Recommended Skype for Business Devices

Skype for Business-optimized devices help ensure the best experience for voice/video calls and online meetings. While there are other devices that can work with Skype for Business, devices that are not "Skype for Business-optimized" may not provide the same voice/video quality and/or functionality as Skype for Business-optimized devices.

KU IT evaluates Skype for Business-optimized devices for compatibility, quality and functionality. The recommended devices below have been evaluated and are available via KUPPS (in myKU portal) on the CDW site. KU IT will continue to evaluate devices, negotiate discounts and update this page and KUPPS with our recommendations. For answers to frequently asked questions, see "Headsets & Devices" on the Skype for Business phone service FAQ.

KU IT has evaluated and recommends the following Skype for Business-optimized devices:

Standard Headsets

Standard Headsets (subject to change and availability):

KU IT will provide faculty and staff one Jabra UC Voice 750 Duo free of charge. All optional and future equipment/device purchases are the responsibility of individual units.

Jabra UC Voice 750 MS Duo		$$
Premium stereo USB headset: Large ear pads and additional cushioning make this a comfortable headset for extended use.

Plantronics Blackwire C435-M		$$
Over the ear USB headset: Modular over-the-ear design can be worn with two ear buds for stereo, or converted to one ear bud for mono use depending on the user's preference.

 

Other Headsets

Plantronics Voyager Edge UC B255-M		$$$
Bluetooth headset: Carrying case doubles as charger Functions on ear piece: volume, mute, call answer Automatic call answering upon device placement in ear

 

Standard Phones

Standard Office Administrator Phone (subject to change and availability):

For employees who answer multiple lines on behalf of their department, KU IT will provide one Polycom VVX 501 - VoIP Phone free of charge. All optional and future equipment/device purchases are the responsibility of individual units.

Polycom VVX 501 - VoIP Phone		$$$$$
NOTE: Separate power adapter required. Desk-style phone set: A simple-to-use, expandable office phone with intuitive touch screen for people who answer and manage multiple phone lines in their department.

Standard Desk Phones (subject to change and availability):

All optional equipment/device purchases are the responsibility of individual units.

Polycom VVX 311 - VoIP Phone		$$$$$
NOTE: Separate power adapter required. Desk-style phone set: A six-line business phone designed for faculty, staff and dept. use with low to medium call volume.

 

Other Phones & Speakerphones

Jabra Speak 510 MS		$$$
Personal USB speakerphone: Intended for personal use, but also works well in small conference rooms or public areas with 4-6 people who are in close proximity. Requires a computer to make or receive calls.

Polycom RealPresence Trio		$$$$$ $$$$$
Conference room USB speakerphone: Conference VoIP phone Touchscreen interface One-button Skype for Business meeting join Simplified meeting experience. Easily share audio and screen. Can be used as standalone or in conjunction with laptop High quality audio experience Does not require conference room system. Only requires network connection and projector/TV (optional). Microphone and web camera expansion options

 

Miscellaneous

Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000		$
720p HD USB webcam: Optional high quality USB video webcam, typically used for desktop computers. Laptops and tablets have a built-in camera that can be used with Skype for Business. Please note that a webcam (built-in or separate) is required to transmit video with Skype for Business, but users can view video calls and conferences without a webcam.

 

Please note: KU IT cannot guarantee the compatibility and standard configuration of devices not listed here. If the devices listed here do not meet your needs, or if you find another device that you would like KU IT to evaluate, please contact your technology support staff, or IT Customer Service Center at itcsc@ku.edu or 785-864-8080.