businessinfomag.uk
magazine
34
Seamless smartphone integration
The Samsung Communication Manager
Compact (SCMC) is an IP-based phone system
for 16 to 512 users. It is a smaller version of
the Samsung Communication Manager Express
(SCME) for up to 3,000 extensions, making it
an ideal solution for SMEs. It uses Samsung’s
existing range of IP phones but can also work
on smartphones running the SamsungWE VoIP
mobility app, giving users the ability to move
calls from a deskphone to a mobile mid-call. The
system features a powerful voicemail system,
expandable to 32 channels; auto attendant; call
recording; and a full audio-conferencing suite.
Easy access
The Snom D375 is a
next-generation VoIP
phone for business users
who need immediate access to all of their
important information. It features a large 4.3’’
colour TFT display providing an improved and
extended presentation of call lists, address books
and menus. The D375 also includes two Gigabit
Ethernet ports, Bluetooth compatibility and
a high-speed USB port. A non-wearing sensor
hookswitch ensures a long product life even
when the phone is used extensively. Twelve LED
function keys enable users to configure a variety
of functions such as speed dial, extension or
presence indication. The D375 also supports
the simultaneous use of several audio devices,
including operation of both the headset and
loudspeaker at the same time.
Skype accredited
Designed for executives and professionals, the
Yealink T48G SFB comes with Skype for Business
firmware. The modern Skype for Business
interface on a 7 inch backlit touchscreen
provides a familiar experience for users of the
laptop version. The wireless ‘Better Together
over Ethernet’ (BToE) feature enables
seamless switching between the Skype for
business desktop-client and the T48G SFB.
Optima HD Voice technology delivers clear,
lifelike audio for users, while premium features
such as SFB conference, Boss/Admin and a
synchronised Outlook Calender help improve
productivity.
Enhanced collaboration
The PolycomVVX 400 Series of expandable
colour business media phones provides clear
communications and enhanced collaboration for
today’s office workers. An intuitive colour display
and HD voice quality make calls more efficient
and productive. The Skype for Business edition
provides additional collaboration features,
including the ability to display the presence
status of up to 11 Skype for Business ‘favourites’,
view your Microsoft Exchange Calender and
receive meeting alerts to join scheduled calls.
Work smarter
The Maxwell 10 Business Media Phone from
Gigaset Pro runs on Android OS, providing access
to thousands of business apps from Google Play.
It features a 10.1 inch HD touchscreen with
an intuitive user interface and a built-in HD
camera.With full USB, Bluetooth, HDMI, LAN,
Wi-Fi, RJ-9 and RJ-9/45 compatibility, Maxwell
10 works seamlessly with a huge selection of
devices, ranging from keyboards and headsets to
projectors, routers, monitors and computers.
Large colour display
The Mitel 6873 SIP Phone features a large high
resolution 7 inch LCD touchscreen display with
an intuitive user interface. One of the most
advanced SIP desktop phones available, it has
XML capabilities and a PoE class 3 rating. It also
offers flexible options for headset users with
integrated USB and Bluetooth headset support.
Telephony
She added: “Direct voice
communication increases understanding
and encourages empathy. There is a
connection. So in human terms there is
inspiration to take action and, in business
terms, use of the telephone increases the
personal relationships that inspire and
motivate business.”
Ring the changes
That said, deskphones have clearly
evolved in response to competition
from newer forms of communication,
such as smartphones and the trend
towards more flexible working, as Mitel’s.
Bitzinger explains. “A deskphone now
is a smart device,” he said. “There are
multiple features today that weren’t
available on early IP phones. Most
significantly, we have advanced network
power and processor capabilities that
weren’t there before, as well as seamless
integration with other devices.”
He added that modern IP deskphones
and media phones have built-in UC
features that provide users with mobile,
collaboration and video capabilities, as
well as smartphone integration. For this
reason, the smartphone doesn’t have to be
seen as a replacement for the deskphone.
“Your smartphone can be integrated with
your deskphone so that you can use the
latter’s high quality audio as a speaker
phone for your smartphone, or transfer
a call from desk phone to smartphone
seamlessly if leaving the office,” he said.
The touchscreen display is another
popular addition to the deskphone,
creating an easy and familiar interface.
Some models are also customisable and
enable the use of applications.
Earlier this year, for example, Snom
unveiled a developer platform, Snom.io,
which allows developers to create and
integrate applications for compatible
Snom desk telephones. And Yealink’s latest
range incorporates an interface emulating
the Skype for Business experience that
users who have used the application
before will already be familiar with.
Yealink UK’s Watts see this as the next
big step. “Video,Wifi and Bluetooth are
fast becoming standard features whilst
the rapid adoption of Skype for Business
following its acquisition and subsequent
promotion by Microsoft is going to be the
next major market development,” he said.
Deskphones aren’t disappearing but it
seems they are changing to future-proof
and stay relevant. It remains to be seen
whether the next generation of workers
will pick up the phone or ditch it for their
own devices, but for now the IP deskphone
still has a place on the office desk.
...continued
