Frequently Asked Questions for Platform Certified Devices
In the past few years, many different endpoints have been released specifically to cater to certain Unified Communications (UC) platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meets. As work from home gained momentum, these platforms have become essential – dominating the market. Several terms have started to pop up along with them: Microsoft Teams Certified, Zoom Certified, Teams Compatible, platform certified, etc.
These terms just call for more questions, here are some common ones we’ve heard through our Partners:
- What is a platform certified device?
- Do I have to use certified devices? What happens if I don’t?
- What are the benefits?
- Are they worth it?
So let’s dive in and shed some light on the subject!
- What is a Platform Certified Device?
A Platform Certified Device is any endpoint that has gone through an extensive amount of testing to determine if it meets a standard of performance set by a Unified Communications (UC) tool, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc. In other words, they are tested rigorously to ensure they meet a certain standard of quality. They can include headsets, webcams, phones, and more. These devices are typically referred to as manufacturer certified – some examples are Microsoft Teams Certified, Zoom Certified, Google Meets Certified…
- Do I have to use certified devices? What happens if I don’t?
Short answer: you don’t. It really is a discretionary option. In fact, many people use devices that are just “compatible” or “optimized” with the platform they’re working with, not necessarily certified. According to Nick Schrantz, Lead Engineer at 888VoIP, the only significant difference that he found between a certified and non-certified device is limitation in functionality. During testing, a non-certified device would perform for its basic level of function, but enhanced application-specific functions were not accessible.
Truly certified devices give you a higher level of functionality with the platform as opposed to a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) setup. For example, a non-certified unit wouldn’t include your Teams phone book or calendar.
- What are the benefits?
We’ve found there to be quite a few benefits to using platform certified devices.
As mentioned previously, they’ve undergone many different tests to ensure their level of quality, therefore, you know that you’re getting a great product. These devices also work well for less experienced administrators, as they’re plug and play—no provisioning required. And some devices even include dedicated buttons that bring you into a Teams or Zoom call, so you can add convenience to the list.
- Are they worth it?
Now here’s the question everyone is asking: are platform certified devices worth it? And there’s not a one size fits all answer–it’s all up to you and your individual customer’s needs. Maybe you have less-experienced administrators that would really benefit from plug and play, or maybe your admin team is fine with provisioning on their own. But with all of the features currently included and capacity for future firmware updates, certified devices will definitely keep working for you years into the future.
Our team here at 888VoIP would love to help you find out if platform certified devices would work for your customers. We offer many different certified and non-certified devices through our manufacturer portfolio.
If you have any questions about Platform Certified Devices, feel free to leave a comment or reach out to our sales team. We’d love to connect and chat about how these endpoints can support your customers!
