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New VoIP Initiative Brings Power of Voice to Enterprise and Consumers

Last February 16, 2004, Plantronics, Inc., the leader in lightweight communications headset, leverage its technology platform to introduce a superior level of audio performance to a range of VoIP applications for residential, mobile, business and contact center users. During the Demo 2004 held last February 16-17, 2004 in Scottsdale, AZ, Plantronics demonstrated some of the technologies that power up its new line of VoIP headsets solutions.

Plantronics headset solution enables businesses to achieve land line audio quality in their VoIP applications by blending the benefits of wireless and voice technologies. During the DEMO, Plantronics conducted a technological demonstration of a wireless headset and base system for the office with integrated digital signal processing (DSP) technology, softphone compatibility, echo suppression, USB connectivity and VoIP functionality. These technological concepts provide users freedom and mobility by gaining capability to move away from keyboards and dial pads. Now they can use their voices to dictate e-mails, initiate telephone calls and execute software commands, whether they are at their desks or down the hall.

Plantronics, with its proficiency in communications technologies, has overcome many voice quality issues commonly associated with VoIP. It uses DSP that cancels echo, Clarity Call™ technology that enhances transmission and reception quality and now the noise-canceling microphones that eliminates background noise to improve the quality of chat and voice messaging.

According to Beth Johnson, senior director of product marketing for Plantronics, “VoIP applications can offer a variety of benefits, but much of the value can be lost if audio quality is poor.” She further added, “With our team of audio professionals and four decades of experience in satisfying customer needs, Plantronics is in the best position to improve the quality of voice technology for VoIP applications.”

Consumers and businesses took advantage of VoIP because it is convenient and cost efficient. According to Synergy Research Group an estimated sales of Internet-enabled phone systems to business will reach $3.5 billion in 2007. The enhanced audio performance and embedded “intelligence” of Plantronics’ headset make them an integral part of the transition to VoIP, providing the optimal audio quality and privacy required by businesses, as well as the convenience desired by home users.

Plantronics intend to introduce a family of products this year that will enable users to easily take advantage of VoIP with applications that suit their individual needs.

For Enterprises which comprise large, small-to-medium businesses, small office/home office and mobile professionals, Plantronics will launch a full range of wireless, analog digital and wireless headsets and adapters that will deliver unparalleled audio quality, privacy and cost efficiencies for softphone, web conferencing and unified messaging.

For consumers, both residential and mobile, a line of wireless, analog and digital headsets to facilitate crystal clear communication in chat and instant messaging, softphone, and online gaming.

For contact centers, plantronics had in mind a line of wireless, analog and digital headsets, in addition to the award-winning DA60 USB-to-headset adapter with software that will support new levels of productivity, customer service and cost saving softphones.

As VoIP adoption grows, Plantronics will continue to develop solutions to meet changing consumer needs and maximize the value of VoIP solutions.