For years, DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) devices have been one of the most crucial hardware investments businesses make attempting to connect and unify their teams. DECT solutions, when used correctly, can help organizations to align their team members while accessing exceptional levels of stability, security, and scale.
DECT solutions aren’t just used for traditional voice communications; they’re also becoming a valuable endpoint for leading collaboration software solutions. For instance, Microsoft announced in March 2022 that it would partner with market-leading DECT providers to create custom-made DECT phones especially suited to Microsoft Teams users.
However, it can be difficult for business buyers to know where to begin when selecting the best DECT systems for Microsoft Teams. Here are some of the most important tips to help companies begin their search
1. Know Your Use Cases
DECT devices are highly flexible and versatile solutions built to address a range of specific enterprise and industry requirements. Microsoft Teams’ selection of partner vendors in the DECT space offer a range of tools custom-made to address the unique requirements of different types of employees based on their workflows and verticals.
Any business investing in DECT solutions should first determine what their use cases might be. For instance, a manufacturing firm purchasing DECT devices will need to ensure its hardware is rugged and functions across wide-ranging facilities. They’ll also need to ensure the DECT solutions can work with the scheduling and employee management tools they use. Companies purchasing DECT devices for a warehouse or construction space will need to concentrate on finding products with an extra focus on durability and resilience.
Even in the retail sector, it’s important to look for specific features linked to the needs of individual users, like the ability to rapidly transfer a call from a front-of-house desk phone to a mobile device anywhere in the store.
“When we first embarked on this new native integration between our DECT handsets and Microsoft Teams,” said Julien Bertheuil, Managing Director EMEA at Spectralink Corporation, “warehouse workers such as pickers, retail assistants and people working on the field in general were not being met. We thus made it our mission to develop an integration that would finally connect them to their desk-based colleagues seamlessly.”
2. Examine the Integration with Teams
After establishing use cases, companies should begin to focus on examining the level of integration between the available DECT solutions on their shortlist and Microsoft Teams. The easiest way to ensure the technology will work seamlessly with the Teams ecosystem is to choose a device from a certified Microsoft Teams partner.
The partners chosen to create DECT products for Microsoft Teams have carefully created their tools to ensure employees can access not just the best communication features but also the various key capabilities of Teams, like push-to-talk and directory insights. The correct DECT phones should provide native integration with Microsoft Teams, meaning the DECT servers communicate directly with the Teams Phone platform via SIP and VoIP protocols.
“Interoperability is a key focus for us at Spectralink, because we understand that users cannot reinvent the wheel every time they need an improvement,” Bertheuil said.
“Developing solutions that interoperate with existing productivity applications and integrate in the existing technological and UC environment is key to providing the market with cost-effective and durable innovation.
A strong level of native integration ensures that all employees in the workforce, from those in the office to those operating on the field, are connected through the same streamlined solution. This helps to contribute to better productivity, alignment, and collaboration.
3. Prioritize Exceptional Reliability
In general, DECT phones can offer greater reliability, consistency, and stronger connectivity than many other phone options within the workplace. Compared to Wi-Fi, for instance, DECT connections aren’t impaired by obstacles such as thick walls, people, and other objects.
However, it is a good idea for business owners to examine the technology on offer by their DECT provider to ensure they can leverage the best possible connectivity. The best solutions should offer SIP-compliant integrations with in-building wireless mobility and a constant level of communication quality. The ideal tools will deliver consistent and reliable connections, regardless of the complexity or size of the site in question.
Speaking of reliability, DECT phones should also be built to stand the test of time. Because they’re often exposed to various environments, they need to be rugged enough to withstand all kinds of temperatures, atmospheres, and use cases.
4. Remember DECT Security
Every DECT solution implemented by a business should offer exceptional peace of mind. This is particularly important at a time when cybersecurity issues are becoming more profound throughout virtually every industry. Before investing in a DECT phone with Microsoft Teams, companies should ensure their solutions are certified to the highest standards.
“In this digital age, businesses are handling ever increasing volumes of personal data and this needs to be suitably protected. From ensuring that devices can be locked remotely if they are lost or stolen, to adhering to the latest security standards ensures that valuable information does not get into the wrong hands,” concluded Bertheuil.
In other words, every device should comply with the DECT Standard Authentication Algorithm, DECT Standard Cipher, and other regulations like DSAA2 and DSC2. An excellent DECT device for Microsoft Teams will help to keep conversations secure and encrypted, using intelligent keys and systems. Some solutions even come with built-in safety alarms and alerts to help protect workers and stop data issues from harming the company.
Every DECT device installed by a brand should be able to protect enterprise customer data from theft while simultaneously enabling team members to securely share the right information. Many DECT leaders will even offer value-added services and support to help companies maintain ongoing levels of compliance and security.
Aside for data, organisations must also consider the physical safety of their frontline workers. Staff safety has to be the number one priority, so employees must have a way to communicate with their peers in the event of an unexpected emergency situation. Effective DECT devices should be equipped with adequate safety features such as panic buttons, running notifications and no-movement notifications.
5. Consider Implementation and Management
Finally, implementing any new technology into a business can be a complex process. However, installing the right DECT solutions for Microsoft Teams shouldn’t be more difficult than necessary. The right DECT offering will make it easier to install and configure your devices according to your company’s needs with minimal time and effort.
Some solutions come with convenient software tools and systems which allow business leaders to track devices wherever they are and collect useful insights into their performance, functionality, and health. The right all-in-one system should ensure companies can configure technology remotely, maintain devices wherever they are, and collect data when necessary.
For some companies, it will also be helpful to look for technology with its own built-in analytics and reporting capabilities. This will ensure business leaders can collect valuable data to make better decisions about future investments.
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