Let’s talk scale. AV networks tend to expand over time, whether they’re in a small office or a corporate campus. An installation rarely reaches its final form during the first deployment. In most cases, integrators start with a small-scale deployment that grows over time. Technologies and business needs shift, requiring updates as new devices are added or older ones become obsolete. However, as the system expands, so does its complexity. That’s why scalability is such a critical, if sometimes overlooked, component of long-term viability.

Adapting an existing installation to expand its capabilities and incorporate additional devices may seem daunting; the more resources a deployment requires, the more departments become involved, increasing the scope immensely. For example, many installations start small, incorporating perhaps a dozen Dante devices to support a facility’s Unified Communications needs and determine whether Dante is a good fit for the organization’s long-term AV needs. Once a customer is ready to scale up to a larger installation with advanced capabilities, we’ll recommend incorporating software tools such as Dante Domain Manager to facilitate more complex use cases.

Reassurance for Risk-Averse IT Departments

Because AV devices are typically incorporated into a facility’s broader network, IT decision-makers play a major role. Chief Internet Security Officers (CISOs) and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) are understandably protective of their networks and can be hesitant to allow new devices to be added. They’re an inherently risk-averse group of people. It’s no surprise, considering these dedicated professionals are responsible for safeguarding sensitive data, from personally identifiable information (PII) to proprietary financial records, housed on their corporate servers. They want to understand as much as they can about any devices being added to their network.

When it comes to network traffic, multicast and real-time media streaming network traffic are one of the primary concerns keeping IT professionals up at night. Dante devices depend on network configuration that allows multicast traffic. Getting approval is key, so how can AV integrators bridge that gap and reassure these decisionmakers that networked AV devices don’t present a threat? Start by building positive relationships with the IT team from the beginning.

Blueprint for Success

Another factor that can help your installations expand as needed: having a blueprint for future growth mapped out from the beginning. That’s where Dante Professional Services can help. Our dedicated team of engineers will work with you to plan for all stages and contingencies, including providing answers and reassurances along the way. This blueprint serves as an outline for anticipated future growth, incorporating both the customer’s longer-term goals as well as our insights into upcoming technologies.

We often compare this level of scalability to a multi-phase construction project that starts with a single building and will expand over time to become a full complex of several interconnected buildings. We can help you anticipate future bandwidth requirements, PoE budgets, planning for an expanded PTP architecture and more.

We’ll help you strategize for all phases of the plan, enabling you to revisit your AV infrastructure months or years down the line with an already agreed-upon scope of work. It also provides an easy reference point that can help with budgeting and planning.

Every customer expects their technology to work as intended and network uptime to remain high. Trust is at the center of those expectations. Dante users are conducting business-critical operations throughout the day, from livestreamed training courses to corporate all-hands meetings that are broadcast to geographically dispersed teams, to keynote speeches at large-scale events. That’s why we’re so committed to providing hands-on support throughout the spec and installation process, as well as ongoing guidance as the scope expands.

Whether you’re in the planning stages for a deployment on a new corporate campus or expanding an existing installation, our Dante Professional Services team is ready to share their decades of AV industry expertise to ensure your project meets your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more about available Dante Professional Services options.