Why Smart CIOs Are Shifting to Managed AV Services

For most CIOs, the challenge isn’t just more technology—it’s keeping everything reliable, secure, and ready for the people who depend on it. In that reality, audiovisual and unified collaboration solutions often become the hidden burden: systems no one thinks about until they fail—leaving IT firefighting again and again.

That’s why more leaders are rethinking their approach and turning to managed AV and UC services. Not to hand off problems, but to build resilience.

Managed services reduce support demands, keep systems reliable, and bring predictability to daily operations. In short, they keep the workplace ready instead of constantly playing catch-up.

What are managed AV services?

Some partners show up for Day 1. FORTÉ designs for Day 1, Day 2, and Day Next.

We view managed services as supporting the full lifecycle of your systems and the ongoing performance that makes them valuable long-term. That includes:

• Proactive system management to maintain seamless operations, drive efficiency, and deliver ROI
• Remote monitoring to catch issues before they become disruptions
• Remote and on-site support for fast issue resolution
• Lifecycle planning to extend system value and avoid costly surprises
• Service-level agreements (SLAs) that make outcomes measurable and accountable

The difference is simple: instead of reacting when something breaks, you know your AV systems will keep performing—today and tomorrow.

Enterprise AV/UC management reduces IT burden

No CIO is asking for more helpdesk tickets. The goal is fewer, faster, and less disruptive. Managed AV services shift the balance in three key ways:

• Fewer helpdesk calls: Proactive monitoring often resolves issues before users even notice.
• Faster resolution: A centralized support model keeps response times consistent and reliable.
• More IT focus: Internal staff can shift from troubleshooting to strategic initiatives.

PRO TIP: When evaluating partners, ask how they track and report support incidents. A clear, transparent process says more about reliability than any slide deck.

Why CIOs are making the shift to managed AV/UC services now

Collaboration solutions are no longer a nice-to-have—they're the backbone of how teams meet and move work forward. As a result, downtime carries a higher cost, while IT is expected to deliver more with leaner teams and tighter budgets.

Managed services meet that challenge by providing:

• Predictable costs that simplify planning and budgeting
• Extended system life through proactive care (with sustainability benefits)
• Clear technology roadmaps to adopt new tools without disruption
• Scalability and speed to support business growth

Then there are the can’t-fail spaces: boardrooms, executive broadcast studios, auditoriums, training centers. In these environments, downtime isn’t just frustrating—it’s visible, costly, and sometimes even public.

Managed AV services add an extra layer of assurance for these high-stakes spaces, where reliability is non-negotiable.

Reduce friction. Build trust.

Managed AV services turn every stage of the lifecycle—from planning to support to refresh—into an opportunity to reduce friction and build trust in the tools employees rely on daily.

Through advanced technology management, network and hardware optimization, and remote monitoring capabilities, we help maintain a secure and resilient AV/UC ecosystem.

For CIOs, this means fewer disruptions, more predictable performance, and the freedom to focus on leading rather than troubleshooting.

Learn how FORTÉ builds systems that stay ready. Click here to learn more today!