Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1156106
October/November/December 2019 I 31 FIGURE 3: Cybersecurity cannot be understated. AV systems touch the network (wired and wirelessly) and are susceptible to be breached for other purposes including the retrieval of private company data. the ICT team is paramount to the success of a project. While some may say that the AV network is part of the converged network, this may not necessarily be true because the network could be completely seg- mented up to the core node. At some point, regardless of how the network is set up, AV equipment will need to touch the outside world, and proto- cols will need to be properly set up to address potential cybersecurity threats (Figure 3) that might take loopholes within the equipment to sabotage the network. Carefully review the AV manufacturer's net- work requirements with the network security team to get buy-in, and if anything changes in the AV process, notify the network security team immediately. Commissioning As the implementation of AV typi- cally comes at the end of a construc- tion project, the heat is on to get everything wrapped up in a timely fashion, including the turnover of systems to the end user. One process that is often forgotten or skipped due to this specific rush is commissioning. Commissioning can come in a variety of flavors. However, the most com- mon occur as part of an integrator's self-performed construction check and functional testing. Third party commissioning is very beneficial on mid-to-large AV deployments. Having a separate set of eyes on the tasks that should be completed provide an additional level of protection to the end user and ensures that the systems will perform as programmed during the design phase of the proj- ect. If budget is a concern, an ICT professional may be able to work with the end user to commission the first instance of a project; then the end user can repeat the functional testing throughout all the typical rooms. Losing capital on equipment that does not work or will not be used should not occur. Ultimately, the AV integrator is responsible for the systems functioning correctly. AI IN AV—VERTICAL OPPORTUNITIES What opportunities are available using AI in AV? Pretty much what can be imagined and what would most likely be used by end users. Although the use of AI in AV is in its infancy, tech companies are already testing different technologies with different groups of end users to determine what sticks. Consider some of the current opportunities across some of the larger vertical industries that need ICT professionals: Private Commercial Construction/Mixed Use Retail companies are looking for different ways to attract consumers to brick and mortar stores and, if possible, swing that into an online relationship with consumers. Con- sumers are constantly asked about cookies on their applications and whether they will allow them to be used. Undoubtably, they are on devices legally or illegally. Regardless, companies are using this information to track location and search requests. By using this information, companies can present just-in-time advertise- ments to an individual on Facebook, Instagram or even via a webpage advertisement that pops up (funny how that happens). Displays that are installed along highways can be turned into a marketing machine depending on an event that might