Plantronics this week introduced an expanded product line that that includes a new category of devices designed to help companies migrate from traditional desk phone-only usage to a unified communications (UC) infrastructure.

The product expansion is a sign that the Plantronics is hoping to continue to ride the back of an enterprise UC wave that helped push the global headset market to 19.5 percent growth in 2010.

Plantronics introduced a new multi-device adapter (the MDA200) that connects to a deskphone and computer, as well as corded and wireless USB adapters.

"Organizations today need flexibility and new ways to leverage existing technology," said Bill Loewenthal, VP for unified communications at Plantronics. "The MDA200 provides flexibility and enables companies to leverage their existing Plantronics audio devices. No matter which headset is being used--corded, wireless DECT or Bluetooth, the MDA200 can connect enterprise workers to both their softphone and their desk phone."

Research from Frost & Sullivan last month showed UC adoption is expected to continue to push the headset market to CAGR of 10.7 percent between 2011 and 2017, with the most rapid growth anticipated in the APAC region.

Plantronics headsets continue to dominate the market with a share of about 60 percent; GN Netcom, meanwhile, has a market share of about 29 percent.

For more:
- see this release

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After a period of decline, the contact center and headset market has bounced back, says a new study.

The Frost & Sullivan report said the continued growth of unified communications in the enterprise sector is helping to boost the once-dormant headset market to see global revenues increase 19.5 percent in 2010 to $788.9 million, forecasting revenue to continue tog row at a CAGR of 10.7 percent from 2011 to 2017.

The bulk of the market, 62.1 percent, was concentrated in North America and Latin America, Frost & Sullivan reported; Europe, the Middle East and Africa combined for a 31 percent share and Asia-Pacific (APAC) accounted for the remaining 6.9 percent.

The most rapid growth through 2017, the research firm said, will be in APAC, where revenues are projected to see a GAGR of 18.1 percent. NALA will continue to see strong growth of 10.8 percent, and EMEA will trail at 8.8 percent.

Frost & Sullivan, in its report (available here) said about 10 percent of headset sales were specific to UC solutions, but added that the largest opportunity for growth was in the office space (13.3 percent CAGR) in which penetration is thin, compared to contact centers (6.3 Percent CAGR), which is almost 100 percent saturated.

Plantronics headsets continue to dominate the market with a share of about 60 percent; GN Netcom, meanwhile, has a market share of about 29 percent.

For more:
- see this No Jitter article

Related articles:
Logitech partners with GN Netcom, looks to offer 'one-stop' UC solutions
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Roccat has launched the first headset to provide a microphone and earphones that can be used with PCs as well as mobile phones.
The Vire Mobile Communication Gaming Headset is designed for use with VoIP solutions and more general communications.

Callpod has launched a "plug-and-play" Bluetooth device that connects with a headset or headphones to provide streaming music and voice over a 100 meter (328ft) range.
Called the Drone, it plugs into the USB port of a computer and audio is routed automatically.