Contact Center Headset Solutions

Contact Center Headset Solutions for 2021

It’s been a year since the first stay-at-home orders were issued here in the US. I remember how incredibly easy it was for Call One, Inc. and our sister company Hello Direct to transition from in-office to working from home because we had invested in cloud platforms for our ERP/CRM and business communications and collaboration platforms. We’re looking at the best contact center headset solutions for 2021.

8x8 Contact Center Difference Between UCaaS CCaaS Contact Center Headset Solutions

Our businesses utilize 8×8 as our primary voice and UCaaS platform however, we also use Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, and other collaboration platforms to communicate with our customers, partners, and vendors. Our team has access to pretty much any headset they would like. Many of our team members are using the Poly Voyager Focus UC (MSRP $299.95, currently only $199.95). It was great in our open office environment, and it’s also a great solution in their home office environments. It provides ANC speakers, compatibility with all major business communications and collaboration platforms, wireless connectivity to their computer and mobile device, and up to 12 hours of talk time which is more than enough to cover an 8hr workday. Shop all Poly Voyager Focus Series Here!

For this blog I’m focused on Contact Center Headset Solutions that are available from the leading manufacturers: Poly (formerly Plantronics + Polycom), Jabra, EPOS, Cisco, and JPL.

Compatibility

Poly, Jabra and EPOS are the current leaders globally in the contact center headset solutions space for a reason. Poly has been in the call center/ contact center space since the 1960’s and Jabra is a subsidiary of the GN Group that’s been around for over 150 years. These leaders have deep relationships and integration with all leading contact center on-premise and cloud platforms like Avaya, Cisco, Genesys, NICE inContact, Amazon Connect, 8×8, Five9, talkdesk, twilio, and more!

Flexibility – Wearing Styles, Corded and Wireless

Headset Wearing Styles – Headsets are available in a variety of wearing styles to include: Single or Dual Ear Headband Style, Over the ear, Neckband (behind the neck) and Convertible options that include multiple wearing styles with a single sku (Headband, Over the ear, Neckband, other).

USB Corded Headsets – As many contact centers shift to cloud-based platforms, there has been an increased demand in USB corded headsets. Manufacturers have developed headsets with USB-A and USB-C connectivity as well as offer UC and Microsoft Teams certified models. Look at available corded USB headsets from Jabra, Poly, Logitech, Cisco, JPL, EPOS and Yealink here!

QD Corded Headsets – Headsets that terminate in a QD or Quick Disconnect (Easy Disconnect for EPOS Headsets) allow agents to change out interface cable to support connectivity to a desk phone, computer, dispatch console, turret and more. There is not a universal cable that allows you to connect a headset to all phones, computers, and consoles. An authorized headset vendor like Call One, Inc. can provide compatibility and help you choose the right interface option.

Wireless headsets today offer a ton of flexibility. They utilize DECT and/or Bluetooth to support multiple connectivity options and provide you freedom to move about your workspace.

The preferred wearing style for most contact center agents is single or dual-ear headband style like the new JPL Element TT3 Avant Monaural and Binaural options that have QD (Quick Disconnect) feature that allow agents to change out interface cable to support connectivity to a desk phone or computer.

Contact Center Headset Solutions
Jabra Engage 50 series

The Jabra Engage 50 series are headsets designed for the digital contact center. The Jabra Engage 50 features a powerful processing chip in the earcup that delivers advanced functionality including call analytic data. A unique, 3 microphone system with intelligent noise-cancelation filters our background noise and breathing sounds, giving callers a superior experience. For greater efficiency and call control, pair with the Jabra Engage Link. The call control unit accessory enables agents to adjust volume levels and mute, speed dial, answer and end calls, and update their status lights at the touch of a button. The control unit is easy to use and designed to stay in place.

Contact Center Headset Solutions Blackwire

The Poly Blackwire Series offer a broad range of solutions that include ANC speakers, USB-A, USB-C, and 3.5mm Connectivity options, UC and Microsoft Teams certified variants, and headset models that align with all budgets. From the entry-level Blackwire 3200 and 3300 Series all the way to the Poly Blackwire 8225 that includes Hybrid Active Noise Canceling (ANC) speakers and microphone that is Noise canceling with Acoustic Fence Technology and meets Microsoft Teams Open-Office certification levels. Check out this video below showcasing Poly Blackwire 8225 vs Barking Dog!

https://youtu.be/cr5ILr2HrhU

Pre-and Post-Sales Support

All leading headset manufacturers along with their authorized partners like Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct understand the challenges of the contact center. Together we can work to support Proof of Concept or Pilots that allow you to thoroughly evaluate headset solutions before you make a purchasing decision. Additionally, for those contact centers looking to deploy wireless headsets, select brands offer Wireless Density Surveys to determine which wireless headsets and how many you can deploy.

Call One, Inc. offers Agent in a Box service to help simplify deployment of headsets nationwide by including all the required components in one box. We can ship headsets to your contact center agents wherever they are (Business and/or Residential addresses in the US). Learn about how Agent in a Box helped one organization deploy thousands of EPOS SC230 & SC260 Headsets, CAVA31 phone cable and ED01 USB Adapters here!

Warranty Service – Most Contact Center headsets include a 1-3 Year Warranty depending on brand and model. In-Warranty Service is available directly from the manufacturers.

Full Line of AccessoriesSave money and Increase the life of your headset by replacing accessories like ear cushions, mic screens, voice tubes, wireless headset batteries, and more!

Wireless Headset Accessories

Corded Headset Accessories

Headset Management Software

 As Contact Centers shift to working remotely, a robust CCaaS solution like available from 8×8 is becoming critical, as well the ability to monitor and manage headsets remotely. Most IT leaders understand that you need more than the ability to push out software and firmware updates. Headset Management Software continues to evolve. Today, headset software from select partners allows you to monitor, manage and maintain your headsets. IT can help troubleshoot and fix issues remotely as well as manage deployment and inventory effectively. But there’s so much more! Contact Center customers can improve the customer experience by leveraging the power of analytics to influence business results with unique data captured directly from the headset. Please contact us to learn more about current headset management software.

Poly Lens

 Other Contact Center Services

Call One, Inc. can support contact centers of all sizes. Global Contact Centers may have additional services available directly through the manufacturers depending on size and global footprint. Contact us directly to see if you qualify!

Trade-In Programs – To help simplify the deployment of new headsets, trade-in programs are sometimes enabled to leverage existing headsets by assigning them a dollar amount and using that as a credit towards the purchase of new. Contact us to see if you qualify!

Eprocurement – Our in house Ecommerce team can integrate with your existing purchasing platforms and even help to develop and manage CIF and PunchOut catalogs to help simplify access to the headsets and full line of accessories you need. Contact us to learn more!

Budget Optimization Program – Call One, Inc. offers convenient monthly payment options for your contact center headset needs. We understand the value of positive cash flow and provide equipment financing options to help you make the most of your budget. Contact us to see if you qualify!

CCaaS Solutions – Call Center as a Service (CCaaS) solutions enable you to architect a customer experience that will leave your customers pleased and feeling good about interacting with your brand when they call. They enable a more dynamic business with on-demand scalability, global reach, and easy, out-of-the-box integrations into the widely used software that makes your business run. Contact us to learn which CCaaS provider is best for your Contact Center!

Conclusion

2021 marks 34 years of servicing customers. In the beginning we served primarily call centers and dispatch centers with Plantronics, GN Netcom, ACS and Unex headsets. Today, the contact center manages multiple channels of communications with customers that includes email, social media, chat, voice and increasingly, video. Our long term and very strong relationships with the leading brands and providers give us an additional layer of support when it comes to helping meet your contact center headset solutions needs. If you would like to learn how we can help your contact center, contact us today!

Logitech C925e Webcam

Logitech C925e Webcam

The Logitech C925e Webcam is the “just right” choice when it comes to Logitech Business Webcams. It sits in between the basic and good models C505e/C920e and better and best models C930e/Brio. It’s compatible and certified with all popular applications like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, Google Meet and more! Before we get started on the review, lets look at the specs.

Features:

Logitech C925e MSRP: $99.99

  • HD 1080p video at up to 30 frames per second: Full HD 1080p 30 fps makes a vivid impression every time with true-to-life video calls.
  • Easy-to-use: Simple to set up and use, USB plug-and-play connection makes video meetings easy.
  • UVC H.264 encoding technology: Frees up PC bandwidth by putting video processing within the camera.
  • Convenient privacy shutter: Easy lens closure for added privacy and security.
  • 78° field of view: See more without having to reposition the camera or crop and zoom.
  • Logitech RightLight 2 technology and autofocus: Webcam intelligently adjusts to improve visual quality in low light and backlit situations at multiple distances.
  • Omni-directional dual stereo microphones: Designed to capture sound for clear communication in larger spaces like offices and small conference rooms.
  • Multiple mounting options: Freedom to mount the camera wherever it works best — LCD screen, notebook, or tabletop — by using the attached clip or the tripod embedded thread.
  • Professional-grade certifications: Leading business certifications (Certified for Skype for Business, Optimized for Microsoft® Lync® 2013, Cisco Jabber® and WebEx® compatible2 ) and enhanced integration with Logitech Collaboration Program (LCP) members1 ensure an integrated experience with most business-grade video conferencing platforms

Honest Review

When you can’t meet in person, this is the ideal webcam for solo use or small group use. The full 1080p HD video at 30 frames per second delivers true-to-life clarity, and in our professional opinion, it almost looks 4k.

With low MSRP, simple plug and play, integrated microphone, and crisp video quality, Logitech knocked it out of the park with this webcam. You truly get what you pay for! Interested in seeing more? Fee free to reach out to us for more info on the C925e. If you would like to purchase the Logitech C925e, you can order it online here. We have a full video where test and overview the Logitech C925e Webcam. Check it out below:

Changes in Poly Contact Center

What Changes Has Poly Seen in the Contact Center?

We are heading into a year of living and working during a global pandemic. One industry that had to make significant changes is the Contact Center space. What changes has Poly seen in the Contact Center space over this past year?

Today we are joined by Richard Kenny, Sr Product Marketing Manager – Contact Center & Unified Communications for Poly (formerly Plantronics and Polycom) to learn about what they are seeing. Below are some excerpts from our discussion. Watch the video to hear the complete discussion.

Danny: What changes has Poly seen in the Contact Center space over the past year?

Richard: This is one of those significant years where a lot of the trends that we’ve been predicting for a while have suddenly accelerated. We’ve always talked about if you move to cloud and then we started talking a little bit about when you move to cloud. For contact centers that’s turned into two different ways of looking at that. There’s hybrid working from a technology point of view. So, you’re mixing your cloud solution and your on premises solution, and then you also you’re looking at hybrid working from a location view…”

Danny: Does Poly recommend different solutions if agents are working from home vs physical contact center?

Richard: So we think that the solutions that people have got in the office will work as well at home.

Danny: What about this one? (New Savi 7300 Series)

Richard: That would be an awesome one! 30% of call centers are in some sort of financial vertical, and they have a really big focus on security.

Danny: Has Poly seen a change in use of video in contact centers?

Richard: It’s huge, is the honest answer. You know, if you could have predicted a perfect timing for the merger of Plantronics and Polycom, that would have been it. The video is taken off extensively. And that video has been seen as a really big tool for helping keep teams engaged, helping keep teams together.

Danny: Has Poly seen an increase in the need for device management?

Richard: There’s twofold reasons for wanting device management. The first one is you sent everybody home so you can’t see what they’re using anymore. The call center has said they don’t want to be big brother but they do want to guarantee the audio quality…”

Danny: Why should contact centers chose Poly?

Richard: We used to ask about remote agents and you used to ask, “How far away is your furthest away agent?” and people would say, “like 50 miles 100 miles.” We’ve managed a headset that is over 200,000 miles away. So we put the headset on the moon with Neil Armstrong. If you think your agents are far away, we’ve done it further. And what that drives in Poly is this idea of durability, reliability, and audio quality. So if you want the best of those, we’ve proved it through the moon program…

To get all the great information Richard Kenny provided that is not in this blog, watch the entire video. If you would like to schedule a proof of concept or pilot of Poly solutions for your contact center, contact us!

Rally Bar blog header

Logitech Rally Bar | The Ultimate Conferencing Solution

The Logitech Rally Bar (Graphite, White) is an all-in-one video bar designed for mid-sized meeting rooms. A fellow content creator and tech geek, Ragnar Heil agreed to join me in providing a quick overview and audio and video test.

This Rally Bar can be used via simple USB plug and play or in Appliance Mode. The built-in compute allows you to run supported video conferencing applications such as Zoom directly from the device. Ragnar shares his top 3 features and together we provide group framing and mic pick up range tests and Ragnar also shares Logitech TAP.

So, what are the specs?

Camera

  • Resolution: 4K, 1440p, 1080p, 900p, 720p, and SD at 30fps
  • Pan: Motorized ±25°
  • Tilt: Motorized ±15°
  • Zoom: 15X HD zoom (5X optical, 3X digital available with upcoming software update) Diagonal field of view (dFoV): 90°
  • Horizontal Field of View: 82.1°
  • Vertical Field of View: 52.2°
  • Total Room Coverage: 132.1° Horizontal x 82.2° Vertical

Speakers

  • Drivers: 2x 70 mm / 2.7 in
  • Output: 90dB SPL @1W, 99dB SPL @8.0W, both +/-2dB at ½ meter
  • Sensitivity: 90+/-3dB SPL at 1W, ½ meter
  • THD: 1kHz < 2%

Microphones

  • Frequency response: 90Hz – 16kHz
  • Sensitivity: >-36dBFS +/-1 dB @ 1Pa
  • Microphone data rate output: 48 kHz
  • Pickup Range: 15 ft / 4.5 m
  • Beamforming Elements: Six omnidirectional digital MEMS microphones forming five adaptive acoustic broadside beams
  • Audio processing: AEC (Acoustic Echo Cancellation), VAD (Voice Activity Detector)
  • Noise suppression: AI filter
  • Add-on Mics: Supports up to 3 additional Rally Mic Pods for larger conference rooms

The Logitech Rally Bar has multiple features, mounting and configuration options that were not covered in our video. Out of the box you get the Rally Bar, USB Cable, HDMI Cable and Power Supply that allows you to connect directly to a computer and display to start using as a simple all-in-one video bar for midsized meeting spaces. If you would like to schedule time with a Logitech Video Collaboration expert to discuss Zoom Rooms and Microsoft Teams Rooms options, please contact us!

To see the Logitech Rally Bar in action, check out the video below!

Poly Studio P15 | Overview

The Poly Studio P15 is a personal video bar that includes 4K camera, integrated privacy shutter, speakers, multi-microphone array and two USB 2.0 Type-A ports and several nice features like Noise BlockAI and Acoustic Fence. We’ve been using the Poly Studio P15 for a week across multiple video platforms to include Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

We have been really impressed with the performance across the board. In this blog/video we cover the connections, USB-C to USB-C cable length, Mounting options, and Poly Lens Desktop App Controls and Settings. Stick around until the end for a link to our showcase video.

What are the Studio P15 Specs?

Features

MSRP: $599.99

  • Personal Video bar
  • Look and sound your best on video calls with one sleek device
  • Easy fits atop your display, or tripod mount for flexibility
  • Robust cloud management using Poly Lens
  • Robust cloud management using Poly Lens
  • Certified for Zoom and Microsoft Teams
  • Includes mounting clamp that attaches to a standard 1/4-20 tripod screw thread on the bottom of the device
  • 4K Resolution
  • NoiseBlockAI
  • Cable Length: 4 feet 3 inches
  • 1x USB 3.0 Type-C port (with USB 2.0 compatibility)
  • 2x USB 2.0 Type-A ports

In Conclusion:

In our professional opinion, the Poly Studio P15 is a great value at only $599 MSRP. You get exceptional video and audio quality. It’s compatible across all major business collaboration platforms to include Zoom and Microsoft Teams. And, features like AcousticFence, NoiseBlockAI, Auto-Framing, and two additional USB Ports make this a great option for any business professional. If you’d like to learn more or get a quote, contact us.

8x8 Contact Center Difference Between UCaaS CCaaS

What’s the Difference Between UCaaS and CCaaS? | Discussion With 8×8

Danny Hayasaka, Sr Director of Marketing and Emerging Technology for Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct interviews Tony Poer, Contact Center Practice Lead for the Channel for 8×8 and discusses CCaaS (Contact Center as a Service). It was much easier for organizations who had implemented a CCaaS platform to transition to remote work during the pandemic. Some organizations have been using a band-aid during this period and are looking for better solution. Cloud may be the answer. We discuss things customers need to know about CCaaS, differences between UCaaS and CCaaS and other topics. Stick around until the end fora link to the full interview.


Danny Hayasaka: What are some things customers need to know about CCaaS?

Tony Poer: One of the biggest things to understand about Contact Center as a service is that it’s a hosted platform. And so a lot of the limitations that we have with our legacy on premise platforms don’t really exist in the cloud.

Danny: What’s the difference between UCaaS and CCaaS?

Tony: UCaaS is unified communications as a service whereas CCaaS is contact center as a service. Unified communications generally includes telephony, obviously, but then it also includes all of the other communication options that you might utilize with your organization. Contact center is a little bit more robust than that right now.

Danny: When agents were physically in the same building, supervisors used hardware like training-y cables, how do they do that remotely? Or can they?

Tony: In a cloud environment or a hosted environment. All of that application hardware doesn’t exist on Prem. It’s all in the cloud. It’s all at a separate data center that is invisible to you guys as the end user.

Danny: What are some monitoring tools that are available for supervisors via 8×8?

Tony: I can live monitor calls. I can live monitor the desktop. I can listen in, I can barge in. I also have the ability to access all sorts of different data points and metrics. Right? I can see that information, but I don’t have to be looking at a wall board to do it. I could get that sent to my desktop.

Thanks for tuning in! If you would like to schedule an 8×8 Demo, contact us! Want to see the full interview? Check out the Youtube video below:

Jabra Evolve2 85 Definitive Mic Test | Boom Up or Down?

On our YouTube channel, we have several videos featuring the Jabra Evolve2 85 however, viewers have asked for definitive mic up and mic down test to settle once and for all which sounds best. Additionally, we’re asked if there is difference if paired via Jabra Link 380 dongle or directly via Bluetooth to laptop. We test that as well! Stick around until the end for a link.

Features

Evolve2 85 Comes in MS and UC Variants: MS – $449.99 UC – $449.99

  • Stereo Binaural Headset with USB-C dongle
  • Digital hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
  • Up to 37 hours battery life
  • Over-the-ear wearing style
  • 10-microphone technology
  • Microsoft Teams Version

We set out to create instant quiet, anywhere. The result is a world-class professional headset with cutting-edge digital hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), powered by our most advanced digital chipset ever, and designed for incredible noise isolation; just put it on for instant immersion in your thoughts. It’s time to change the game. Welcome to the new standard.

Our Thoughts

After testing the Evolve2 85 with connection to the wireless dongle (boom mic up and down) Danny Hayasaka’s professional opinion is the following:

“My vote is mic down, connected to the USB dongle.”

Short and sweet and to the point, Danny!

If you have questions please feel free to reach out to us. Also, if you’re interested to see how this headset preforms, check out our YouTube video where we test different Evolve2 85 scenarios:

What EPOS is Seeing in This New Normal

What EPOS is Seeing in This New Normal? | Interview With Scott Houston

Danny Hayasaka, Sr Director of Marketing and Emerging Technology of Call One, Inc. and Hello Direct had a virtual Q&A with Scott Houston, Field Engineer with EPOS to learn what they’re seeing in this new normal. What questions did we ask? Here’s a list

1. In regard to peripherals, what changes has EPOS seen from users when it comes to headsets and speakerphones?

2. How are organizations managing these assets for remote users? Does EPOS offer a solution?

3. What technologies does EPOS utilize in their solutions that make them a good fit for Contact Centers?

Scott answered the first question( In regard to peripherals, what changes has EPOS seen from users when it comes to headsets and speakerphones?) with the following:

“What we’ve seen before, you know, pre-pandemic and everything that’s happening. You’re in your office space, and you’re kind of just handed a headset.

But now with so many working from home and utilizing so many of the features that are out there for these devices, it’s just having a quality product to deliver that message.”

For the second question (How are organizations managing these assets for remote users? Does EPOS offer a solution?) He states:

“There was such a focus for so many enterprises on how do we keep our workers and and the information and, everything that they’re doing secure, right?

“But also what’s been changing is the UC landscape as a whole, right? Changes coming from Microsoft people switching from, island mode into teams only and now with the removal of Skype for business.”

And finally, the last question, (What technologies does EPOS utilize in their solutions that make them a good fit for Contact Centers?) here is what Houston had to say;

“So that’s where our offering for it is called EPOS manager. There you have a cloud service where your admin can go in and have visibility of everyone who has kind of the client version on their machines at home.

“It’s not just EPOS devices. So you can see what your people are using out there, which will help you with, you know, troubleshooting calls and keep the burden of support tickets to a minimum.”

Thanks for tuning in! We want to thank Scott Houston for joining us on this Q&A with Danny Hayasaka. If you want to watch the full interview to see what EPOS is seeing in this new normal, check it out below:

How Agent in a Box Delivered

How Call One, Inc’s Agent in a Box service helped to deliver thousands of Headsets

Call One, Inc. Agent in a Box service was designed to help businesses simplify delivery of the technology individual employees need to do their business better.

The Challenge: The technology and devices an employee needs to work often spans across multiple brands. They might need a headset, a webcam, speakerphone, monitor, docking station, cabling, etc. Typically, organizations source the different components from multiple vendors. Then often have different shipping and delivery dates. This causes delays and makes it difficult for IT teams or individual employees.

The Solution: Call One, Inc. Agent in a Box.

  • One Vendor
  • One Delivery
  • Hardware & Cabling
  • Imaging & Asset Tagging
  • All in one box

Here’s a real-life example of how Call One, Inc.’s Agent in a Box helped to deliver thousands of headsets and required cabling to help simplify IT teams to deploy the solution.

Customer: Fortune 100 Transportation Company

Use Case: New Phone System was implemented and needed new headsets and cabling for each workstation. They requested single ear and dual ear kits that included a single or dual ear headset, phone cable and USB adapter cable. Customer was looking for a way to make staging easier for their teams to deploy thousands of headsets and cables.

Solution: Call One, Inc. Agent in a Box – Our team created two kits. Palletized them and shipped to appropriate location.

The end result, customer received entire delivery on the same day. The individually labeled boxes helped to reduce time in staging and physically deploying since all the components needed were in one box.

If you would like to learn more about Call One, Inc. Agent in a Box contact us, M-F, 8am-5pm ET at 1-800-749-3160 or sales@calloneonline.com. For more information about the Agent in a Box service, continue here.

Connect Poly deskphone-only headset

How do you connect a Poly desk phone-only wireless headset to a computer?

In todays blog we show you how to connect a Poly DECT wireless deskphone-only headset to a computer using the Poly Savi 7220. You can do this with Poly (formerly Plantronics) Savi 7210, CS510, CS520, CS530, CS540 and CS545 as well. And since we have it set up, we also include a mic and wireless range test as well! Stick around until the end for a link to that video.

Let’s take this step by step:

Step 1: You will need a Poly APU-76 Adapter. It’ll look like this:

Poly APU-76 Adapter

Step 2: Plug double prong end into the back of your DECT headset base. Note: Some DECT bases may look different than the Savi 7220.

Poly APU-76 Adapter


Step 3: Plug USB end into your desired source (Example: your computer).

Poly APU-76 Adapter

Step 4: Be sure to connect AC Power Adapter to appropriate power source.

And there you go! Your Desk phone only headset can now connect to you computer. This a great solution for employees that were sent home to work and don’t have a desk phone. Again, this solution also works for the Poly 7210, CS510, CS520, CS530, CS540 and CS545.

For a tutorial, check out our video below:

This quick tutorial includes a step by step tutorial on how to connect a Poly deskphone-only headset to the APU-76, but also features a microphone test at the very end.

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to us. Thanks for tuning in!