A communication endpoint is simply a form of communication node that helps to ensure that you can make the most out of your connections with other business professionals around the world. The type of endpoint you use will depend on what kind of features you want to access. For example, if you’re looking for a more face-to-face interaction with your co-workers in a different part of the world, you might choose a multi-media endpoint or device.
On the other hand, if your aim is to bring everyone in your professional community together with some of the latest technology and collaboration features in the market, then you may dive into the complexities of connecting a conference phone endpoint, with some of the new team collaboration apps such as Skype for Business or Microsoft Teams.
To help you choose which endpoint is best for your needs, below are our latest product reviews and definition for each option:
SIP and IP Phones
SIP and IP phones are basically your classic communication desktop endpoint. They’re the plastic deskphones that sit next to your computer, and plug into your telephone system – either through the cloud, or using an on-premises IP-PBX.
The difference between an IP and SIP phone, though the two are very similar, is the fact that the IP phone is typically considered to be “proprietary”. It speaks the language of a specific phone system brand, and it might not be able to connect as readily to another phone system. On the other hand, SIP is an open-stack solution that can connect to any SIP compliant platform. With SIP, you get more flexibility, and often a lower cost. However, IP phones can sometimes offer a greater degree of feature options.
Multi-Media Endpoints
A multi-media endpoint is basically a phone that also offers a video connection. It takes communication to the next level by giving you a more comprehensive face-to-face interaction. While some multi-media endpoints include a range of other elements, including messaging and chat features, most will simply focus on delivering high-quality audio and video.
Multi-media endpoints aren’t much different from IP and SIP phones. You can get SIP open-standard multi-media endpoints in the VoIP phone market, just as you can get proprietary options.
Softphones
Softphones are the software-based endpoints in your communication system. They sit on the screen of your computer, rather than the desk. Softphone software can be downloaded from a range of different providers on the marketplace today, and can be used through your MAC, PC, tablet, or smartphone – making softphones incredibly flexible for the diverse modern business.
With a softphone, you don’t have to invest in a specific piece of plastic, and you can get the exceptional mobility that most companies are searching for in today’s industry. Since high-speed internet has become more available than ever, softphones can be a great option for many businesses, and often offer high voice quality.
Wireless Phones (DECT & WiFi)
Wireless phones are exactly what the name would suggest. These are business telephones that you can take with you as you’re wandering around the office building. Wireless phones keep you connected to your business system as you roam, however, the distance will depend on your base station. Known as “DECT” phones to most, wireless phones are available in more industrial formats today, that can allow you to increase your distance for connections.
Wireless phones typically come in two flavours today. The first is the “DECT” phone, as we mentioned, while the second is the WiFi phone. DECT is the digital European standard, which is generally more secure, with a better quality of audio. However, WiFi is available depending on how you want to make your connections.
Conference Phones
Conference phones are the standard meeting room or huddle room endpoints. They’re designed to bring multiple people together for a conversation between offices. Most of the time, conference phones look like starfish. They sit in the centre of the meeting room table, and offer superior voice quality designed to ensure that every member within a meeting room environment gets to speak with the same level of clarity.
Although conference phones haven’t changed too much over the years, they are beginning to introduce new integration solutions that allow you to connect with other meeting room solutions, to make your overall environment more collaborative, and innovative.
Personal Speaker Phones
Personal speaker phones are the endpoint solutions designed to keep the more mobile workforce connected as we move towards an era where remote working is more important than ever. These small round devices are very portable, which means that you can set them up in your office, or take them with you wherever you go.
Personal speaker phones are great because they deliver exceptional hands-free quality, and they’re becoming more popular than ever today, as people progressively move away from the classic desktop phone experience, and into more internet-based softphone solutions.
Headsets
Finally, headsets are the endpoint “accessories” that you wear on your head to keep you connected to your communication system. They’re available in both wired, and wireless configurations, and overall, the hardware hasn’t changed too much over the years. However, headsets are now bringing new software into the communication experience that enables new features, and allows for a more interesting experience for end-users.
Headset Reviews | Brand |
Plantronics Blackwire 500 Series Headset Review | Plantronics |
Plantronics SAVI 740 Headset Review | Plantronics |
Plantronics Voyager 5200 UC Headset Review | Plantronics |
Plantronics Voyager 8200 Headset Review | Plantronics |
Plantronics Voyager 8200 UC | Plantronics |
Plantronics Voyager Focus UC Headset Review | Plantronics |
Sennheiser D10 DECT Headset Review | Sennheiser |
Sennheiser MB 660 UC MS Headset Review | Plantronics |
Sennheiser Presence UC/UC ML Review | Sennheiser |
Sennheiser SC 45 USB MS Headset Review | Sennheiser |
Sennheiser SDW 5016 Review | Sennheiser |
Snom A100M Headset Review | Sennheiser |
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