Polycom First to Extend Federation With Voice, Video to Microsoft Office Communicator
Fourth Phase Integration Includes Microsoft Office Communicator Buddy Lists on Polycom IP Phone and Video Systems; Secure Inter-Company Voice and Video Collaboration with Polycom NAT/Firewall Solution
PLEASANTON, Calif., May 22 /Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced the fourth phase of its strategic alliance with Microsoft Corporation involving federation of its market-leading Polycom VSX(TM) video systems, SoundStation® and SoundPoint® IP phones, and V2IU(TM) network address and firewall traversal solution with Microsoft Office Live Communications Server and Microsoft Office Communicator. An industry first, phase four integration enables presence and buddy lists on Polycom VSX video systems and SoundStation and SoundPoint phones to simplify rich media calling for end-users, making it as easy to connect a call from your phone or video system as it is using Communicator on your PC. Since the V2IU is also federated with Live Communications Server, network administrators now also benefit from a single directory, set of IT policies, and common user privileges for managing voice, video, and data on a single call.
The latest integration is enabled by the release of VSX 8.5, SIP phone 2.0, and V2IU 6.5 software upgrades also announced today (see releases entitled, "Polycom Delivers Industry's Most Secure Video Communications Platform with Software Upgrade to Flagship VSX Line" and "Polycom Adds Full-Featured, Two-Line Desktop Phone and Advanced SIP Capabilities to Award-Winning VOIP Solutions"). This release enhances the existing integration of all Polycom VSX video endpoints and Unified Conferencing capabilities of the MGC(TM) bridges with Live Communications Server and Communicator.
Prior to this latest phase, Communicator users could see the status of VSX video system users but VSX users were unable to do the reverse. With the latest integration between the two partners, Polycom VSX desktop and conference room video systems and/or Polycom IP phone users can establish buddy lists and their presence status as they can on their PCs. With the new VSX software, users are able to see the availability of their buddies before calling. Users then simply click to initiate a call. By integrating with Microsoft's federation policies the Polycom V2IU, a unique standards-based voice and video session border controller for managing firewall and network addressing traversal, IT can now establish one set of policies for instant messaging (IM), voice, and video communications to customers, suppliers and partners using the same servers, same permissions, same directory and same security.
The federation phase of Polycom/Microsoft integration is being demoed this week at Polycom's annual Global Partner Conference in Phoenix. Ed Wadbrook, Sr. Director, Industry Initiatives for the Unified Communications Group at Microsoft is speaking at the conference on the opportunities for the channel surrounding unified communications.
"This represents a significant step forward in enabling customers to easily integrate their communications systems and increase productivity," said Ed Wadbrook. "Having a familiar interface with Polycom's VSX video systems and IP phones, and Communicator ensures a seamless and high quality experience for end-users. The strategic alliance between Polycom and Microsoft provides another example of the vibrant partner ecosystem that is developing rich communications solutions on the Microsoft unified communications platform."
"With this announcement Polycom is enhancing the simplicity of using the world's leading video platform by adding buddy lists and presence, as well as enabling seamless cross-enterprise calling with V2IU," said Mark Roberts, vice president of strategy at Polycom. "Both represent industry firsts."
Polycom reserves the right to modify future product plans at any time. Products and/or related specifications referenced in this press release are not guaranteed, and will be delivered on a when and if available basis.
About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of video, voice, data and Web solutions to deliver the ultimate communications experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony and presence-based networks. With its market driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage in real-time communications and collaboration. For additional information call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or +1-408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom website at www.polycom.com.
Source: Polycom, Inc.
CONTACT: Jessica Kersey of Polycom, Inc., +1-925-924-5689, or jessica.kersey@polycom.com
Web site: www.polycom.com/
