News in the Channel - issue #17

been using their own Apple-style earpods. While they are great for consumers to listen to their music, they are not ideal in a business environment where noise cancelling microphones can make a big difference. “There’s often a line that shouldn’t be crossed between business and consumer devices, especially at the cheaper end of the market. Business grade hardware is vital to deploy. A headset is not just a headset. “Business grade solutions are imperative and offer many upsell opportunities. We’re seeing lots of demand for Jabra headsets that deliver superior performance and can help organisations raise their game. Getting the right solution for the right person in the right environment is crucial. First impressions count. A poor end point experience can undermine a complete comms platform investment. A crackle on a call or no noise cancelling microphones should be avoided. The whole experience is only as good as the end point.” Jamie adds that hybrid working has triggered lots of laptop usage but the quality of cameras and speakers is not always up to the job. “We had a large increase in hardware sales last year and this growth continues across different areas,” he says. “Headsets and webcams are popular, but the biggest rise is in huddle spaces with small video bars.” Holli agrees that many companies are reinvesting in communications technologies to replace what was bought in haste during COVID. “This is from infrastructure to smaller peripherals that are now often deemed not fit for purpose,” she says. “Lots of offices have been re-designed with more huddle rooms for example to accommodate lots more remote meetings. They need high quality hardware to facilitate this change. “Whether in the office or home. Meeting equity has become one of the most important components for a successful hybrid work experience. People need to be seen and heard clearly in equal quality wherever they are based. “Everyone needs an equal voice and presence, so they don’t become alienated and feel inferior. The performance of equipment at home needs to match that in the office. This often requires upgraded equipment for hybrid workers, especially webcams and speakers. “There’s no doubt professional grade video and audio is the key to successful hybrid working. Now the dust has settled on working from home practices, a clearer picture is

James Campanini head of B2B

home office set-ups to be comfortable and they also care about aesthetics and ergonomics. As a result, they often know exactly what they want and that’s good from our perspective, as it means we can relatively easily identify the most popular products and make sure we provide access to them on SYNAXON Hub. We maintain a good range of peripherals stock and we can also source just about any other product for partners, so they can always address opportunities when they arise. That’s important because attach-selling peripherals is a handy way to boost turnover and profit.” James agrees that hybrid working is maturing. “With this, there are new demands on the sort of peripherals that home workers need,” he says. “Home working often sees workers moving around the house and working from more compact locations, which make your standard sized mouse and keyboard less effective. As such, we’re seeing interest in smaller, more portable peripherals, that help facilitate effective work from anywhere – whether that’s the kitchen table, or the bar of a coffee shop. “‘Meeting equity’ is the phrase of the moment, and we’re seeing this drive interest in decent webcams and headsets. Without the right technology, hybrid calls can leave those with bad audio or video feeling left out and with a smaller say in the conversation. Equipping workers, wherever they are, with crystal clear audio and video ensures that everyone has an equal seat at the table.” Quality interactions Indeed, quality audio and visual facilities are crucial for many – and this is an area where hybrid workers can be neglected. “In many ways hybrid workers have tended to be forgotten about as they are often out of sight and out of mind,” says Jamie. “I’ve been on numerous calls where people have

logitech.com

We’re seeing interest in smaller, more portable peripherals, that help facilitate effective work from anywhere... “ ”

Ross Turner retail & peripherals director, UK

uk.tdsynnex.com

CONTINUED