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.
