When the Pandemic caused businesses to close last spring, many employees were sent home with a computer, a few office supplies, and no idea of when they would be able to return to the building. Communication devices such as headsets, speakers, and cameras (if they were even considered) were haphazardly ordered, or employees were left to use their personal ear buds and the built-in cameras in laptops.

Now that we've had some time to work through these issues and many employees remain in their home work spaces, they most likely are continuing to use the same thrown-together set-ups that they were sent home with in the spring. With the benefit of this past year as a teacher, we have a better idea of what works at home, and find many companies and individuals are starting to think of ways to enhance their WFH experience. We’ve put together some products for you to consider that will surely improve your work from home setup.

Wireless Headset

To experience complete silence while working, we recommend the Jabra Evolve 75 headset with Active Noise Canceling. It connects to both computers (with the included Link 370 USB adapter) and mobile phones via Bluetooth. The hear through feature lets you listen in to your surroundings, without removing the headset. We like the option to walk and talk, so you're able to take your calls on the go (up to 100 feet), whether it's to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, or to answer the front door to accept your FedEx package. The large, cushioned leatherette ear cushions rest comfortably on your ears for even the longest of calls and Zoom meetings. When you need to work in a new location, the included hard-sided zippered carry case will protect the Evolve 75 on the go. Available in both UC and Microsoft variants, you can also purchase the headset with a charging stand, if you would like to have a convenient place to store and charge the headset on a desk, when not in use.

Corded Headset

Jabra Engage 50 mono, or Engage 50 duo, and the optional Link call control take communication to a new level. The Engage 50 is a digital headset with a powerful processing chip in the ear cup that delivers advanced functionality including call analytic data. The 3-microphone system with intelligent noise-cancelation blocks out background noise and breathing sounds, so customers hear only the agents voice thereby delivering a superior call experience, whether you work from home or a physical contact center. The call control unit accessory enables agents to adjust volume levels and mute, speed dial, answer and end calls, and update their status lights at the touch of a button. The control unit is easy to use and designed to stay in place. Two programmable buttons can be customized in Jabra Direct; out of the box they are programmed for Speed Dial and Busylight (green: available; red; busy). The volume dial, and mute and answer/end buttons are intuitively placed and easy to use at a touch. There are Microsoft Teams-certified and UC variants in both USB-A and USB-C options. The Engage 50 headset ends in a USB-C connection, so if you are using these headsets in a computer with USB-A sockets only, you will need to purchase a Link unit.

We recommend the Engage 50 if you take calls and participate in team meetings primarily from your computer, and do not use a desk or mobile phone.

Speakerphone

If you're working in a private space, you will be able to use a speakerphone. We recommend the Poly Sync 40 or Sync 40+ models and you can find all of the Sync 40 variants, here: Poly Sync 40 Speakerphones.

Turn smaller or flexible spaces into powerful conference rooms; the Sync 40 provides premium sound. The multi-microphone array focuses on what’s being said and helps keep echo and noise out of meetings. And, full duplex audio lets conversations flow naturally, even when users talk over each other.

We like the flexibility that the Sync 40 offers. You can connect to either USB-A or USB-C computers with the same unit, thanks to the integrated cable that has both connections included. The Sync 40+ models include the BT600 USB dongle and a USB-A to USB-C adapter. When you go into the office, you can wirelessly pair two units together for larger meeting space needs.

It is certified for Zoom and Microsoft Teams, for seamless experiences, as well as other major UC communication platforms.

Camera

For a clear picture on all of your Teams and Zoom calls, we recommend the JPL Vision Mini camera, which is a diminutive device with some great features, including automatic low light correction, integrated privacy cover and 2-year warranty. The Field of View is 67° and you have full 360° camera rotation including 90° tilt for over-desk viewing.

The plug-and-play Vision Mini is designed to suit the way you like to make a video call, whether it’s one to one or conference, you can place the Vision Mini webcam where you want it - on a computer monitor, desktop or tripod. It is compatible with all major platforms and the price is pretty nice: $49.95 MSRP.

Busylight

Use this at home now, and in the office when/if you return. The design of the Omega Kuando Busylight makes it highly visible from across a room and is an instant notification of your status: Red for Busy; Green for Available; and other colors that can be programmed to suit your work style. It will also: Ring and flash on incoming calls; Beep & flash – Indication for IMs; and there's a Flash notification for missed calls/IMs. Everyone can benefit from an Omega Busylight at their work space.

We have become quite adept at collaborating with colleagues, customers, and students from a distance, and these products will raise your communications game — whether you remain at home, or return to the office building. Contact our team for personalized recommendations to elevate your communication devices at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now.

Plenom, the manufacturer of Kuando Busylights, has revolutionized presence notification with its easy-to-deploy, easy-to-use Busylights (compatible with Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business and Cisco Jabber). Communication is essential with both colleagues and customers – Busylight is designed to help reduce interruptions so you have a better work environment. By deploying Busylights in the office, the goal is to improve your work environment by reducing distractions and creating a less stressful workplace.

The tall, skinny Alpha Busylight is perfect for mounting to the top of PC monitors or laptops, while the Omega Busylight is a larger light best for mounting on cubicle walls. In addition to being a visual presence reminder, the Kuando Busylight is also a reliable ringer for softphones, making it easy to hear and see incoming calls.

With new technology comes new rules, and Plenom has shared Best Practices for the use of Kuando Busylights:

•"Do-Not-Disturb" mode should only be used for a limited time when concentrating on a project or task. (purple)

• Agree with colleagues on what special circumstances make it okay to interrupt in a busy state. (red)

• Everyone should not be in a "busy" or "do-not-disturb" state at the same time. (red/purple).

• Keep your presence set correctly – if back from meetings early change your status to green.

Plenom has created handy guides with status notifications, so that everyone using the lights is aware of their meaning. Email us if you would like to have these 8 1/2 x 11" guides sent to you.

Simple Set-Up

1. Connect the Kuando Busylight USB cable into a PC, laptop or Thin Client
2. Go to the Software Download page on the Plenom web site, here: Software Download and select the correct software. Will you be using the Busylight with Microsoft Skype for Business or Cisco Jabber? Or, will you manually change the color of the light? Download the software.
3. Attach the adhesive magnet or adhesive tape mount to the bottom of the Busylight, and attach the light to a cubicle wall, PC monitor, or laptop.

Kuando Busylights are one of the best new tools for open offices, UC software platforms, and busy professionals. If you would like to learn more about them, or to qualify for a free trial unit, contact us today!

A steady uptick in headset use, and the rise of unified communications platforms such as Skype for Business, Lync, Cisco Jabber, (and many more), have contributed to the need for Busylights in office environments around the world, especially in the prevalent open office design.

The Kuando Busylight is a 3-in-1 solution:

1. It rings and flashes on incoming calls preventing missed calls.
2. It provides visual presence to the open office, stopping interruptions.
3. The Busylight software (Skype for Business only) provides valuable hot key functions for easy call handling.

Plenom has announced that it recently updated the free software for the Busylights and KuandoBOX. The new software features include:

• Mute on Away – When in the ‘Away’ state, Busylight will not ring – nice for your neighbor!
• Brightness Setting – Easily control the brightness of your Busylight
• Default volume for Omega will now be set at 25%
• Default brightness for Alpha is lowered from high to normal.

What's the difference between the Alpha and the Omega? The Alpha Busylight has a smaller profile and features a smart click On/Off system for monitors/ laptops. The Omega Busylight has a larger light and is ideally suited for cubicles. KuandoBOX unifies your presence by connecting to both desk phone and computer, to update user’s status to "Busy" in Skype for Business / Lync when talking on the desk phone.

Download the FREE software on the Plenom website: Software Download. Plenom is currently at work on a NEW Busylight for Apple Mac computers. We will let you know when these are available!

When the Ministry at Foreign Affairs Denmark deployed Lync for 2,400 staff members, they also provided their staff with Kuando Busylights. The ministry’s CIO, Jess Pilegaard, said “Busylight has improved the user experience in Lync. And it has created awareness of the presence concept. Our employees are now more aware of colleagues’ availability as well as their own status in Lync.”

The concept of presence notification is not new – Mitch Friend of Plenom reports that he has heard of workers using red and green flags or even red and green Solo cups to alert co-workers of their availability; however, with the Kuando Busylight, user presence is automatically updated and is always reliable.

The Kuando Busylight from Plenom provides 3 main functions:

1. It rings and flashes on incoming calls, preventing missed calls.
2. The free Busylight software provides hot key functions for call handling.
3. It provides visible presence in the open office, preventing interruptions.

Plenom offers two Kuando Busylight designs: the Alpha (MSRP $44.95) can be attached to a desktop monitor or laptop with the included double sided tape. A magnet, also included, can be used to attach the Alpha to the top of a metal cubicle wall.





The Omega (MSRP $44.95) is ideal for a cubicle arrangement, as it has a larger light. It attaches to the top of the cubicle with double-sided tape.

Download Plenom’s free software when you’re ready to set up the device: Plenom Software. This software is used with both Kuando Busylights, as well as the KuandoBOX.

Kuando Busylight supports the colors of Skype for Business/Lync:

Red: On a Call; Do Not Disturb
Pulsing Red: Busy in a call
Blue, Purple or Pink: Do Not Disturb
Green: Available
Yellow: Away/Inactive

There are 8 different ringtones to choose from, including traditional telephone sounds and a dreamy melody called “Fairy Tale.” These sounds are built into the Kuando Busylight so there is no conflict with the PC’s sound settings.

And, it is easy to quickly adjust the volume of the ringtone. Click on the Busylight icon on your desktop and the menu will pop up (see image to the left). Choose your preferred volume level, or choose Mute to silence the ringer altogether.

Kuando Busylights are currently compatible with Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business and will soon be compatible with Cisco Jabber (March release). System requirements for Kuando Busylight: Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8; Microsoft Lync 2010/2013 or Skype for Business; .NET 3.5 framework. Kuando Busylight is not compatible with Mac.

The modern workplace can be a very social environment, a positive place for collaborating on projects and supporting comaraderie; however, studies show there is a loss of productivity in open offices that can result in employee frustration and stress. The chance for uninterrupted work time is greatly reduced when barriers such as walls and doors are removed. With the proliferation of Microsoft Lync/Skype for Business, as well as the pervasive open office environment, workers are exposed to interruption and missed calls. Plenom has provided the perfect solution with the Busylights: Alpha and Omega. A one-year warranty gives you peace of mind.

If your staff has complained that they can’t focus on their work; they don’t hear calls or IM notifications on Skype for Business/Lync, then Kuando Busylight is the right solution for you. Give us a call and we can choose the best Busylight for your office environment!