Polycom Offers First Wi-Fi Telephones to Achieve Government Security Pre-Validation
Wi-Fi phones join Polycom VSX video systems and MGC/MGC+ bridges for FIPS certification
PLEASANTON, Calif., June 26 -- Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced the availability of SpectraLink Wireless Telephones with security features required for its pending Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 certification. The Wi-Fi handsets are the first to be listed on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) pre-validation list (http://www.csrc.nist.gov/cryptval) and are in line to be the first in the industry to achieve this government-mandated recognition for security standards compliance.
"FIPS 140-2 validation is a requirement for many government IT purchases involving sensitive voice, video or data network traffic," said Matthew Appler, CEO of Corsec Security, Inc, the leading expert in guiding companies worldwide through the FIPS 140-2 validation process. "In addition to the security currently available through Polycom's FIPS compliant video and bridge products, the company has shown its dedication to its customers' security assurance by developing FIPS compliant Wi-Fi handsets."
"While there is an ongoing requirement for encryption and security within all levels of government collaboration including video and infrastructure, security for wireless communication requires more substantial recognition because wireless signals propagate, and therefore are naturally more vulnerable to security breaches," said Barry Morris, head of government markets for Polycom. "By offering the first ever Wi-Fi capable phones to meet the governments FIPS 140-2 security standards, Polycom is bringing a secure and government-backed tool to integrate enhanced encryption with the increasingly mobile workforce in tele-work, Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) and first responders."
Polycom's Spectralink Wireless Telephones join Polycom VSX video products and its industry-leading line of MGC(TM)/MGC+ unified conferencing bridges for voice, video and content collaboration on the FIPS 140-2 pre-validation list. Polycom's full range of FIPS compliant collaboration products support the company's commitment to providing users with a high degree of security, assurance, and dependability. With the introduction of the VSX(TM) Release 8.5 with H.460 support for standards-based firewall, network addressing traversal as well as comprehensive Security Mode, Polycom was also the first vendor to offer a video conferencing line with pending FIPS 140-2 compliance in the U.S. and Canada.
FIPS 140-2 is a U.S. government computer security standard used to accredit cryptographic modules and certify private sector vendor products for use in government departments and regulated industries that collect, store, transfer, share and disseminate sensitive, but un-classified information. The standard is part of a joint effort by the NIST and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and has been adopted by both U.S. and Canadian governments. Four levels of security are available. The SpectraLink handsets should receive Level 2 certification, which meets all the baseline requirements of the specification and also meets requirements for physical tamper-evidence and role-based authentication.
"Polycom continues to meet the stringent security standards set for both our enterprise and federal government customers," said Ben Guderian, vice president of marketing for Polycom's wireless business unit. "This certification is designed to ensure that data integrity for on-premises mobile workers is never compromised."
Pricing & Availability
The SpectraLink NetLink e340, h340 and i640 models are pre-validated for FIPS 140-2 Level 2 security and will begin shipping next month. They range in price from $449-$699.
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 high definition video, wired and wireless voice, and content solutions to deliver the ultimate collaborative 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, workplace wireless 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 from on-demand communications and collaboration. For additional information, call 800-POLYCOM or visit the Polycom web site at http://www.polycom.com/.
Source: Polycom, Inc.
CONTACT: Robin Raulf-Sager of Polycom, Inc., +1-303-583-5342, robin.raulf-sager@polycom.com;
or Nicole Heggof VisiTech PR, +1-303-752-3552 ext. 230, Nicole@VisiTechPR.com, for Polycom
Web site: http://www.polycom.com/
