Microsoft Unveils InfoComm Booth Plans

Even before InfoComm 2014, software giant Microsoft is already eyeing a return as an exhibitor in 2015.

Microsoft won’t be launching any new products in its much-anticipated platinum sponsor booth during InfoComm 2014, but is already planning to attend and exhibit at next year’s show.

In its first foray into the largest commercial AV show in the world, the software giant will turn its booth into what spokeswoman Cherie Hurdstrom described as a Microsoft lounge, with “lots of devices” for attendees to explore, along with meeting spaces and other ways for weary show attendees to take a break while immersing themselves in technology.

Microsoft executives will be walking the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the three-day trade show, meeting with and talking to customers and partners, trying to find out more about what role they can play in the space, where AV and IT continue to work hand-in-hand.

Several Microsoft-certified partners will have a Microsoft presence in their booths, including Polycom (booth N1339) and AVI-SPL (booth N2037) showing the Polycom CX8000 for Microsoft Lync.

“It’s the first time Microsoft will be at InfoComm, so they’re just going to explore what’s going on,” says Hurdstrom. “It’s an opportunity for Microsoft to begin the dialogue about what solutions they can bring to the market.”

Attendees who visit Microsoft’s booth will see a large touchscreen that’s running Perceptive Pixel, says Hurdstrom. The product allows for group computing and real-time changes to Word documents and PowerPoint presentations, she says, as well as tying in to Lync.

Hurdstrom wouldn’t say whether Microsoft had to scrap plans for launching a new product at the show, choosing to focus instead on the excitement of company executives to be part of it for the first time.

So, what made this the year Microsoft wanted to be a part of InfoComm’s show?

“Microsoft has realized they can learn from this industry,” says Hurdstrom.

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