Press Room

Plantronics announce new technology initiatives to maximise the VOIP experience

Blending the benefits of wireless and voice technologies to digitally enhance VoIP audio quality, Plantronics headset systems enable businesses and consumers to achieve excellent audio quality in their VoIP applications.

Swindon, UK. - excellent audio quality in their VoIP applications.

HANOVER, GERMANY – CeBIT – March 18 2004 – Plantronics, the world’s leading provider of lightweight communications headsets, today announced the launch of a comprehensive VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) initiative.

Building on more than 40 years of technology expertise Plantronics is leveraging its technology platforms to introduce superior levels of audio performance and wireless freedom to VoIP applications for Business, Contact Centre and Consumers.

This new initiative starts with the development of a series of key technology building blocks incorporating USB connectivity, DECT™ wireless technology and DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to provide echo suppression. These technologies will give improved audio performance and the additional benefits of wireless connectivity, enabling increased worker productivity as well as the existing benefits of an IP system to the business.

Using a wireless product such as the one being demonstrated at CeBIT, means you can multi-task while on the phone; allowing such tasks as retrieving files or consulting colleagues to be completed, without the inconvenience of having to hang up the call and having to call back.

Plantronics’ expertise in communications technology, has allowed the company to overcome many of the voice quality issues commonly associated with VoIP. For example, Plantronics’ use of DSP firmware (digital signal processing) cancels the echo problems often associated with IP telephony; while its Call Clarity™ electronic noise reduction technology enhances transmission and reception quality (in particular at higher frequencies) providing clearer, more natural sound for both parties on the call. The use of these audio technologies means that the resultant sound quality experienced by the user can exceed that of normal land line telephony calls. These technologies combined with Plantronics category leading headset designs means increased efficiency for the business and greater comfort and convenience for the user.

“More businesses, contact centres and end users are realising the convenience, cost savings and productivity increases that VoIP offers and are further integrating the technology into their day-to-day communications.” Said Philip Vanhoutte, EMEA managing director, Plantronics. He continued, “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 to fully realise the benefits of VoIP.”

VoIP adoption is rapidly increasing as more consumers and businesses take advantage of its convenience, productivity increases and cost efficiencies. By 2009, VoIP could account for 40 percent of the consumer telephone market, predicts the New Millennium Research Council, a telecom think tank in Washington, D.C. On the enterprise side, Synergy Research Group estimates that sales of Internet-enabled phone systems to businesses will grow to reach $5.3 billion in 2007. As VoIP adoption grows, Plantronics will continue to develop solutions to meet changing consumer needs and maximise the value of VoIP applications.

Notes to Editors:

For further information please contact:

Ed Fleming or Mark Ward
Republic PR
020 7379 5000
edwardf@republicpr.com or mark@republicpr.com

About Plantronics

Plantronics introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962 and is recognized as the world leader in communications headsets. A publicly held company with approximately 2,700 employees, Plantronics is the leading provider of headsets to telephone companies and the business community worldwide. Plantronics headsets have been featured in numerous motion pictures and high-profile events, including Neil Armstrong’s historic “One small step for man” transmission from the moon in 1969. Plantronics, Inc., headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, was founded in 1961 and maintains offices in 20 countries. Plantronics products are sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorized Plantronics marketing partners. Information about the company and its products can be found at www.plantronics.com or by calling 0800 410014.

© 2004 Plantronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Plantronics, the logo design, Plantronics and the logo design combined. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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