INTRODUCTION
Corning is a Fortune 500® company and one of the world's leading innovators in materials science. With a 168-year track record, Corning has combined unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramics science, and optical physics with deep manufacturing and engineering capabilities to develop life-changing innovations. As Corning’s business continues to grow, Optical Communications has become the company’s largest division, providing a broad range of end-to-end fiber and wireless solutions for communications networks.
THE CHALLENGE
Corning recently relocated their Optical Communications division to their headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Inside the brand-new, 180,000-square-foot facility, Corning was looking to standardize on a wireless-first approach with 1,100 above the ceiling network drops to create a clean design throughout the building. Additionally, they wanted to design an AV infrastructure that would not only enhance the employee’s overall work experience, but also complement the modern architecture of the building.
THE SOLUTION
Deploy a robust AV platform built on Crestron technology that would handle all content distribution and video conferencing needs at the Corning Optical Communications Headquarters.
THE TECHNOLOGY
DM NVX® AV-over-IP technology was the perfect solution with its ability to be fiber-fed in a fiber-deep architecture and drop directly into the Corning network. More than 170 DM NVX units throughout the Corning office drive content distribution to digital signage, conference room displays, and a video matrix. With DM NVX, executives at Corning can walk into any room and use the video matrix to broadcast content to the rest of the building. “In fact, DM NVX has provided us a solution that works for this generation and future generations, without ever having to put another cable in the building again,” says Robert Basile, Sr. Solution Architect at Corning Optical Communications. To create a highly collaborative workplace environment, Corning deployed Crestron Flex UC solutions and AirMedia® 2.0 wireless presentation technology to help facilitate a seamless meeting experience. With 100 AirMedia locations, employees can connect and wirelessly present with ease. “Crestron AirMedia has transformed the way our employees interact with technology during meetings,” says Basile. “I have not seen an employee physically plug into a system yet. Everyone has been logging into the IPs and it has been flawless.”
Meetings between different Corning teams may occur within the same building, but in two separate rooms. It was important to have a reliable system that could bring it all together, for both internal and external video conferences. The unique shape of the Crestron Mercury® tabletop conferencing device is both attractive and unobtrusive, which made it perfect to sit on the conference room tables. There are more than 60 Crestron TSW touch screens located inside meeting rooms across the building. A consistent, intuitive user interface makes controlling AV and scheduling meetings a breeze. All touch screens are wall-mounted, creating a very clean infrastructure that matches the design of the office. The Crestron room scheduling deployment includes 70 scheduling touch screens that allow employees to easily locate available meeting rooms and book them directly on the spot.
RESULTS
Crestron solutions have helped Corning Optical Communications drive a more connected workplace that will be able to grow along with the division’s changing needs for years to come. With a future-ready network and technology solutions that facilitate efficient meetings, Corning has designed an office space that accommodates the way employees work.
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
