real time over the IT network with AMX's Resource Management Suite (RMS) software.
Before people start to use the rooms for meetings, they will need a system for locating and booking available conference rooms. By integrating Surface hub with RMS, organizations can augment Surface Hub's native calendaring and scheduling functions by placing scheduling panels directly outside the room, thereby allowing employees to instantly locate and reserve an available meeting space. RMS will also enable IT organizations to remotely monitor equipment usage, troubleshoot performance issues and remotely power down equipment in order to save energy.
To simplify activities during the meeting, AMX integrates Surface Hub with its proven systems for connecting and managing disparate devices right from the conference table. With AMX HydraPort® Architectural Connectivity, users can connect devices like Surface 3 laptops to retractable cable modules at the table and easily interact with the Surface Hub.
"We are delighted to partner with an established AV leader like AMX to expand Microsoft's vision of Surface Hub as a key element in a fully integrated meeting ecosystem," said Mike Angiulo, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Devices. "By leveraging AMX's key technologies for controlling, managing and configuring meeting room systems, Microsoft now has access to a much broader portfolio of capabilities for Surface Hub."
"The partnership between AMX and Microsoft is an ideal one," said Rashid Skaf, President, AMX. "Microsoft brings to the table an amazing collaboration environment in Surface Hub, while AMX leverages its 30 years of experience to build a unified meeting environment that adds incredible value to both companies."
Additional Details
For more details please visit AMX in the HARMAN Professional Booth #2218 and for Microsoft details, please visit Booth #1079 at InfoComm 2015
About AMX by HARMAN
Founded in 1982 and acquired by HARMAN in 2014, AMX® (amx.com) is dedicated to integrating AV solutions for an IT World. AMX solves the complexity of managing technology with reliable, consistent and scalable systems comprising control and automation, system-wide switching and AV signal distribution, digital signage and technology management. AMX systems are deployed worldwide in conference rooms, homes, classrooms, network operation/command centers, hotels, entertainment venues and broadcast facilities, among others.
About HARMAN
HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for consumers, automakers, and enterprises worldwide, including audio, visual and infotainment systems; enterprise automation solutions; and software services. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. HARMAN also is a technology and integration services leader for the Automotive, Mobile, Telecommunications and Enterprise markets. More than 25 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems. The Company's software solutions power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated, personalized, adaptive and secure across all platforms, from the work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 25,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia and reported sales of $5.9 billion during the last 12 months ended March 31, 2015.
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