The Unified Communications (UC) market is ideally a partnership between telephony, software and accompanying hardware vendors. As such, for a company to truly understand their return on investment (ROI), they need to identify the existing investments they have made in desktop and telephony applications. In this regard, especially as we face a difficult market - where costly integrated UC suit investments are not a viable option and where many companies have already invested in mobile phones, deskphones and softphones - businesses should consider a low cost investment through accompanying hardware vendors.

 

With the rapid growth of IP telephony, softphones and mobile VoIP, the adoption of high quality, multi-use headsets is rife. Employers therefore need to equip employees with the correct tools to maximise investments effectively. One way to do this is by choosing headsets that provide good acoustics and those that integrate fully into UC software. This type of investment would allow mobile phones, desk phones and softphones to be utilised correctly and will go a long way to increasing employee job satisfaction!

 

One such example is that of the contact centre. UC is the term used to describe the virtualisation of the contact center across an organisation. Callers are therefore not only able to talk to agents, but also subject matter experts or knowledge workers within the organisation who are not located at the contact centre – resulting in improved customer satisfaction and enhanced information sharing. To this end, headsets enable the agent to work in an ergonomic manner – through a headset that integrates into a UC platform or software, enhancing the UC experience further and increasing agent productivity.

 

Mobile workers can also benefit from UC deployment, as they are able to access the technology functionality typically associated with deskbound employees – making them more accessible to their colleagues and increasing competitive advantage.

 

In a recent study conducted by Datamonitor, focusing on 150 IT decision makers In Northern America and Western Europe, it was found that Jabra is the fifth most trusted UC vendor in the world. As a result, Kathea are proud to be aligned with such a significant headset brand and offer clients a broad range of headsets that are optimised for UC. Kathea, through the Jabra brand, can tailor the UC solution to meet any businesses budget and requirement. Below is an outline of Jabra’s UC offering.

 

Cisco enabled headsets – Jabra Plug & Play series

 

The Jabra GN2000 CIPC headset enhances the user experience with the Cisco IP Communicator softphone by providing intuitive inline call control and crystal clear audio, even in noisy work environments. The headset is certified for CIPC, meaning you can simply plug-and-play with your Unified Communications voice client. Just plug it into the USB port and you’re ready to go. CIPC will automatically recognize the device, and you can answer/end calls and adjust volume levels via integrated inline control buttons on the cord.

 

The Jabra GN2000 CIPC headset series raises expectations of a professional grade headset in terms of durability, comfort and quality. While most ‘wideband’ headsets cut-off around 4,000 Hz, the Jabra GN2000 CIPC provides a full frequency response up to 6,800 Hz. This reduces misunderstandings and communication difficulties.

 

The headset features a noise-canceling microphone to combat background noise and PeakStop™ technology that protects the users hearing by cutting off sudden loud noises. Jabra GN2000 CIPC is available with mono or duo speakers.

 

The Jabra GN2000 includes the following key features:

 

	A Robust design: Solid construction and impact-resistant materials ensure long useful lifetime in tough work environments
	Leatherette ear cushions: Self-adjusting for all-day comfort, plus outstanding inbound sound quality so customer comments can be heard clearly
	Rich, wideband sound
	Optimum call clarity – Up to 70% wider range than other so-called “wideband” headsets
	Noise-canceling microphone - Reduces background noise from the office environment for clearer calls
	Choice of mono or duo speakers - Duo speakers are ideal for noisy offices and mono speakers for single offices or quiet work environments
	PeakStop™ technology - Protection against sudden, loud sounds on the phone
	Certified for Cisco IP Communicator (CIPC) - Enhances the user experience with the Cisco IP Communicator softphone by providing intuitive inline call control and crystal clear audio, even in noisy work environments