At WinHEC, Microsoft teamed up with other nine companies to unveil 15 new devices that connect the workplace phone to e-mail, IM, conferencing, VoIP and mobile communications.

The new devices, produced by ASUSTek, GN, LG-Nortel, NEC, Plantronics, Polycom, SAMSUNG, Tatung and ViTELiX, are certified for use with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and Microsoft Office Communicator 2007.

On the list of products to be unveiled there are Internet protocol (IP) phones, Universal Serial Bus (USB) phones, wired and wireless headsets, conferencing phones, LCD monitors and laptops.

“Today’s office phone is marooned on an island, separate from the rest of the communications tools that information workers rely on to do their jobs,” said Jeff Raikes, president of the Microsoft Business Division. “By weaving the business phone together with e-mail, instant messaging, presence, conferencing and the productivity software people use most, we are putting voice communications back into business.”

For example GN unveiled unveiled its Jabra GN2000 USB headset that offers true wideband audio. With a full frequency response up to 6,800Hz, it delivers superior VoIP audio quality which means clearer conversations and enhanced productivity. Jabra GN2000 USB integrates PeakStop technology, which cuts out sudden loud noises above 118dB SPL helping protect the user and their hearing.

LG-Nortel presented three new innovative unified communications (UC) devices with advanced collaboration and information sharing features such as VoIP, directory dialing, calendar integration, call diversion and presence checking. The devices also support the ability to securely access personal profile information such as contacts, calendars, voice mail and call logs. The three models comes in desktop, USB or wireless version.