In the world of paging and mass notification, it’s paramount for systems to offer flexibility, scalability and seamless integration. Moreover, for organizations in budget-sensitive markets, such as K-12 education, upgradability without the need for a complete system overhaul is a significant advantage. Bogen Communications’ Nyquist solution — an IP-based paging and communication system — has been engineered to meet these demands. It provides a powerful, software-based platform that not only integrates with existing infrastructure but also continually evolves to meet future needs.
EJ Lafleur, sales engineer at Bogen Communications, brings a unique perspective to the Nyquist platform. Because he worked for an integrator as a sales and design engineer before joining Bogen, Lafleur has firsthand experience with the challenges and opportunities in the areas of paging and mass notification.
In an interview with Dan Ferrisi, group editor, commercial and security, Lafleur sheds light on Nyquist’s core features, its key differentiators and the support structure that Bogen Communications has built around it.
What is Bogen Communications’ Nyquist Solution?
According to Lafleur, the Nyquist platform is an IP-centric paging and communication system managed through a web browser. Its core strength lies in its hybrid capabilities, allowing it to function as a pure IP platform or to integrate with traditional analog endpoints. This makes it a versatile choice for a wide range of environments, which include K-12 education, warehouses and more. “It is a very flexible platform that can meet even retail needs,” Lafleur attests.
Lafleur reflects on Nyquist’s history, saying that Bogen Communications first introduced it around 2018. Since then, the system has undergone significant iterative development. As a software-based solution, it benefits from regular updates that add features and improve usability. The user interface, managed via a dashboard, has become progressively easier to use. New hardware appliances have been added based on customer requests and emerging applications. Moreover, Lafleur observes that the introduction of device discovery and configuration wizards has streamlined the process of adding new appliances to the system.
Nyquist: Differentiated By Retrofit-Friendliness
According to Lafleur, one of the most compelling competitive advantages of the Nyquist solution is its ability to work with legacy infrastructure. This is particularly crucial for markets like K-12, whose tight budgets often mean that a full “rip and replace” of existing infrastructure is not feasible. As Lafleur explains, “The number one [advantage], from my perspective, has always been the fact that it is a very retrofit-friendly product.”
Offering an example, he notes that, if an integration team needs to replace a certain manufacturer’s older products, they can simply take that head end out, install the new head end and continue to work with much of the existing analog cabling and 25-volt or 70-volt speakers.
These retrofit capabilities, according to Lafleur, allow organizations to benefit from a modern, IP-based system — including features such as advanced bell scheduling, pre-recorded messaging and integration with phone systems — without the disruptive cost and effort of rewiring an entire facility. Lafleur notes that, during his time as an integrator, this was a primary driver of adopting retrofit-friendly systems. He remarks, “I’ll say 85% of my installations were retrofit replacements of an aged-out system that was installed probably somewhere in the late ’90s [or] early 2000s, when the building or school was last updated or built.”
Lafleur further underscores that the transition to a web-based GUI also simplifies system management for end users, such as school administrative staff, who might not be deeply technical but who need to manage critical tasks like bell schedule adjustments.
Nyquist: An Evolving Platform for Modern Needs
Unlike static legacy systems, the Nyquist solution is designed to evolve, Lafleur confirms. To achieve this, Bogen Communications regularly releases software updates to introduce new features and critical security patches. This approach positions the Nyquist platform as a reliable long-term investment.
Given the dynamic nature of Nyquist, Lafleur remarks on the need for ongoing engagement from integrators, who can provide support for updates and help clients leverage newly implemented functionalities. This shifts the paradigm from a one-time installation to a continuing partnership, thus not only ensuring the system remains current but also facilitating integrator/client stickiness.
From Lafleur’s perspective, Nyquist’s scalability is another key advantage. In short, it is tailorable to fit the specific needs and budget of any organization. “Whether you want a full duplex intercom solution or you’re just looking for a paging solution, we can scale that…to make it a solution that will fit [the end user’s] needs,” he declares.
In other words, Nyquist boasts flexibility such that it’s implementable in a 10-room elementary school or a 600,000-square-foot vocational high school with complex, high-noise spaces like wood shops and automotive shops.
Technology Partnerships and Ecosystem Integration
Lafleur attests that a modern communication platform cannot exist in a vacuum; rather, it must integrate seamlessly with other critical systems — especially those related to security and classroom technologies. To achieve this, Bogen Communications has established strategic partnerships with leading technology providers, Lafleur says, “…to make sure that there is integration between our products and their services.” He notes that partners include Raptor Technologies, CrisisGo, IPVideo, Omnilert, TeachLogic, Early Warning Labs and Lightspeed Technologies.
According to Lafleur, these partnerships enhance the Nyquist platform’s capabilities, particularly in the realm of mass notification and life safety. Indeed, partnerships with security suite providers like CrisisGo and Raptor allow Nyquist to become an integral part of a school’s broader safety and security ecosystem.
A Multi-Modal Notification Tool
Nyquist extends beyond simple audio paging to function as a comprehensive multi-modal notification tool. It can send notifications via email and text message, and it supports visual alerts through strobes and a digital signage component. This ensures that critical information reaches everyone, even those who have hearing disabilities and those who are occupying high-noise areas. This multi-modal approach is crucial to ensure compliance with ADA, RAY BAUM’s Act, Kari’s Law and Alyssa’s Law, which address emergency responses in schools.
Another differentiator, according to Lafleur, is Bogen Communications’ ability to develop both software and hardware. In doing so, the company offers a fully integrated solution from a single vendor, which positively differentiates Bogen from software-only providers that rely on third-party hardware.
How Bogen Communications’ Free Design Service Will Support Integrators
To further support its partners and customers, Bogen Communications offers a free design service for Nyquist. This service allows integrators to submit project specifications, plans and requirements to Bogen Communications’ dedicated design team. “Our team then turns around and provides the bill of material and design, speaker layouts, equipment [and details] of what’s needed to do the installation,” Lafleur explains.
The service provides integrators with a comprehensive bill of materials (BOM), equipment layouts and a complete design package, helping to ensure a successful installation. According to Lafleur, the design team is consistently busy, indicating robust utilization of this valuable resource. For Bogen Communications, the goal is to create a turnkey solution that integrators can confidently present, bid and install for customers.
A Practical and Powerful Solution
Ultimately, according to Lafleur, Nyquist represents a significant shift from the static, hardware-centric paging systems of the past. It is a flexible, scalable platform built for the complexities of modern communication. By being retrofit-friendly, integrating with a broad ecosystem of technology partners and supporting integrators with robust design services, Nyquist from Bogen Communications is a powerful and practical solution for a diverse range of vertical markets. “The biggest differentiator with Nyquist is that you’re buying a product that is ever evolving,” Lafleur concludes.
To learn more about how Nyquist can revolutionize the communication systems you integrate and meet the demands of your clients’ environments, visit the Bogen Communications website and check out the Nyquist platform. Explore the solution’s innovative features and discover what might be the ideal choice for your next installation!
