Docking station launched

ShoreTel, a unified communications provider, has launched a docking station designed to convert mobile devices into desk phones when used with the company's mobility software.

When an iPhone or iPad is connected to the ShoreTel docking station and the company's mobility software, the setup functions like a desk phone, enabling traditional desk-phone use from the mobile device.

According to the announcement, the docking station is intended to work with iPhones and iPads when they are connected to ShoreTel’s mobility software.

Yes — the docking station is designed to be used in conjunction with ShoreTel’s mobility software to enable the iPhone or iPad to act as a desk phone.

ShoreTel hopes the docking station will appeal to organisations that are deploying bring-your-own-device (BYOD) programs and want to extend desk-phone functionality to employee iPhones and iPads.

Investors may find it noteworthy because the docking station positions ShoreTel within the BYOD and unified communications space, offering a hardware-software solution that the company believes could attract business customers.

The docking station directly targets the BYOD trend by enabling employees to use their personal iPhones and iPads as desk phones, which could simplify device management for organisations adopting BYOD policies.

It is a hardware-and-software solution: the physical docking station works together with ShoreTel’s mobility software to transform iPhones and iPads into desk phones.