Cisco Enhances Jabber with VDI and Logitech UC Desktop Accessories
Cisco Enhances Jabber with VDI and Logitech UC Desktop Accessories by UCStrategies Staff
Cisco Systems, Inc. enhances its unified communications application, Jabber, for the virtual desktop environment and introduces enterprise-grade Logitech desktop accessories to be used with it.
The new software is called Virtualization Experience Media Engine (VXME), and it will be made available worldwide during the first half of 2013. VXME is available for Cisco’s thin clients, with support provided for third-party devices like thin clients based on Dell Wyse and Windows.
Essentially, what VXME touts to accomplish is to introduce a virtual desktop experience into Cisco Jabber’s collaboration, including its high-definition video, instant messaging, and voice capabilities, now all under the Cisco Virtualization Experience Infrastructure Smart Solution. All in all, Cisco VXI is composed of desktop virtualization and various applications and collaboration services hosted by Cisco Unified Data Center.
Cisco claims that the VXME solution imparts better flexibility as well as simplified management for IT personnel. By default, the software on thin clients notifies the network about video and voice traffic, thus reducing delays because the network can then automatically prioritize certain functions involved in the collaboration.
“Not only do these innovations create a stellar user experience, they also meet security needs,” wrote Phil Sherburne, vice president and head of Enterprise Smart Solutions Engineering at Cisco. “Virtual desktops become a mirror of traditional workspaces, and as such provide the same level of secure access to documents, corporate applications, and a full suite of collaboration tools via Cisco Jabber.”
On top of the VXME software, a range of desktop accessories, supported by partners Logitech and Jabra, is also introduced. Desktop accessories range from keyboards equipped with a caller ID display to phone handsets, standalone speakers, and web cams that let users collaborate via HD-video virtual desktop environments.
Logitech’s UC Solution for Cisco 725-C is composed of three new business-grade desktop accessories: the Logitech UC keyboard K725-C which features keys for managing calls on either a computer or a virtual desktop, the HD-capable Logitech C920-C webcam, and the ergonomically-designed Logitech M525-C wireless mouse.
Logitech’s UC keyboard K725-C, in particular, is touted to seamlessly work with Cisco Jabber. It has nine specially designed keys to control phone and video functions. The keyboard manages calls for specific users signed into Jabber – an advantage for work environments involving users who have no assigned and fixed work locations.
“We created the Logitech UC Keyboard to replicate the familiar physical controls of a traditional desk phone, giving UC users new options to collaborate using soft phones and video,” said Eric Kintz, senior vice president and general manager of Logitech for Business, in a press release. “The Logitech C920-C webcam further enhances this experience with true-to-life HD video clarity, while the Logitech M525-C mouse represents Logitech’s heritage in human-centric peripherals that boost user productivity and satisfaction. We are delighted that Cisco shares our vision and has given us the opportunity to design products for Cisco Jabber.” (KOM) Link. Link. Link. Link.