The world of communication is shifting rapidly into the cloud. Digitally-focused solutions delivered on a “software as a service” (SaaS) basis are taking over as companies seek out more agile, flexible technologies for their teams. However, even in this software-focused world, organisations must ensure they have the right peripherals, devices, and endpoints for excellent communication.
Desk phones, smart devices, speakers, microphones, and cameras are all critical for brands looking to make the most out of their communication systems. The challenge is in finding technology that not only offers the right functionality but also integrates well with a team’s existing tools.
Today, we’re examining some of the most valuable endpoint and device vendors in the Unified Communications market, committing to addressing the use cases of every brand:
- Jabra
- Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise
- Mitel
- Avaya
- Yealink
- Poly
- Spectralink
- Ooma
- Cisco Webex
- Microsoft
- Logitech
- EPOS
- Bose
- Lenovo
- Crestron
- Huddly
- Dell
- AVer
- HP
- Vaddio
- Snom
- AudioCodes
- Algo Communications
- Coolpo
- Owl Labs
- Shure
Jabra
Delivering a wide variety of video and audio technologies for today’s teams, Jabra’s portfolio helps to keep businesses connected wherever employees might be. The company’s range of business endpoints and devices includes noise-cancelling headphones for better employee focus to speakerphones and video conferencing systems.
Companies investing in Jabra technologies can purchase entire room kits to transform any environment into an intelligent meeting space in seconds. The company’s solutions include various HD video streaming tools, presentations, and enhanced audio. Jabra’s tools also work with a variety of UC software solutions, and some are certified for Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other well-known platforms.
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise
Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, also known as ALE, offers a variety of software and hardware solutions for modern communications. Alongside cloud-based technologies for the contact centre and UC environment, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise also has its own range of CPaaS and API offerings. The company’s portfolio of endpoints and devices ensures brands can customize their technology stack according to their needs, with softphones, phones, switches, headsets, and even intercom tools.
ALE’s collection of hardware solutions addresses a range of needs for contact center and UC landscapes. There are next-generation phones available, which include support for both video and audio conferencing. Companies can also access a selection of conferencing tools, smart desk phones, SIP solutions, and mobile handsets or headsets, all of which integrate seamlessly with various UC software solutions.
→ Explore Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise
Mitel
A competitor in the communications and technology landscape, Mitel creates products intended to address the unique needs of companies across every industry. The endpoints and devices offered by the brand range from simple business phone systems to comprehensive SIP, IP, and DECT phones. Companies can mix and match headsets, desk systems, and video conferencing tools built to enable employees across businesses of any size.
Mitel’s technology can be easily monitored and configured through the cloud, saving business leaders time and effort. Plus, the phones and accessories are suitable for virtually any workspace, whether team members are working at a desk or operating on the move. There are even specialized rugged tools for specific industry sectors.
Avaya
Known for delivering various communication tools, equipment, and software, Avaya addresses the needs of enterprises and contact centres alike. The company’s comprehensive device catalogue features tools for meeting rooms, individual users, and telepresence. There are room systems with their own screens and control modules available to transform meeting spaces.
Avaya also offers a host of standard desk phones, conference phones, collaboration units, cameras, headsets, and wireless tools. Alongside compatibility with Avaya Cloud Office, Avaya Spaces, and other UCaaS tools, Avaya’s solutions can work seamlessly across various devices. Many of the systems are customisable to address specific industry requirements.
Yealink
Yealink’s products and solutions are flexible enough to work alongside many of the core platforms businesses use for communication and collaboration. The room kits and conferencing endpoints are certified for use with solutions like Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Yealink’s flexible tools will also accommodate the needs of a wide range of business leaders.
Products in the Yealink portfolio range from DECT and conference phones to headsets, speakerphones, and room-scheduling tools. There are also USB cameras and BYOD kits available, alongside wireless headsets and intelligent room sensors. Yealink has even begun experimenting with virtual conferencing tools for extended reality meetings.
Poly
Now part of the HP family, Poly’s collection of devices and endpoints for meeting rooms and unified communications covers a range of common business needs. Alongside wired and wireless headsets, with premium audio and sound management, the company offers a range of business phones, conferencing phones, and video conferencing tools.
Poly’s endpoint portfolio empowers companies to create comprehensive meeting spaces from scratch or leverage plug-and-play room options. There are individual phones and headsets available for each employee, and all tools can integrate with solutions like Microsoft Teams, Google, and Zoom. Poly’s devices also come with access to Poly Lens for easier device management and remote provisioning.
Spectralink
With a strong focus on mobility, Spectralink’s product portfolio assists companies in keeping employees connected wherever they are. The company offers a host of Wi-Fi enabled, DECT, and other intelligent tools to business leaders from almost any industry. The phone collection available also includes ruggedised and durable models for specific sectors.
Capable of integrating with various unified communications and contact center tools, Spectralinks endpoints are flexible enough for use throughout the business landscape. They also come with access to services for help with design, optimisation, and maintenance or repairs. Plus, users can access a device analytics platform to track the performance of their hardware.
Ooma
Based in Silicon Valley, Ooma produces business phones and telecommunication tools alongside smart security systems. The products in the devices and endpoints portfolio cover the needs of various small businesses, as well as evolving enterprises. Ooma also has a dedicated POTS replacement service available to companies moving into the digital landscape.
The phone systems available from Ooma combine HD audio and mobile applications with virtual receptionists and intelligent systems for collaboration. The brand has its own video conferencing and collaboration platform, but devices can also work alongside a variety of other services and tools. Ooma was one of the winners of the UC Awards for 2022.
Cisco
Alongside a number of popular UC and collaboration software tools, Cisco also manufactures and provides a variety of hardware solutions. The Webex collection of devices targets the needs of today’s hybrid and remote workers with flexible solutions for meetings. The portfolio includes video conferencing cameras and speakerphones, headsets, microphones, and desk devices. Cisco also has its own dedicated digital whiteboarding solution for presentations.
Cisco’s Webex devices work naturally with the Webex portfolio of SaaS systems, including Cisco Webex Teams. They can also integrate with the UCaaS tools other vendors offer, such as Microsoft with Microsoft Teams. Some solutions even come with access to their own virtual assistant technology for voice-based management.
Microsoft
As Microsoft continues to invest in its UCaaS portfolio, the company’s range of available devices and endpoints has also increased. The brand already partners with several peripheral vendors, many of which have their own solutions certified for use with Microsoft Teams. However, Microsoft also provides access to solutions like cameras, headsets, and microphones for modern staff.
The Microsoft collection of hardware and endpoints is evolving rapidly. The company has even invested in the extended reality landscape through the HoloLens headset, which can be used directly with Microsoft Teams. Microsoft also offers a variety of useful accessories, such as the Surface, for collaboration during meetings.
Logitech
Logitech sells numerous products for the IT space, ranging from speakers and smart home devices to accessories, streaming tools, headsets, and webcams. The endpoint and devices portfolio for businesses offers companies access to numerous tools for collaboration and conferencing, including entire room kits and intelligent headsets with built-in noise cancelling.
Logitech’s devices are relatively platform agnostic, thanks to the company’s partnerships with a variety of leading vendors, such as Zoom, Google, Microsoft, RingCentral, GoTo and Pexip. The brand also offers solutions specially designed for specific industries, such as education and healthcare, and many of their devices are built with sustainability in mind.
EPOS
Focused on both the enterprise and gaming sectors, EPOS produces high-end audio solutions for improved communication. Enterprise solutions include everything from video conferencing kits, which can be adapted to suit different styles of meeting rooms, to headsets and speakerphones. These tools come with EPOS BrainAdapt software built in to enhance user experiences.
Companies investing in EPOS endpoints can explore a variety of wired and wireless headsets, in various configurations, with built-in Bluetooth, noise cancelling, and other features. EPOS is a certified partner of Microsoft, Zoom, and Google, ensuring all of its hardware can integrate seamlessly with existing UCaaS environments.
Bose
Serving both the consumer and corporate world, Bose specializes in audio devices, such as headsets and speaker systems. The company’s range of business-focused solutions includes smart bars, noise-cancelling headphones, and earbuds, among various other items.
Bose products feature proprietary technology for audio enhancement and can adapt to different business requirements. Bose has also begun investing recently in video bar solutions, intended to provide companies with a full plug-and-play system for meeting rooms and conferencing. Like many endpoint and device manufacturers, Bose ensures its tools can work alongside most leading UCaaS platforms, including Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
Lenovo
Delivering various tools for IT and communications, Lenovo’s portfolio features everything from laptops and computer systems to smartphones and data center tools. The endpoints and devices for unified communications offered by Logitech include smartphones for mobile employees, as well as video conferencing systems and audio tools.
Lenovo recently introduced its new ThinkSmart collection for fully-kitted meeting rooms, with access to ThinkShield security solutions, a platform for managing meetings, and a full plug-and-play video bar system. Lenovo also offers service solutions to customers, including access to maintenance support, set up and provisioning requirements.
Crestron
With numerous solutions to address different business needs, the Crestron portfolio includes everything from meeting room panels to video and conferencing systems. Crestron’s endpoints and devices cover lighting and environment tools, video conferencing cameras, audio systems, and accessories for meetings and collaboration.
Crestron’s endpoints can be easily managed and provisioned through the cloud and are certified to work alongside various UCaaS platforms, such as Microsoft Teams. Business leaders can also unify the extensible collection of products and tools to empower larger meeting spaces or offices with minimal configuration and setup.
Huddly
Built to empower and support employees in various flexible environments, Huddly produces various video conferencing and communication tools with built-in technology. Solutions like the Huddly Crew include their AI director to create more inclusive experiences. These tools also work alongside any platform, from Google Meet to Microsoft Teams.
Huddly’s tools are simple to set up and suitable for mid, large, and small meeting rooms. They also come with constantly updating software to ensure businesses can stay up-to-date with the latest technology innovations. Alongside standalone products and cameras, Huddly also offers entire meeting room kits for conferencing sessions.
Dell
Best known for its range of laptop and desktop computers, Dell also has a rich selection of accessories available for business leaders. The company’s PC accessories and unified communications tools include audio systems such as headsets and speakers, as well as webcams and video bars.
In the audio environment, Dell has a range of headsets and headphones to offer to suit different employee requirements, as well as computer speakers and all-in-one kits. Dell also offers a range of camera solutions for individual users, executives, and teams. Dell’s solutions work alongside the leading conferencing and collaboration tools on the market today.
AVer
A global solution provider of communication and wireless presentation technology, AVer offers products intended to address a host of different use cases. The company has a comprehensive video conferencing portfolio, with cameras for meeting rooms and individual workspaces. Specialist cameras are also available for the healthcare industry, designed for medical-grade requirements.
For companies building meeting rooms, video bars are available with included speakers and microphone technology. Additionally, AVer partners with Nureva for integrated voice and camera tracking capabilities. AVer’s collection of products can work alongside the primary UCaaS and video conferencing tools businesses use today.
HP
Now the owner of Poly, HP also offers a range of peripherals and endpoints through their own brand. The company’s range of headsets, speakers, and accessories is intended to address a host of use cases with both wired and wireless devices. Compatible with most of the leading UCaaS platforms in the market today, HP’s tools are straightforward and easy to implement.
Alongside convenient headsets in various configurations, HP also offers dedicated speakerphones and audio bars for meeting spaces. The company has bars designed to address various meeting room sizes and requirements. HP has even begun investing in the VR and extended reality landscape with immersive headsets.
Vaddio
Focusing mainly on PTZ cameras and enterprise audio solutions, Vaddio produces tools for the new age of conferencing and collaboration. The tools in the Vaddio portfolio come with access to a convenient deployment tool, which companies can leverage to track the health of their devices remotely. There are also tools included for optimizing video meeting rooms.
Vaddio’s products include a combination of webcam and audio solutions designed for different meetings and interactions. Many of the options come with built-in artificial intelligence and tracking tools, as well as privacy and security components. Vaddio’s tools are designed to work alongside the UC systems business leaders already use, with numerous connectivity options.
Snom
The Snom technology team produces hardware and endpoints for various business environments. Alongside hands-free audio devices and smartphones, the company also produces a variety of desk phones for the modern age of work and conferencing tools. Products range from video-enabled desk phone devices to desktop wireless phones, audio conferencing systems, and headsets.
Users can also leverage a range of accessories from the Snom brand, such as public announcement devices, location gateways, and accessories. Like many of today’s hardware and endpoint vendors, Snom ensures interoperability between their devices and solutions like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, RingCentral, and many other platforms.
AudioCodes
AudioCodes produces a variety of endpoints, and devices for a range of business settings. The company’s portfolio of solutions includes cameras, meeting bars, speakers, and tablets for managing conversations. AudioCodes even offers dedicated solutions for Microsoft Teams, such as the RXV81 collaboration bar, and the RXV100-BO5, an all-in-one bundle for managing Microsoft Teams Rooms.
Companies can choose from a selection of endpoints from AudioCodes, all custom-made to fit different room sizes and use cases. Alongside audio bars, cameras, and speakerphones, AudioCodes also offers a range of panels (displays) for meeting environments, accessories, and meeting room controllers, such as the RX-PAD.
Algo Communications
Producing a variety of IP speakers and paging products, Algo Communications focuses heavily on designing tools for specialist business environments. The company’s portfolio of products are all designed and tested for integration with major mass notification, collaboration, and UC systems. Additionally, users can leverage everything from speakers and displays, to intercoms and controllers.
Algo Communications’ range of endpoints and devices features IP displays, IP intercoms, endpoint supervision tools, and visual alerters, intended for emergency situations. Algo also offers a suite of accessories intended to complement core IP endpoints, such as ceiling speakers, call switches, and call buttons for emergency notifications.
Coolpo
Coolpo is a technology company that specializes in video conferencing solutions. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Shenzhen, China. Coolpo’s products are designed to make video conferencing more convenient and efficient for businesses of all sizes. The company’s flagship product is the Coolpo AI Huddle, a 360-degree video conferencing camera that can automatically track participants and adjust the image to ensure that everyone is visible. Coolpo also offers a variety of other video conferencing products, including webcams, microphones, and speakers.
The company’s products are perfect for businesses of all sizes and can help improve your communication and collaboration.
Owl Labs
Owl Labs is a company that makes 360° video conferencing devices called the “Meeting Owl” and the “Meeting Owl Pro”. It was founded in 2014 by robotics experts Max Makeev and Mark Schnittman. The company is headquartered in Somerville, Massachusetts, and has raised over $7 million in venture capital.
The Meeting Owl is a small, round device that sits in the middle of a conference table. It has a 360° camera that can capture everyone in the room, and a 360° microphone that can pick up everyone’s voice. The device automatically focuses on the person who is speaking, and it can be used with any video conferencing software.
The Meeting Owl Pro is a more advanced version of the Meeting Owl. It has a higher-resolution camera, a wider field of view, and a longer range microphone. It also has a built-in speaker, so it can be used as a standalone video conferencing device.
Shure
Shure is an American audio products corporation founded in 1925 by Sidney N. Shure in Chicago, Illinois. The company is known for its high-quality microphones, headphones, and wireless systems. Shure products are used by professional musicians, audio engineers, and broadcasters around the world.
Shure has a long history of innovation in the audio industry. In 1948, the company introduced the SM57, which is now one of the most popular microphones in the world. In 1962, Shure introduced the SM58, which is another iconic microphone that is used by singers and vocalists all over the world.
In addition to its microphones, Shure also manufactures a wide range of other audio products, including headphones, wireless systems, and mixers. Shure products are known for their high quality, durability, and performance.
