Communications Keyboard from Logitech
Communications Keyboard from Logitech by UCStrategies Staff
A new keyboard from Logitech debuted last week which can be used in conjunction with Cisco's Jabber UC platform, one that integrates both phone and video call controls, simplifying virtual workshop communications.
The Logitech UC Solution for Cisco 725-C will be distributed through the company's channel-centric Logitech for Business unit, and combines both Logitech's UC Keyboard K725-C with its C920-C Webcam and M525-C ergonomic mouse.
Logitech is a Preferred Solution Developer for UC in Cisco's Developer Network. The company recently integrated and validated testing for the 725-C with Cisco. The product has nine dedicated phone and video-control keys; these allow the management of calls directly from the desktop, and there is also a built-in LCD display for call information. The platform can also manage calls for any Cisco Jabber user signed into the system, thanks to the Jabber integration.
The senior vice president and general manager of Logitech for Business (launched April 2011), Eric Kintz, said that the 725-C is therefore ideal for “hot desking” environments, such as call centers, and where there is a constant turnover in the workers sitting at the desks.
Experts announce that the 725-C will be available for purchase in March of this year, and will have an MSRP of $269.99, but other components can be purchased separately. Kintz added that Logitech will sell mainly to specific VARs who specialize in Cisco's collaboration portfolio, and will also be available for Jabber for Windows and Jabber for virtual environments.
When Logitech for Business was launched, it was a separate business unit, placing its attention on distributing Logitech products to business users and strengthening the company's place in enterprise desktop UC spending. A few hundred channel partners have been added since then, and the company has broadened its channel footprint via a distribution relationship with Jenne.
Kintz stated: “Our next ramp up is this big push into the UC channel, especially with Cisco resellers and [Microsoft] Lync resellers. We are escalating and seeing good results.”
The Logitech LifeSize Communications unit is in competition with Cisco in the videoconferencing and collaboration segment, but Kintz also said that Logitech's Cisco partnerships are not affected by that business.
Kintz added: “We wouldn't partner with them on the video end. We see our role as needing to be compatible with the major UC platforms. In this case, it's launching a keyboard for Cisco Jabber, not competing with LifeSize.”
Last year, Logitech saw a number of earning shortfalls, and announced in June 2013 that 13 percent of its workforce would be cut in order to save $80 million in its opex budget.
Cisco, on the other hand, persists in growing and the Jabber platform is developing so that it will compete directly with Microsoft Lync and other collaboration platforms. In a separate announcement last week, Cisco stated that it would have new extensions to Jabber voice, video and collaboration which could be used with its virtual desktops and third-party thin-clients. (CY) Link