Most of the time, when people think about voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), it's the software that's considered, and with good reason. After all, VoIP is largely a software-based endeavor, and it's where most of the features involved in a VoIP package come from. However, the right hardware—microphones, speakers and the like—can make a big difference in call quality, and to that end, Sennheiser has joined up with 888VoIP to bring out a new breed of unified communication (UC) headset for VoIP users.

A new agreement between the two calls for 888VoIP to add Sennheiser's line of contact center and office (CC&O) headsets to its own lineup of products, giving 888VoIP customers one more point to turn to for the best in VoIP, giving users plenty of options in terms of both hardware and software to establish UC systems.

888VoIP should have a real winner in the Sennheiser headsets; these headsets are said to offer high-end audio capabilities, making it easier to hear what's being said on the line, while still being not only comfortable to wear—great for the extended use involved in a call center environment—but also sufficiently durable to last for a good long time. Sennheiser will have plenty of different models on hand, ranging from the wireless to the wired, and plenty in between from Bluetooth to mobile to Wi-Fi and beyond. There are even a pair of mobile speakerphone units in the SP 10 and SP 20 models.

Plus, as part of the agreement, reports note that Sennheiser's products will be part of a package with 888VoIP's line of pre-configured VoIP hardware, and will also be available as an option on other packages. Sennheiser's national sales manager, Doug Bowersox, added a little insight on the arrangement with his remarks: “Sennheiser has been proactively expanding its distribution footprint throughout North America, including two agreements with major distributors in Canada this quarter, in addition to our new relationship with 888VoIP in the US. We’re proud to add 888VoIP to our list of distribution partners, who will extend their expertise and acumen in VoIP to our mutual customers in this crucial marketplace.”

Sennheiser has an almost staggering array of headsets, ranging from the desktop to the mobile, and that means it can fit nicely into a wide array of use cases. That's a great thing for businesses, which will have the ability to pick just the right tool for the right job, and get the headset that's most desirable. This also improves 888VoIP's position, as it can offer more of what's needed under one roof. That's convenient for customers, and increases the likelihood of better revenue for 888VoIP as it can sell every part of the system right at the outset, as opposed to losing business to someone else.

It looks like a great deal in complementary goods here, and the Sennheiser / 888VoIP arrangement should prove, in the end, to improve both companies' fortunes. Software is very important in VoIP, but without the right microphones to pick up the sound and the right speakers to transmit it, it really doesn't matter how good the software is. With Sennheiser gear on hand, however, that shouldn't be a problem.