Logitech UC Solution for Cisco 725-C Launches

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Logitech UC Solution for Cisco 725-C Launches

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Logitech has now integrated voice, video and messaging controls into the Logitech UC Solution for Cisco 725-C, a UC keyboard (K725-C), wireless mouse (M525-C), and HD camera (Logitech C920-C) combo designed for Cisco Jabber. Cisco Jabber is a unified communications software client that gives users access to presence, instant messaging (IM), voice, video, voice messaging, desktop sharing and conferencing.

The keyboard features illuminated control buttons for call answer/end, mute video, mute audio, and volume controls. The keyboard LCD screen displays Caller ID, call duration and receives calls for the user currently signed into the system, making it ideal for hot desking work environments where users don’t have a permanently assigned desk or phone. It is also useful in thin client virtual workspace environments.

One of the challenges this mouse, keyboard, and camera combo solves is the issue of when the screen saver kicks in or you locked your workstation and you have to quickly remember and type your password in to answer an incoming call. Using the answer button on the keyboard you can answer the call without logging in so you don't miss the call. Since the LCD on the keyboard displays the CallerID, you can choose to let some callers to go to voicemail or to answer the call depending on who is calling.

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The Logitech UC Keyboard K725-C has nine dedicated phone and video-control keys for quickly answering, ending and muting calls. The call answer/end key blinks to show incoming calls, giving users a visual cue even when they aren’t looking at their screen, and the voicemail-message key glows steadily to indicate when new messages are waiting. It's a very quiet keyboard, featuring Logitech's PerfectStroke™ 'whisper quiet' key system, so remote callers won't hear loud keystrokes, which can be distracting. Importantly, the keyboard sports an audio selection key that will let you quickly toggle from speakerphone to headset to handset. It'll even allow switching to your Cisco desktop IP phone.

“We created the Logitech UC Keyboard to replicate the familiar physical controls of a traditional desk phone, giving UC users new options to collaborate using soft phones and video,” said Eric Kintz, senior vice president and general manager of Logitech for Business. “The Logitech C920-C webcam further enhances this experience with true-to-life HD video clarity, while the Logitech M525-C mouse represents Logitech’s heritage in human-centric peripherals that boost user productivity and satisfaction. We are delighted that Cisco shares our vision and has given us the opportunity to design products for Cisco Jabber.”

“We value Logitech’s design expertise and innovation in developing enterprise-grade peripherals that help enrich the collaboration capabilities of Cisco Jabber software,” said Phil Sherburne, vice president of Enterprise Smart Solutions at Cisco. “The keyboard call controls, in particular, are an important new approach for bridging the gap between the physical and virtual worlds of unified communications – making users more productive and thus increasing return on investment for UC deployments, including those within Cisco’s VXI virtual workspace environments.”

The Logitech C920-C Webcam offers up to 1080p high-definition video at 30 frames a second, a wide 78-degree field of view, omni-directional dual stereo microphones, a privacy shutter and Logitech RightLight 2 technology that automatically compensates for poor lighting conditions. The webcam also has on-board H.264 encoding technology, which can free up system bandwidth by performing video processing within the camera.

The Logitech M525-C Wireless Mouse has a micro-precise scroll wheel and an ergonomically shaped design with soft rubber grips. The mouse comes with a Logitech Unifying receiver, which plugs into the USB port on the Logitech UC Keyboard K725-C and therefore doesn't need to use another USB port on a PC or laptop. This is important because Logitech told me the keyboard can control up to 6 wireless mice, so you can pair your favorite mouse with the keyboard which might be in a shared location such as a conference room.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech UC Solution for Cisco 725-C, which includes the keyboard, webcam and mouse, is expected to be available worldwide beginning in March 2013 with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Resale Price (MSRP) of $269.99, from selected resellers who specialize in supporting Cisco Collaboration customers. The Logitech C920-C Webcam is expected to be sold separately with an MSRP of $109.99. These three products are to be compatible with Cisco Jabber in virtualized environments beginning in March 2013, with full support for Cisco Jabber on Windows PCs expected within the first half of 2013. For more information on the Logitech UC Solution for Cisco 725-C, head here: www.logitech.com/cisco.

The Cisco Developer Network unites Cisco with third-party developers of hardware and software to deliver tested interoperable solutions to joint customers.  (Interoperability testing is designed to simulate typical customer configurations, and does not replace the need for on-site testing in conjunction with actual implementation.) As a Preferred Solution Developer, Logitech has worked closely with Cisco to deliver enhanced solutions that deliver greater interoperability with Cisco networking solutions. Logitech also shares Cisco’s strong commitment to customer service and satisfaction, has completed interoperability verification testing based on criteria set forth by Cisco, and can provide their customers 24 hour, 7 days a week customer support. For more information on Logitech UC Solution for Cisco 725-C interoperability go to: https://marketplace.cisco.com/catalog/products/3167



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