Kramer Enhances University of Helsinki’s Video Conferencing and Content Sharing Capabilities

Helsinki, Finland – The University of Helsinki has upgraded its educational technology infrastructure by implementing Kramer’s advanced VIA Site Management system. This enhancement aims to provide a more engaging, versatile, and secure learning environment for both in-person and remote students and faculty members.

Established in 1640, the University of Helsinki is Finland’s oldest and largest academic institution. With 31,000 students and nearly 10,000 employees, the university encompasses 11 faculties across four campuses in Helsinki and 10 partner locations globally. Consistently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide, the institution continues to excel in academic and technological innovation.

Modernizing Educational Technology

To maintain its high standards, the University of Helsinki needed a wireless presentation solution to eliminate cable clutter and offer flexible presentation methods. After careful consideration, the university selected Kramer’s collaboration technology, specifically the VIA system, to enhance meeting experiences for both students and lecturers.

The Kramer VIA system provides full BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and BYOM (Bring Your Own Meeting) flexibility, allowing for seamless video conferencing and collaborative content sharing. By operating on a closed network, the system eliminates the need for complex cabling, ensuring a tidy and secure learning environment.

Addressing Security Concerns

Security was a critical factor in choosing Kramer, as Jyri Poittinen, Head of AV Services at University of Helsinki Property Services, explains: “We had previously used a competitor’s wireless presentation solution, but it operated on an open network and faced approximately 200 security attacks daily.” These security breaches posed significant risks and frustration for the IT department.

The university sought a secure, cable-free meeting experience that could be accessed from various platforms and locations. Kramer’s VIA Site Management (VSM) software provided the perfect solution, enabling administrators to manage, monitor, and update all connected VIA gateways and endpoints efficiently.

Jyri highlights the convenience and security of the VIA system: “Kramer’s VIA is easy to use, can be managed remotely, and the VIA app for PC users is particularly user-friendly. Operating on a closed network with frequent firmware updates, the solution has proven to be data secure and provides the flexibility we need.”

Implementation and Feedback

The university installed 150 VIA Connect Plus units, along with the VIA Site Management server, choosing VIA for its robust security features, competitive pricing, and affordable site management. Feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, with the IT department praising the improved data security and remote management capabilities.

Project Overview

Goals:

• Streamline cable management
• Enhance network security to prevent data attacks
• Simplify user experience
• Support multiple meeting platforms

Value:

• Wireless integration for video conferencing and collaboration
• Remote access to Microsoft Teams and Zoom
• Improved cable management
• Diverse presentation opportunities
• Simplified user experience
• Cost-effective solution

Products:

• VIA Site Management (VSM)
• VIA Connect Plus
• VIA Connect2

About Kramer.
For more information, visit www.kramerav.com.