Tag Archive for: Headset

Phone or Headset in Lync environment?

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June 26, 2014

By Danny Hayasaka

I remember the planning days when we decided to make the switch from an old Inter-Tel phone system to Microsoft Lync. Even though we were using headsets attached to our desk phones, we still felt it necessary to provide employees with desk phones and headsets.

I believe it took about three months, before the majority of our employees removed the phones off their desk. In a 100% Lync environment, a headset and webcam are all you really need. Of course some folks still can’t make the transition so they must have a desk phone.

The key to knowing whether or not you provide a desk phone, is understanding employees’ roles and how they “work” on a daily basis. In addition to Lync, do they have mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) they have to connect to?

I personally get to test/evaluate many of the devices for Lync so my desk and book shelf are full of multiple products from various manufacturers (Yes, I love what I do).

The way I work, requires me to pair to my PC for Lync calls as well as my mobile phone. Great products that provide that connectivity are the Jabra Motion UC+ MS, Plantronics Voyager Legend UC-M (B235-M), Sennheiser Presence UC ML, and VXi VoxStar UC. All these models allow me to pair to my PC via Bluetooth USB Dongle and my mobile phone via Bluetooth. Regardless of where call comes from (PC or mobile) I can answer with one headset. Additionally, at the end of the day, I can drive home and use same headset for hands-free driving.

However, there are still areas of an organization that require something other than a headset. For example, conference rooms, training rooms, etc. require conference phones or conferencecams. Polycom and Logitech make great Lync optimized devices for those areas like the Polycom CX5100, CX5500 or even CXC8000. From Logitech you have the BCC 950 and CC3000e ConferenceCams.

As I mentioned earlier, some folks will NOT wear a headset and MUST have a phone. Fortunately there are Lync optimized IP phones available from Polycom, HP and Aastra. Then there are a host of Lync compatible phones from AudioCodes, Spectralink, Polycom and Snom that offer multiple features.

How each individual employee works should dictate which device is best. It’s important to seek out a device-centric vendor who specializes in Lync optimized/compatible devices that can guide you through the MANY options that are available and help with best practices. If the vendor uses Lync themselves, like Call One, Inc. it’s a plus!

Logitech Wireless Headset Dual H820e – Review

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May 7, 2013

Received the New Logitech Wireless Headset Dual H820e – Optimized for Microsoft Lync

Set Up – Very easy. Only two cables: power and USB cables – The “W” and “N” is Wideband and Narrowband switch.

 

Use – Very simple design. The base is heavy and solid feeling.

  • Answer/Hang Up Button on the back of microphone boom – When engaged in a call, back of boom lights up to indicate in use
  • Mute switch also on the boom. When depressed, small red light on tip of Mic boom lights up red. Not certain how useful that is since when you are wearing the headset, it’s tough to see the tip of the mic
  • Volume Up and Down is two separate buttons and are shaped differently to help you differentiate. Nice feature
  • Lync Optimized – Software/Drivers install automatically – and becomes selectable audio device option via your Lync client
  • Audio Quality – The audio quality is good. I experienced no major issues – you can hear me breathing as I was walking up/down stairs. Noise canceling is “ok” however anyone speaking in normal tone nearby can be heard.

Concerns –

  • Weight – as I mentioned, the base is heavier than most wireless. I’m concerned as to what that will do to shipping costs for larger deployments/orders
  • Service – We haven’t been selling Logitech products long and to date, I’m not fully versed in their service offering. Basically, what happens if the headset breaks within the first 30 days, 30+ days and after the warranty expires
  • Accessories – Not currently aware if there are available accessories, i.e. spare headset, spare ear cushions, ac adapter, USB cable
  • Battery Life – Again, new to wireless line of headsets, not certain how long a battery life when it comes to Talk Time as well as just how long before the battery will need to be replaced – which goes back to accessories – also, does H820e series have field replaceable batteries?
  • Only Headband Style Options – No Convertible Model
  • Only USB connectivity – No multi-connectivity variant/s

Conclusion

This is simple to set up and use headset. Because it connects only via USB, you’re limited to PC only applications. While more and more businesses are shifting to VoIP softphones or UC platforms, there are still plenty of hybrid platforms out there with a desk phone and PC based voice applications. (and let’s not forget the mobile space of laptops, tablets & smartphones. This is not a mobile employee (road warrior) solution as it requires AC power to operate.

The range was good, the audio quality good. Easy to use.

The challenge is Plantronics and Jabra have been out there promoting, pushing complete UC portfolios for many years now so unlike the first couple of years where Plantronics and Jabra were relatively unknown in the IT space, they are now the top two UC device players when it comes to headsets, especially wireless.

Because Logitech is bigger than both Jabra and Plantronics, you certainly cannot dismiss their attempt at entry into the headset world.