We recently co-hosted a webinar with Unify Square and Jabra titled, “Driving Successful User Adoption of Microsoft Lync Enterprise Voice.” An all-star cast, including Khai Tran from Jabra, highlighted the challenges of Lync deployments, some ways to smooth the transition, and the importance of choosing high quality audio devices that best fit the environment and users.

The #1 reason why Lync adoptions fail? Unify Square says that the fear of change is the biggest determinant of failure. At its core, Microsoft Lync changes the way people work. The success of Lync deployments depend on end users and each end user adapts at their own rate. An organization can’t leave them to their own “devices” – the key to user adoption is to encourage staff to embrace and participate in the changes. In other words, you need to meet users where they live.

The good news: when you manage the change (by being proactive), you can better guide the implementation and adoption, culminating in a positive outcome.

Unify Square staff shared steps for successful adoption:

1. Determine the business outcomes desired and then SHARE those goals with everyone.

2. Segment users into common groups and find out about common adoption challenges, for example, what concerns them about not having a desk phone?

3. Create training materials for end users that cover the basics and how to get assistance; a centralized web site, feedback program and real-time support lay the groundwork for success.

4. Host “Device Demo Days” where users can try out sample devices to determine preference (one ear vs. two ear headsets; over the head vs. behind the neck wearing style, etc.).

“Devices make experiences”

Of course, a key element to successful adoption is what’s known as “The Last Three Feet” in telecommunications: the devices (headsets, speakerphones, and more) that are used. The device must be user friendly – comfortable, reliable and easy-to-use. The device must also be of high quality: incorporating hearing protection and speech analytics technologies, superior materials, and durable construction are just a few of the necessities. If a low end, poor quality device is chosen, the overall Lync deployment is in jeopardy. The quality of the system is judged by the quality of the voice experience.

Jabra has a variety of devices optimized for Microsoft Lync that are plug-and-play. As a Microsoft Gold Communications Partner, Jabra devices integrate into current and new generations of Microsoft Lync solutions, delivering the ultimate voice collaboration experience. See the entire portfolio of Jabra Lync Optimized audio devices here: Jabra Lync Device Portfolio.



Because a Lync Voice solution is only as good as the audio end-point used, Jabra has a Discovery Offer of up to five free devices for companies who are rolling out Microsoft Lync or Microsoft Office 365. Read more about the Discovery Offer on the Jabra web site.

Are you interested in learning more about deploying Lync at your organization? Do you need a blueprint for successful adoption? Have you considered “The Last Three Feet?” We’re here to help – give us a call today!