Unified communications

Transcription

1 UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS Unified communications Quick sales guide Spring 2010

2 Headsets will become essential communication tools for collaborators and could become mandatory, because of health and safety policies. Steve Blood, Improve the Performance of your Softphones for Unified Communications. Gartner. September 10, 2009

3 Plantronics and Unified Communications (UC) For the past 10 years, UC has been heralded as the solution to make sense out of the confusion of today s communications choices. But it is only as the new decade arrives and after years of misinterpretation that this is starting to look like a reality. New UC solutions are emerging that are flexible and mobile. They are as affordable, available and applicable to small businesses as they are to large corporates. And they are voice, not just data centric giving real and new meaning to the idea of presence. Smarter working Smarter working through unified communications has come into focus not just because of the benefits it can bring to individual productivity but for the benefits it can bring to businesses as a whole. By deploying UC successfully, it has been proven that business can expect: Less travel to and between offices which means reduced carbon footprint More intelligent use of space within the office which opens up potential to rationalise property costs And more successful flexible working which means better continuity planning. People are finding new spaces to work at home, in the office, and elsewhere. UC solutions are taking businesses part way along this journey but it s the headset that is helping business to realise these benefits, enabling people to take full advantage of these new spaces, yet without any compromise on the quality of their communication. Voice is the core component At the start of 2009, Gartner predicted that by 2014, 40% of knowledge workers worldwide would abandon or remove their desk phones. Steve Blood, Research Vice President, wrote in a Gartner report that headsets will become essential communication tools for collaboration, recommending that organisations should create a headset procurement approvals list. 1 Plantronics believes that the reasoning is simple. Over the coming years, a new breed of knowledge workers will start to work exclusively on mobiles and IP telephony performed through laptops. Unified communications will ensure that those workers are easy to contact and track through a single number, or point of presence....and headsets will allow them to switch seamlessly between communications channels while also allowing them the freedom to work with online collaboration tools with no compromise on comfort, sound or intelligibility. The headset is an essential tool Today, smart workers are already foregoing handsets by using a combination of headsets and UC software to mix calls between landlines, mobiles and PCs. The smartest are demanding headsets that improve their voice presence with a consistent, quality experience that doesn t vary across fixed, mobile or IP telephony. Because in today s dispersed and distributed workforces where first impressions are often created over the phone people want to be able to concentrate solely on what they want to say, and how they want to say it almost as if the technology wasn t there. Using a Plantronics headset enhances the whole UC experience Easy to use switch seamlessly between audio devices, desk phones, PC softphones and mobiles all at the press of a button Increased productivity and comfort leave both hands free to use the mouse and keyboard and no more tucking a telephone handset or mobile phone under the ear Flexibility precise microphone positioning allows mobile workers to talk anywhere they like, with little impact on call quality Improved audio more voice clarity on a call meaning you can hear better and be heard Compatibility a large number of Plantronics headsets are compatible with the major hardphone and soft phone manufacturers. 1 Steve Blood, Improve the Performance of your Softphones for Unified Communications. Gartner. September 10, 2009

4 Plantronics Voyager PRO UC When the café table, hotel foyer or executive lounge is the office, the Plantronics Voyager PRO UC headset is designed for mobile professionals to seamlessly switch between calls received on their PC and those received on their mobile phone. Wideband technology sharpens PC audio and delivers rich, natural-sounding voice and multi-media transmissions. The Plantronics Voyager PRO UC headset offers dual noise-cancelling microphones on the boom, AudioIQ² technology and three layers of WindSmart technology. This ensures that users hear every word and that their voice is heard clearly despite the noise around them or the device they are connected to. Plantronics Voyager PRO UC is available in the Plantronics UC standard version and in the Optimised for Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 version. Take calls from both your PC or mobile device Class 2 Bluetooth with up to 10 metres of range Simple, one-touch call control Wideband technology for crisp PC audio Integrated PerSono Suite software for one-touch call answer/end with supported softphones and wide range of customisation features. PR AWARDS What Mobile magazine (circ 23,900) Plantronics Voyager Pro with 5/5 stars listed in Bluetooth headsets Buyers Guide (original review appeared in Sept) PC Advisor magazine (circ 41,905) Plantronics Voyager Pro review 4/5 stars The Plantronics Voyager Pro Bluetooth headset provides outstanding audio quality Plantronics Voyager PRO was awarded the CES 2010 Design and Engineering Awards Honoree in the Wireless Handsets Accessories category.* *The Innovations Design and Engineering Award is based upon descriptive materials submitted to the judges. CEA did not verify the accuracy of any submission or of any claims made and did not test the item to which the award was given.

5 When the city is your office Let WorkSnug show you where to connect When the city is your office and the options are endless, finding the perfect café or coffee shop to serve as your mobile workspace can be overwhelming, especially if you re in a hurry. WorkSnug, in association with Plantronics, has launched a groundbreaking application for the iphone that guides mobile workers to the nearest and best places to connect to the Internet, all by simply holding up their phone. There s no clicking through required; WorkSnug uses Augmented Reality so that users can see Wi-Fi hotspots and potential workspaces in their vicinity right on their screen alongside their real-life surroundings. Finding the perfect mobile office, that also happens to come with the best cappuccino in the city, has never been easier. Already available in the London metro area and it s coming to Madrid, Barcelona, Berlin and Paris before hitting San Francisco and New York. For those without an iphone, then worksnug.com provides access to all cities as they come online. FREE Augmented Reality Application for the iphone connects mobile workers to the nearest and best places to work.

6 Choose your UC headset solution Occasional Corded Professional business USB phones/speakerp Blackwire 200 Series Blackwire 420 Blackwire 600 Series.Audio 1100M MCD100 NEW NEW NEW winner 2009 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference Awards OEM Hardware Solutions, Device Manufacturing Designed for Office professionals looking for economical headset with high-quality audio and comfort Mobile professional using their PC for UC and multimedia applications (e.g. work, coffee shop, hotel, airport) Professional UC headset designed for frequent phone use with high quality audio Familiar interface and portability Group conference calls Devices Description With life-like audio and simple call controls for a convenient handsfree experience, the corded Blackwire 200 Series makes PC voice communications economical, effective and productive. In the office or on the road, the corded Blackwire 420 headset lets working professionals enjoy crystal clear PC audio anywhere work happens. For those who spend hours each day on long conference calls, webinars and video conferencing, the exceptional voice clarity and all-day comfort of the Blackwire 600 Series make communications more effective and productive. The.Audio 1100M USB phone handset is optimised for Office Communicator 2007 to provide the functionality of a familiar phone interface for business users adopting PC telephony. The MCD100 speakerphone is ideal for conducting group conference calls via Office Communicator It provides 360- degree room coverage so more than one person can participate in a PCbased audio conference. Key features Noise-cancelling microphone limits outside noise, ensuring great audio quality and easing listener fatigue Digital Signal Processing and wideband frequency optimises audio for more natural voice quality Hi-Fi audio with stereo sound optimises music and video quality Wideband microphone provides the best PC audio telephony available Easy to use inline controls equipped with call answer/ end, mute and volume +/- Choose total-focus sound reduction (binaural design) or converse easily with co-workers while wearing the headset (monaural design) Available in monaural (210) and binaural (220) wearing styles SoundGuard protects against instantaneous sound spikes above 118dBA Folds flat for easy mobility A soft travel carrying case which provides extra protection and cord management Noise-cancelling microphone limits outside noise interruptions, ensuring excellent audio quality and easing listener fatigue Echo cancellation for full-duplex speakerphones when both the microphone and speaker are on at the same time Hi-Fi audio with stereo sound optimises music and video quality Wideband microphone provides the best PC audio telephony available Microphone, soft ear cushions, and a soft headband adjusts for perfect fit and extended wear Total-focus sound reduction binaural design SoundGuard protects against instantaneous sound spikes above 118dBA Noise-cancelling microphone limits outside noise interruptions, ensuring excellent audio quality and easing listener fatigue Hi-Fi stereo sound ensures audio quality for calls and multimedia applications like music, video conferencing, etc. (C620 only) Call controls include call/ answer/end button for easy call management Soft ear cushions and flexible headband adjusts for the perfect fit and all day comfort QuickAdjust boom offers an adjustable boom angle, and microphone-to-mouth distance for optimal voice transmission Available in monaural (C610) and binaural (C620) wearing styles SoundGuard protects against instantaneous sound spikes above 118dBA Wideband audio support on PC communications One-touch control: Integrated call answer/ end, mute, and speaker activation buttons Noise-cancelling microphone boosts speech recognition accuracy and call clarity Speakerphone activation key: Audio functions will be transferred to the computer speakers and microphone Comfortable ergonomic design: Includes monitor clip for easy desk storage and bag for travel To achieve call clarity, the MCD100 includes acoustic echo cancellation, noise suppression and equaliser algorithms embedded within the product Powered through the USB connection 3.5mm stereo jack for external loudspeakers and headphones Illuminated mute/ un-mute and volume control functions Integrated microphone and loudspeaker 360 room coverage with full duplex audio, echo cancellation and noise suppression Small footprint: 3.75 W x 1.25 H x 4.5 D Product information Features Volume, mute, hookswitch Volume, mute, hookswitch, stowable boom Volume, mute, hookswitch Volume, mute, call answer/end Volume, mute Headset differentiators PerSono Suite (hookswitch compatability), HiFi stereo performance SoundGuard, PerSono Suite (hookswitch compatability), travel case, folding flat speakers, HiFi stereo performance SoundGuard, PerSono Suite (hookswitch compatability), wideband stereo Familiar telephone handset 360 microphone and loudspeaker Box content Headset, Headset pouch, Headset pouch,, PerSono Suite CD Handset,, pouch and monitor mount Speaker phone,, USB cable Warranty 1 year 1 year 2 year 1 year 2 year Part numbers and EAN codes (210) (220) (610) (620) N/A N/A Standard version (610) (620) N/A N/A N/A N/A

7 hones Out of the office Professional cordless In the office Calisto 540 Plantronics Voyager PRO UC Savi Go Savi 430 Savi Office NEW Available SPRING/SUMMER 2010 NEW NEW Business users requiring a familiar desk phone interface but with full UC functionality Mobile professionals looking for a high performance headset for softphones and the mobile phone Office professionals looking for economical headset for the PC and the mobile phone For the mobile professional, in and out of the office, using their PC for voice communications and multimedia applications Collaboration for users with desk phones and PC audio applications Designed and optimised for Microsoft Office Communicator 2007, the Calisto 540 USB desk phone bridges the gap between traditional phone functionality and PC communications. Designed for mobile professionals in the office and on-the-go, the Plantronics Voyager PRO UC wireless headset lets you seamlessly switch between your PC and mobile phone calls. Savi Go provides unparalleled audio quality and flexibility to connect to your PC and your mobile device. Incorporating wideband audio that sharpens PC voice transmissions and streaming audio. USB powered DECT dongle with wireless headset that delivers enterprise grade best-in-class audio for UC applications. Savi Office is the wireless headset system that unifies voice communications and integrates your desk phone and PC audio providing business critical sound quality. PC-powered desk phone, designed for use with Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 Familiar desk phone design and features ease transition to PC telephony Simple USB plug-and-play design allows users to be up and running in minutes Wideband audio enhances speech clarity and reduces errors Excellent wideband PC audio quality that meets the highest industry standards Bright, backlit LCD display shows incoming caller ID, time, and user s online status/presence One-touch audio management includes a volume control and mute key that lights up when activated The speakerphone and headset offers hands-free options The headset port is compatible with Plantronics H top headsets Switch between PCs and mobile phones with one headset Manages PC and mobile phone communications from a single headset and provides hands-free communications for conference calls, PC calls, Web conferencing and online presentations Voyager PRO UC offers dual noise-cancelling microphones with AudioIQ ² and three layers of WindSmart technology for crystal clear communications, even in very noisy environments One-touch call control for supported softphones Wideband PC audio delivers heightened speech clarity and life-like fidelity Control call answer/end, volume and mute with a single button Automatic call alert signals incoming calls when listening to streaming audio Wideband audio support on PC communications Bluetooth wirelessly connects to Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 and your mobile phone One-touch multifunction call control: Call answer/end/volume adjust and mute controls all on one button In-use indicator light: Button lights up when phone is in use Extended boom with noisecancelling microphone for clearer calls Convertible wearing styles for customisable comfort and fit DECT quality wireless audio for the PC Unsurpassed versatility with ease of use, modular design and cross platform support 180 degree articulation of dongle providing the durability and stability needed in a portable environment Control Panel Settings - Optional software install for easily setting of headset, base and PC media manager Excellent wideband PC audio quality that meets the highest industry standards Control call answer/end, volume and mute with a single button Work smarter with real-time communication and collaboration on your PC and desk phone Unsurpassed versatility with ease of use, modular design and cross platform support Delivers business critical sound quality, whether on a desk phone or PC, with a noise-cancelling microphone that filters distracting background noise Wideband support for PC audio provides life-like fidelity, improving call clarity Multiple wearing styles for personal style and comfort; over-the-ear, convertible and over-the-head Simple plug-and-play experience minimises implementation risks OTE and convertible wearing styles only Display, caller ID, presence/status light Volume, mute, hookswitch, wideband Volume, mute, hookswitch, wideband Volume control, mute call/answer/end Volume control, mute call/answer/end Convenience of traditional phone to manage PC calls PC and mobile phone integration PC and mobile phone integration PC integration PC and phone integration USB phone, Headset, spare ear tips, USB dongle, CD-ROM with PerSono Suite software, mains charger, USB charging cable, Headset, ear loop, headband, spare ear tips and stabiliser, USB dongle, CD-ROM with PerSono Suite software, mains charger, USB charging cable, Content for Microsoft SKU ONLY: Headset, mains charger, charging base, ear tips (OTE only), DECT dongle, USB charging cable (excludes WO300 and WO350) user guide, headset carry bag, CD Headset, ear loop, headband, spare ear tips and stabiliser, USB dongle, CD-ROM with PerSono Suite software, mains charger, USB charging cable, 1 year 2 year 2 year 2 year 2 year N/A N/A (W430AM) / (D100AM) / (W430A) / (D100A) / (OTE) / (Con) / (OTE) / (Con) / (OTH Mon) / (OTH Bin) /

8 Why go wireless? Research summary Traditionally, every employee in an office receives and makes a large number of phone calls every day. In addition, long conference calls are increasingly made with colleagues and other people outside the company. The use of telephone handsets limits simultaneous use of other devices, such as computers, to look for information and view documents during a call, implying an increase in the amount of time necessary to provide answers. Plantronics offered 300 office users from a leading IT manufacturer a SupraPlus wireless headset to use alongside fixed company telephones. The study analysed in detail the impact of the use of headsets on 87 (29%) users who replied to a survey. The 87 users interviewed use the telephone for around three hours a day and work in the company head office in Milan for a total of working days a month. Intangible benefits Increased privacy Better call quality Improved comfort at the workstation Possible to use a PC easily or pick up and leaf through documents during a call Possible to make a larger number of calls during the day compared with when using traditional devices Extremely significant 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Not very significant Fairly significant Not at all significant Moderately significant Business benefits A striking 11% reduction in time on calls and conference calls equals a reduction of approximately EUR 82,000 a year on phone bills. This equates to a daily saving of 19 mins per user per day, a reduction from 179 mins of calling to 160 mins per user. Headset investment paid back in 4 months. 87 headsets purchased (EUR 23,500) plus a 5% maintenance agreement (EUR 24,675). Approximate annual phone bill reduction of EUR 82,000 Investment paid off over 4 months*. Ergonomic improvement The user-friendly headset also improved workplace ergonomics in over 90% of cases, as it is easy to adjust the volume, put on the headset and answer and make calls. This translates into a high level of user satisfaction as well as the ability for users to have their hands free to move around and to have full use of the PC when on a call. User benefits Increased privacy ranked extremely significant by 85% of sample. Better call quality ranked extremely significant by 70% of sample. Improved comfort at workstation ranked extremely significant by 80% of survey. The possibility of using other devices during the call ranked extremely significant by 77% of sample. Ability to make a higher number of calls ranked important by around 60% of sample. *Investment paid off in 24675/82000 = 1 / 3 of a year = 4 months Research undertaken by the School of Management of Politecnico di Milano The usage of wireless headsets allows the introduction of new activities which previously could not be done without a headset eg web collaboration, telephone calls without interruption, customer presentations from the office and multi-tasking. In addition there is an important saving, even though not specifically quantified, thanks to the reduction in return calls to customers and suppliers. Leading Workplace Manager, Leading IT Manufacturer Plantronics Ltd, Wootton Bassett, UK, Tel: Plantronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Plantronics, the logo design,.audio, AudioIQ2, Blackwire, Calisto, MCD100, Persono Suite, Plantronics Voyager, QuickAdjust, Savi, SoundGuard, SupraPlus, WindSmart and Sound Innovation are trademarks or registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG,Inc. and any use of such marks by Plantronics is under licence. DECT is a trade mark of ETSI registered for the benefit of its members in France and other jurisdictions. iphone is a trademark of Apple Inc. Microsoft is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the US and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.