Insights from Yealink: The Opportunity 3 Years Later

Can you believe it has almost been 3 years since people started planning the return to the office following the pandemic? I know what you’re thinking: not this topic again! But  it’s important. The 3-year mark signifies the expiration of hardware warranties and licencing contracts purchased at that time, so it’s time for businesses to consider their next move.

We caught up with Benjamin Guo from Yealink to find out whether there is a real opportunity here, especially given the current economic climate of the country. Here’s what he had to say…

Q: Ben, do you think there is actually a need for organisations to upgrade their kit, even though it was new 3 years ago?

“We wouldn’t put an expiry date on hardware – our products are more reliable than that. However, if your customers care about the latest and greatest technology and features, then now is the time to review their next move. From what we understand, Microsoft is looking to upgrade the Microsoft Teams Rooms Pro licence to incorporate AI-powered Audio Video functions, Co-pilot and an update to Windows 11. There will be certain devices which cannot benefit from this update.”

Q: Why is that important?

“The updates from Microsoft and Windows, coupled with new devices, will enhance meetings through AI functionalities. Acquiring the Pro license benefits businesses in two ways:

1. Enhanced device management: With the MTR Pro license, businesses can leverage remote management features in a hybrid work environment. Device analytics can identify gaps to enhance collaboration.
2. Improved in-room experience: The acquisition of the MTR Pro license offers enhanced features, including intelligent video and audio capabilities such as Front Row, IntelliFrame, large galleries, and spatial audio. This provides an experience akin to face-to-face collaboration, especially for remote participants. Additionally, Co-pilot can assist in handling basic tasks such as generating meeting memos or summarising meetings, streamlining internal workflows and collaboration efforts. Overall, these new devices are an investment in productivity. Enabling users to access the update of Microsoft Co-pilot can improve efficiency, quality, and creativity.”

Q: What is the alternative option for those who aren’t prioritising the latest and greatest equipment?

“I would suggest ensuring they have an up-to-date remote management tool at the least. Some devices should already have it, but if they don’t, businesses should look for one. This will help manage your device’s health and usage and save costs for engineers going to the site.”

Q: How do you think the restricted budget of end-user organisations will affect their next move? Is there actually any opportunity for upsell/switch-sell hardware?

“As we all know, the EU economy isn’t in a great position at the moment, but we have seen projects pick up. I have been speaking to partners, and they seem optimistic about new opportunities. However, to help increase this opportunity, we have recently released our trade-in program, allowing end-users to trade in their old devices for a discount on one of the new devices to support all new MTR features.”

So, there we have it, the opinions from a leading vendor with one of the largest Microsoft Teams portfolios. It’s time to start teeing up these conversations with your customers and ensure you’re at the forefront of their next decision.

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