Clouducation Episode #1 - Devices and Endpoints

In today's fast paced and ever changing world, companies are quite often looking to the latest and greatest technology to get the elusive competitive edge.  This is true from the flashy 'front door' of their website/mobile app to the more pedestrian - but equally critical - voice infrastructure, especially when deploying Skype for Business.  The latest in voice technology allows for users to ubiquitously connect to others using virtually any piece of technology they can get their hands on. This often includes their PC, iPad, Surface, mobile phone, or tin can and string – it should not matter (except for that last one which is a stretch!).  Well, at least that what users want to think…

Allowing users to make their own unfettered decisions about what device to use is great in theory, right up until the point where they continually have quality issues and turn their attention to blaming the back end infrastructure, rather than realizing it is the device or connection they are on that is the culprit.  At the same time, it is important to realize that users are people, and for people their device choices are personal.

So how do organizations overcome this challenge?  Well, first and foremost is to properly train their users on how to utilize SfB properly.  Secondly, and arguable more important, is to provide the appropriate devices for the users to utilize at all times to ensure they have the best possible chance for a successful experience.  This is where it is extremely important to provide users with a couple of options, including certified IP phones and headsets.

So what are the key things to consider when placing an IPP on a user's desk?  Let's take a quick look at some of those topics briefly below, before we dive much deeper during Episode #1 of the "Cloud"ucation series:

1. Connectivity - When it comes to IP phones, making sure the user always has a "constant" connection readily available at all times helps to alleviate those times where your PC has conveniently decided to install updates and require a reboot.  It seems like a small inconvenience, but we have all been there!!
2. Ease of use - IP phones can also help to bridge the gap from user's past experiences on other voice platforms, with the new ways SfB has to offer for communicating.  Why would anyone want to "relearn" how to use a phone?  It is a silly concept for sure and great options are available to alleviant this concern.
3. Manageability - This might not be something the users think of, but who wouldn't want to be on the latest software load and be able to report all statistics back to the IT manager automatically?  We have all been there as well, having a bad call experience, and calling the IT folks to get the old "send me more information" response.  Users should not have to concern themselves with this type of stuff, and that’s why the endpoints need to be the eyes and ears of IT.

Pretty interesting stuff to consider, especially in the BYOD world we live in!

On top of that, there is an interesting new term that I have just learned of from Mauro Caule over at Jabra called a "Confetti day".  Think of it this way, we all work in different places and spaces, but how do we keep ourselves "on task" with the increasing number of distractions we have around us?  Mauro is going to touch on how headsets can help mitigate a lot of those distractions and keep users on task no matter what is going on around them (except the NFL playoffs, who can work during that?!?!).