The business communication industry is moving ( has moved ) towards Unified Communications and the role of the headset is as important as ever. Many headsets now will connect simultaneously to multiple devices allowing just the environment that UC demands.
WHAT IS UNIFIED COMMUNICATION
UC is defined as the integration of enterprise communication services to provides a consistent unified user interface and user experience across multiple devices and media types – it encompasses almost any flow of information in the business environment, be it voice, video, data messaging – anything. There are a variety of Unified Communications platforms available
UC ENDPOINTS
The endpoints ( the way that humans connect to the UC platform ) are various, including mobile smartphones, desk IP Phones, smart whiteboards, conference phones, tablets and headsets – indeed headsets frequently are the primary endpoint for all voice transmissions.
THE ROLE OF HEADSETS
As we have noted the headset provides a powerful interface to Unified Communications. In its simplest form a headset will be placed on a desk and connect directly to a deskphone – allowing freedom to use a keyboard or take notes whilst engaged in conversation. Due to the demands of UC many more sophisticated scenarios are now available.
SOME TOP UC HEADSETS
Plantronics provide a wonderful entry into the UC space with the Voyager Legend. This is an over the ear – unobtrusive headset that will connect via Bluetooth™ to a range of devices at the same time. This is a headset that can be worn all day and be connected to mobile, tablet, car, computer simultaneously. A headset of this sort would be ideal for the worker who is on the move – rather than office based.
Jabra manufacture the beautifully designed Evolve series of headsets which are more aimed at the desk worker – though the binaural range could well suit the commuter with their over the ear wearing style and HiFi audio quality – one could be sure to be able to listen to music in between having calls directed at the headsets from a range of Bluetooth devices. They also are able to connect to PC or UC platform via USB.
Sennheiser maximise the UC experience with their range of Century™ Mobile Headsets and Culture Plus ranges. The Sennheiser SC ranges being lightweight wired headsets – available as binaural or monaural and wit a choice of connections from USB to 3.5mm whilst the Sennheiser MB 660 has been designed to offer the full wireless experience with a cosy large cupped binaural build with NoiseGard™ adaptive noise reduction technology. The MB 660 UC MS is Skype for Business Certified and can connect to smartphone, PC/ Laptop via Bluetooth (it comes with a dongle ) or via 2.3mm and 3.5mm jack plugs.
