Plantronics Unveils Communications Platform, SMB Initiatives

Plantronics paired up with Cisco to deliver a five-line IP phone with a Plantronics Voyager PRO UC Bluetooth headset.

Audio communications specialist Plantronics announced the availability of tools, training events and special product offers as part of an initiative aimed at supporting the communications requirements of small and midsize businesses. Plantronics said it is working with strategic partners, including Cisco, to develop and offer technology solutions for this mobile-focused market segment. The first SMB solution offered as part of the initiative-a Cisco IP Phone paired with a Plantronics Voyager Pro Unified Communications (UC) headset.

SMBs and the resellers who supply the market can find the things they need within dedicated areas on Plantronics' Website, including white papers, success stories, special offers, tools and guidance and incentives. From Sept. 1 through Oct. 31, customers, and resellers who are part of the Plantronics Connect Partner Program, are invited to participate in Plantronics' "Be Free to Succeed" campaign to receive free products and sales incentives. In addition, value-added resellers (VARs) who focus on delivering solutions to SMBs are invited to join Plantronics' Connect Partner Program to receive tools, training and information in support of sales efforts.

"We're thrilled to see Plantronics initiating programs designed to meet the communications needs of small and midsize businesses, a key segment for Cisco," said Eren Hussein, director of partner marketing at Cisco. "One of the core benefits of our new communications solution with Plantronics is that it enables more flexibility and mobility for SMBs, allowing owners and operators to spend more time running their businesses and less time hassling with IT."

Plantronics paired up with Cisco to deliver a Cisco SPA525G2 five-line IP phone coupled with a Plantronics Voyager PRO UC Bluetooth headset. The combination of Plantronics and Cisco audio technology helps customers experience flexible, hands-free audio on a variety of devices, including a smartphone, PC or a Bluetooth-enabled desk phone. Benefits include hands-free productivity, a five-line IP phone with color display, WiFi and Bluetooth, with only one headset required for three types of calls.

In addition, Smart Sensor technology knows when the headset is being worn; the device also features "on the road" productivity with noise cancellation and a computer soft phone via the included USB adapter. Plantronics also holds joint events across the country with partners such as Cisco, where resellers and SMB IT professionals can learn and network together.

"Regardless of size, every business has a fundamental need to communicate clearly and quickly with staff members, suppliers and, most importantly, customers," said Michael Gjerstad, vice president of strategic business partners for Plantronics. "Small and midsize businesses fuel over half the U.S. economy and those companies need technologies that can keep up with their rapid business pace and mobile work style. We're very excited to work with key partners such as Cisco to arm the SMB market with professional-grade communications technologies that enable them to compete with even the largest competitors."