Question: What is the easiest (and most cost-effective) way to turn your existing QD (quick disconnect) headsets into USB headsets?

Answer: Change out the bottom cable.

PC-based phones (also known as softphones) are changing the communication landscape, and companies that have been using headsets with desk phones may not realize they can keep their current headsets and use them with PCs instead. Simply with a change-out of cords, organizations can protect their headset investment. All of our brands offer QD-to-USB cables that are compatible with each of their QD headsets, and all leading brands of softphones. As a result, users can continue to leverage the benefits of their current professional headsets.

This makes it the ideal solution for contact centers that want a smooth and cost-effective transition to a Unified Communications solution.

Jabra QD-to-USB Cords

Jabra offers the Link 230, Link 260 and Link 265. The Link 230 is simply a connecting cord; the Link 260 includes an in-line call controller. The controller gives agents call functions at their fingertips, such as Answer/End, Mute, and volume adjustments. The Link 260 has a variant that's certified for Microsoft, too: Link 260 MS. The Link 265 is unique to the market: an all-in-one USB training cord with call controls. We know of organizations that purchase the Link 265s for each agent, so the supervisor can simply connect their headset at any time during a call.

Not sure which QD-to-USB cord you need? We will find a compatible and effective solution for your unique environment. Call our headset team at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now!

Are you using Cisco Finesse contact center software with Jabra headsets?

If you answered "yes," then the new Jabra CC Agent App is essential for your organization! The app integrates with both Jabra call controllers and Cisco Finesse contact center software. This app eliminates extra steps on the desktop, so that contact center agents are able to completely focus on calls – with the touch of a button. Software offerings such as this continue to push Jabra to the forefront of the headset market, and with its acquisition of VXi, looks to give Plantronics (currently the #1 headset brand in the United States) some fierce competition.

Jabra CC Agent App is a small application that, when installed on the Cisco Finesse Call Center softphone server, enables agents to control these three Finesse softphone features directly from their Jabra headset control boxes:

•Ready/Not Ready state (toggle) When changing the Ready/Not Ready state from the control box during an ongoing call, the contact center agent can, after the call, see the Ready/Not Ready state change in the Finesse browser.

•Record Call (if call recording function has been enabled in Finesse). Quickly choose to record the call with the press of a button, which is crucial for sensitive calls and for training purposes.

•Sign off

(Note that only two functions can be available at a time, which are selected by the Cisco Finesse server administrator, when installing the Jabra CC Agent App.)

The CC Agent App is compatible with Jabra Biz 2300 or Biz 2400 II headsets, or any Jabra headset when connected to a Link 260.

This software download is FREE and available at Jabra’s web site here: Jabra CC Agent App.

We are so excited to share the news about Jabra’s recently announced Screen Lock App. This is incredibly easy to use and for companies with security compliance concerns, the FREE app allows you to discreetly lock your PC screen by simply unplugging the Jabra headset from the inline controller.

We have tested this with the Evolve 40; as well as the Link 230 with a BIZ 2300 duo headset and it’s as simple as it sounds: unplug the headset, your screen is locked instantly, and you can walk away knowing you are leaving your computer secure. Please note: the Jabra Direct firmware must be updated for each device, in order for the Screen Lock App to work properly!

Jabra Screen Lock is compatible with these Jabra headsets and USB cables:
-Evolve 40
-Evolve 80
-Link 230 & any Jabra QD headset
-Link 260 & any Jabra QD headset

Setting Choices:
Lock Delay – Choose between None or 15 Second delay
Lock Action – Choose between Screen lock; Screen saver; Hibernate; or Sleep

The app is works with PCs running Windows 7 or 8. It is available at the Jabra web site at no charge: Jabra Screen Lock App. Because the lock is all about discretion and security, it does not report any activity to a server anywhere and does not automatically update itself. It is completely standalone, and in the user’s control.

Jabra Intelligent Call Transfer

Another API from Jabra, Intelligent Call Transfer, supports call transfer from a Skype for Business desktop-based softphone call to a smartphone. With Jabra Intelligent Call Transfer, the conversation now follows the user when required to move a call from one environment to another – leaving their main work station.

How it works: Transfer a call using the Evolve 40 or Evolve 80 by unplugging the 3.5mm stereo jack stick from its control unit and the call will transfer to the user’s mobile phone. Users then insert the 3.5mm jack into the smartphone to continue the conversation or even continue the conversation using a Jabra Bluetooth™ headset.

This is available at no charge with Jabra Direct – just another reason to continue to update firmware when prompted by the Jabra Direct app. To download Jabra Direct (formerly PC Suite) go to the Jabra web site here: Jabra Direct Download.

Bravo Jabra!