* Devices include IP phones optimized for Microsoft 14 and 'smart desk phones'
Aastra announced last week at VoiceCon that it is adding to its IP phones portfolio with two new models optimized for Microsoft Communicator 14. The Aastra 6721ip and 6725ip phones are designed to facilitate the adoption of unified communications and include features such as a color 3.5″ LCD screen, essential calling features through navigation keys, and wideband audio.
Commenting in a statement on the new Aastra devices, Brian Riggs, research director at Current Analysis, said, “Software clients and mobile devices will certainly meet the needs for some workers, but others will demand more traditional handsets. Aastra’s 6721ip and 6725ip phones will help deliver Microsoft customers more choice in telephony endpoints than previously made available to them. It’s also a positive development for Aastra that will open new opportunities on the unified communications market and for Microsoft by adding a partner with strong expertise in unified communications and end points.”
Alcatel-Lucent unveiled a “smart desk phone” at VoiceCon last week that it considers a new class of phone designed to transform a desk phone into an experience beyond what mobile smartphones provide. While it still maintains the reliability enterprises demand, it also provides access to multimedia communications capabilities, Web applications and industry-tailored applications.
Applications such as instant messaging, presence, contextual applications, integrated e-mail and MP3 music are brought together on the desktop using the Alcatel-Lucent device, which will also be integrated with the company’s UC features. It is built on an open platform and offers an open API developer platform similar to those available for mobile devices. The phone is scheduled to be available in late 2010, although the developer portal will become accessible in Q2, according to the company.
Polycom broadened its portfolio of voice and video solutions and announced at VoiceCon that it is expanding its relationship with Microsoft to jointly develop and deliver an extended portfolio of UC solutions. Polycom introduced three CX series phones optimized for Microsoft Communicator 14, including two handsets and an IP conference phone. The phones also feature Polycom HD VoiceTM technology. The Polycom CX IP phones are scheduled for release when Communications Server 14 becomes available.
Building on its existing collaborative efforts with Microsoft, Polycom also unveiled expanded Integration with Microsoft. Commenting on the cooperative development efforts, Kirk Gregersen, senior director of Communications Server Marketing at Microsoft, said in a statement, “Our customers are looking for flexible solutions that integrate seamlessly and are highly reliable. Polycom is working to expand its offering of fully integrated end-to-end solutions for Microsoft environments as well as develop next-generation communications that will result in higher productivity and enhanced collaboration for businesses around the globe.
