Using Lync like a LyncPRO is a segment on The UC Architects podcast where I go through tools you as a LyncPRO may want to use to make your experience cooler, easier and you can showcase features to your peers. The tools are typically

– Applicable to the desktop client
– Community developed
– Have requirements outside just running Lync
– Use PowerShell and registry to apply settings

• Check out the other articles in this series: https://msunified.net/tag/lyncpro/
• Check out the TechNet Wiki #Lync 2013 Productivity tips
• If you have a LyncPRO tips you want to share, head over to The UC Architects LinkedIn discussion for this topic, or leave a comment below

Using Lync like a LyncPRO – Is Jabra Evolve 80 the must have headset for all LyncPRO’s?

As a LyncPRO I want to have a headset at work which I can use when I need to deep dive, concentrate producing content and configuring environments listening to music and at the same time use it in my Lync calls and conferences. I was on the brink of buying one of those high-end gaming headsets. but then came Jabra Evolve 80. Is it the must have headset for all LyncPRO’s? My answer is, yes and let me show you why.

In my search I have tried

• LifeChat LX-3000 which did not work well with Lync and did not sound good playing music
• Logitech USB Headset Stereo H650e which is optimized for Lync and sounded OK for music, but not great
• Plantronics C720-M,Blackwire stereo which is optimized for Lync and sounded even better with music, but still did not compare to the high end sound headsets I like to use
  • BlackWire also have a bluetooth component that can connect your mobile phone as well and when installing their software will set your Lync presence to in a call when in a call with your cellphone, great stuff
• Jabra Evolve 80 that boasts that I can take control of my concentration zone

My experience with Jabra Evolve 80

Active Noise Cancellation Listen in button, which will turn off noise cancellation and what you are listening to, will not mute your mic Presence indicator showing when you are in a call or conference

Lync integrated controller where you also can manually control presence Jack plug that lets you use it in a mobile phone call, and go grab a coffee You can charge it with USB, I do not know how long it will last on battery

A really good microphone, the feedback has been very good from those listening You can put the boom in an upward position to mute it, will not mute in Lync though, but works well It is Optimized for Lync which means it will show up as a separate Lync device and the buttons on the controller works   It lacks some deep bass but has good tone and treble and is my third choice compared to my Bose noise cancel headset and Sony MDR bluetooth headset, which by the way has the best sound quality in a headset I have ever heard. But none of the other two are Lync optimized Comparing microphone noise cancel it does a good job of toning down external sounds, but is not as good to remove noise as the Sennheiser Presence A successful Lync device strategy gives happy users and happy users are more prouctive they say :)

Conclusion

I think the Jabra Evolve 80 is a must have headset for those in need of a high-end music, concentration headset that also does Lync very well. I hope the next version will be bluetooth based :) BTW, I bought this headset myself and Jabra had nothing to do with this review