Sometimes the lines between consumer products and enterprise tech are blurred. Devices like tablets, laptops, (VR) headsets and screens can be designed to be suitable for consumers, but can also be used in for very professional events and projects.
This can give the impression that the technology is ‘basic’, or not ‘cutting-edge’ – but many of these ‘consumer’ products are the latest models, and what distinguishes their use in enterprise settings is often the number of devices, their connection, the professional know-how allowing customisation in deployment, specialised accessories, and purpose-built software allowing these devices to deliver professional experiences.
Some examples of the Convergence of Consumer and Enterprise Tech
Leading manufacturers frequently market products that straddle both realms. For instance:
- iPads are marketed as versatile personal devices for leisure and light productivity. Yet, in enterprise contexts, when tens, hundreds or thousands of these devices are used together – they become robust tools for group training, customer engagement, customer feedback, or live polling. This is often supported through Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, pre-loaded event content, QR/Barcode scanning apps, or polling software.
- Digital Screens, originally developed for home entertainment, are now widely used in corporate events. When combined with wheeled stands, correct cabling, switches and splitters. Hundreds of screens can be installed safely and controlled from afar. Some models with higher contrast and brightness ratings are critical for outdoor usage, ensuring visibility even in event spotlights, or direct sunlight. Many work with digital signage software allowing content to remotely manageable and updatable.
- Virtual Reality devices – many of the devices used in enterprise training sessions will be the same hardware as under the Christmas Tree as gifts in consumer households, but again device management software / mirroring, and professional training content, along with a safe and well laid-out venue can change a fun/gaming VR experience, into a valuable ineractive, recorded training scenario managed for multiple attendees.
The dual-purpose evolution of these products benefits both consumers and companies, but leveraging these tools in professional settings requires the added layer of expertise.
Elevating Tech for Enterprise Use – Accessories & Expertise!
As above, Hire Intelligence professionals don’t just use the consumer gadgets as they come, we enhance them with configurations, software, tools, and accessories to meet specific needs.
Some examples of the other assets & accessories which help us to take hardware to professional level.
- Wireless HDMI transmitters reduce cabling clutter while enabling real-time connectivity across stages or venues.
- HDMI extenders: When source to screen is more than 20m, and there is no ‘line of sight’.
- Tools like AIRSERVER enable effortless device-screen mirroring for interactive sessions.
- Mobile and Motorised lifters for largest screens: Supporting large scale visuals to be temporary and mobile for short-term events. Wheel in / Wheel out!
- USB Mixing desks: Giving control of multiple sound inputs.
- Media Players and Mini PCs: Making customised content available for each screen in a neat package.
- Stream Switchers: Giving flexibility and control of what is shown on each screen or on any stream.
- Wide range of rotatable angled stands & mounts!
- Install Kits (Cables / Tape / Trolleys / Extension Cables / Tools)!
- Docking Stations, Adaptors and more adaptors!
- BenchSpace!
- Vehicles, and Trusted Couriers!
The Role of Professional Knowledge & Why it Matters…
While consumer devices are user-friendly by design, using them to enterprise settings often requires the above customisations, ability to cope with scale, and software and accessories.
The technology assets are tools—whether a simple tablet or a state-of-the-art digital screen. How these assets are used, is often linked to the expertise and experience behind them.
By leveraging professional knowledge, experience, capability, accessories, and enterprise-grade software, organizations can extract maximum value from any tech, even if it looks very similar to ‘consumer-grade’.
Whether you’re planning an event, a project, or a training course – you might be wondering if you need specialist tech, or whether you can you use assets you’re familiar with? Well, with a little help (from technology rental experts) using tech you know might well be both possible and powerful.
