Organization

British Columbia Institute of Technology

Locations

Ontario

Market

Education

Solutions

Synergy SKY CONNECT, Interoperability, Microsoft Teams, Zoom

Enabling Campus-Wide Collaboration with CONNECT

As a leading technology institute, the British Columbia Institute of Technology was ahead of their time when it came to video conferencing and virtual collaboration. For over 30 years they have enabled SIP video conferencing systems across their campus, collecting a number of devices from a variety of providers during this time—most recently Cisco. But as technology and meeting platforms continue to evolve at a faster and faster rate, they began to face challenges maintaining the adaptability of their infrastructure.

With 3,000 staff members and 40,000 students to support via hybrid learning, BCIT needed to quickly mass-enable their Cisco video conferencing systems to connect to Zoom and Microsoft Teams—but wanted to avoid a lengthy and costly rip-and-replace. Luckily, ET Group found a solution that empowered all of their endpoints, legacy and modern, to seamlessly connect to any platform: Synergy SKY CONNECT.

How it works

  • Interoperability with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and more

    After exploring numerous other interoperability solutions, it was determined that Synergy SKY CONNECT offers compatibility with the largest range of platforms, including Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, Google Meet, FaceTime and others, solving BCIT's largest challenge.

  • Preserving existing video conference devices across different generations

    With three decades worth of SIP devices, BCIT was able to preserve and increase their ROI on the majority of them, since CONNECT leverages SIP endpoints to then host meetings in the web, eliminating the need to replace expensing equipment, while keeping familiar platform features and functionalities.

  • Seamless collaboration experience for staff and students

    CONNECT not only improves connectivity between devices and platforms, but enhances the user experience by providing features such as One-Touch Join for simplified meeting access, and compatibility with PowerPoint Live for lessons, faculty collaboration and presentations.

  • Universal remote and on-campus experience

    Whether staff or students are joining a video conferencing session from their personal device, or a classroom, meeting room, or study space, CONNECT by Synergy SKY ensures an equal experience for all participants with a consistent interface and user controls.

How it works

SIP-to-Web Interoperability

Synergy SKY CONNECT is a flexible, vendor-neutral solution that enables BCIT's SIP-based video devices to connect with various platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet, and Apple FaceTime without proprietary APIs, by hosting meetings in the web.

Artist's rendering of cybersecurity technology concept with checkmark in shield near computer screen as employee types

Enhanced Privacy and Security

Synergy SKY is trusted by highly regulated industries for their enhanced approach to ensuring the highest standard of infosec compliance, by encrypting and storing all information in local Canadian data-centers, protecting the privacy of BCIT's students and staff.

A group of people sit in a board room with an meeting room control panel and interactive smart board.

One-Touch Join

With Synergy SKY CONNECT, every meeting starts with simply one button, providing instant connection and decreased headaches. This works by taking information from meeting invitations such as dial codes and room addresses, and sharing them with the dedicated SIP device, creating an easy one-touch start.

Consistent and Intuitive Interface

BCIT users can rely on a familiar and easy to use interface regardless of which platform is hosting their meetings, allowing them to switch seamlessly between Zoom and Microsoft Teams while still accessing each application's native features, all without leaving the Synergy SKY CONNECT platform.

Supporting Canada's Most Critical Applications

We're Synergy SKY's Most Trusted Partner in Canada

As Synergy SKY's most trusted Canadian partner, we make it simple with CONNECT Interoperability. Experience flexibility, familiarity and seamless communication—all in one consistent platform.

Learn More

Featured Service

Interoperability Solutions

At ET Group, we understand that true interoperability goes beyond just connecting rooms and devices — it's about enhancing human interaction. Our unique, human-centered approach to interoperability focuses on delivering intuitive, flexible solutions that empower your team to communicate and collaborate effortlessly, regardless of the platforms or tools you prefer.

Learn More About Interoperability

Customer Success Stories

View all

Independent School AV Integration Across 25+ Projects

Since 2022, we’ve partnered with a leading Canadian independent school on just over 25 AV projects spanning two campuses. At their newly built senior campus, we delivered full AV integration from the ground up—refining the original design, coordinating logistics, and managing installation. At the junior campus, we upgraded classrooms, gymnasiums, a swimming pool, and shared spaces to create connected, tech-enabled environments that support clarity, accessibility & safety.

Read More

MRT Services: Onsite AV Support for A Leading Financial Client

ET Group provides a dedicated Meeting Room Technician (MRT) team that is fully embedded within the operations of a leading global financial client. This long-standing partnership supports over 135 meeting spaces across Toronto, London, and additional global offices. From executive boardrooms and hybrid classrooms to mission-critical control centres and courtrooms, our onsite AV professionals ensure every meeting starts on time, spaces remain reliable, and IT teams are freed from day-to-day troubleshooting.

Read More

57 AV Projects, 7 Cities, 1 Vision — GreenShield’s Transformation

Since 2017, we’ve partnered with GreenShield on a large-scale AV initiative—delivering 57 technology deployments across seven cities. From executive boardrooms to hybrid meeting rooms and multi-purpose spaces, our team has helped establish a consistent, scalable AV standard nationwide. With bilingual support and tailored room designs, every space is built for seamless collaboration and long-term flexibility.

Read More

AV Upgrades at RBC: Enabling Flexible, Secure Collaboration Spaces

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), one of the world’s leading financial institutions, embarked on a comprehensive AV modernization initiative to transform its boardrooms and meeting rooms. With teams spread across global offices and an increasing need for hybrid collaboration, RBC sought to upgrade its legacy systems and deliver a uniform, intuitive experience in every space.

Read More

AV Infrastructure Upgrade for Oxford County

Oxford County recognized the need to modernize its meeting spaces to support the evolving demands of government operations. The goal was to create versatile environments that foster collaboration, transparency, and accessibility while accommodating both in-person and virtual participants. This project aimed to transform traditional meeting spaces into technology-driven hubs that align with Oxford County’s commitment to effective governance and community service.

Read More

YUSC: From Break Room to Tech-Enabled Social Hub

York University recognized the need for a space where students, faculty, and staff could connect beyond the classroom. The goal was to create a vibrant, inclusive environment that encourages relaxation, collaboration, and social interaction. This project aimed to transform a traditional break room into a dynamic social hub that aligns with York’s commitment to inclusivity and community building.

Read More
View all

Book a Discovery Call