It’s easy to overlook the importance of leveraging the correct endpoints and devices for your communication stack. Endpoints are frequently treated as an afterthought in a world obsessed with ever-evolving software. But your company will struggle to thrive without suitable meeting room systems, cameras, speakers, phones, and microphones.

Endpoints and devices are essential to ensuring employees can access the necessary resources to collaborate and communicate.

What’s more, these tools are becoming increasingly innovative in today’s world. With built-in AI, advanced connectivity options, and powerful features, these tools can significantly improve efficiency and productivity.

The question for business owners is, how do you choose the right solutions for your team? Here’s your guide to comparing endpoints and devices in 2023.

Step 1: Examine Your Communication Strategy

Endpoints and devices have come a long way in recent years. Today’s companies aren’t just investing in desk phones and network routers. Many also need to purchase comprehensive meeting room kits, intuitive cameras, and other accessories.

Before you start comparing vendor options, you’ll need to ensure you assess all of the needs of your various employee personas. Make a list of your needs regarding:

  • Phone systems: Do your employees need state-of-the-art desk phones with integrations to collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams or mobile devices?
  • Networking tools: What routers and accessories do you need to power IP communications in the switch from PTSN and ISDN lines?
  • Accessories: Do your companies rely on any accessories for enhanced collaboration, like digital whiteboards or display systems?
  • Cameras: How are you managing video conferencing and video meetings in your workplace? Do you need all-in-one video bars or simple webcams?
  • Speakers and microphones: What are your needs regarding microphones, speaker systems, and similar audio tools?

Step 2: Ensure Integrations with The Right Tools

The chances are your company already relies on various unified communication and collaboration tools. Before you bring new endpoints and devices into the mix, you’ll need to ensure the systems you choose can integrate with the right software.

The good news is most devices can connect to virtually any UC platform or ecosystem. However, you may want to consider a certified vendor if you’re using a specific solution, like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Certified tools can often offer extra features, like one-click meeting buttons.

It’s also worth considering the other resources you’ll want to use to manage your team. For instance, do your devices integrate with your endpoint or UC service management software?

Step 3: Prioritize Ease of Use for Endpoints and Devices

The days of complicated endpoints are over. Today’s employees are tired of dealing with clunky devices and systems that are difficult to set up. If you want your employees to use your endpoints and devices correctly, you need to ensure they’re convenient and intuitive.

Look for tools that minimize friction and frustrations for employees. For instance, all-in-one meeting bars and room kits make setting up ad-hoc hybrid meetings easier in seconds. Cameras with automatic framing tools use artificial intelligence to eliminate issues with video conferencing.

It’s also worth considering how easy it will be for your IT admins to configure employee solutions. Ensure the devices you choose are easy to provision to remote and in-office employees. This will be particularly important as the hybrid and remote work trend continues to grow.

Step 4: Look for Ways to Innovate and Evolve

Investing in new endpoints and devices gives companies an excellent opportunity to explore innovations in the communication space. When comparing vendors, ask yourself what transformative technology will benefit your business. Investing in tools with 5G connections may be a good idea if you have a disconnected mobile team.

If you’re running a “smart workplace,” you may want to consider experimenting with the Internet of Things and tools with built-in AI. Artificial intelligence can provide direct access to virtual assistants within communication endpoints and devices. It can also improve communication quality by eliminating echo and voice distortion.

With immersive tools, you may even decide to take your communication and collaboration strategy to the next level. Extended reality headsets and wearables offer a new way for companies to enter the metaverse and power the next generation of work.

Step 5: Remember Security and Compliance

While compliance has always been essential for business leaders, it’s becoming increasingly complex in the communication landscape. With more channels to monitor and protect than ever, companies need to take a strategic approach to security.

While the software and apps you use to manage your workforce will play a big part in your security strategy, it’s worth examining what your endpoint vendors can offer. Some manufacturers of UC endpoints and devices offer built-in encryption and two-factor authentication.

Specific tools, like smartphones, can come with biometric authentication tools and similar advanced features. Some vendors even offer software solutions that allow you to monitor your devices and track potential risks remotely.

Step 6: Look for Support with Endpoints and Devices

Finally, when investing in new tools and resources for your business, you must consider the support and service you’ll get from your vendor. Most endpoint and device vendors can offer assistance with everything from implementation to configuration.

Some offer onboarding solutions to train your team on how to use new tools. Others can provide access to customized setups for meeting rooms and networking solutions. Some vendors can offer a range of different provisioning methods to businesses.

For instance, you might be able to purchase your devices and kits “as a service.” This means you can stay agile and update your technology whenever needed.

Comparing Endpoints and Devices for UC

Without the correct endpoints and devices for your unified communication strategy, your business simply can’t thrive. The right tools are necessary for connecting and synchronizing your teams and reducing operational costs.

Make sure you consider all of the steps above when you’re comparing vendors in the evolving endpoints and devices landscape.



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