Real-Time Platform enables continuous presence conferencing.
Press Release Summary:
Real-time media conferencing platform, RMX 2000(TM), helps global organizations to transition from traditional video conferencing to HD environments. With included RMX 2000 v2.0 software, product lets users combine video conferencing endpoints with different resolutions within same call. This enables multiple sites to be shown simultaneously and with optimal resolution and call quality for each participant based on their respective system capabilities.
Original Press Release:
Polycom Unveils HD Continuous Presence Conferencing with Full Transcoding on RMX 2000 at Global Partner Conference
Enhanced RMX 2000 real-time media conferencing platform offers new features for global organizations transitioning from traditional video conferencing to high definition environments
PLEASANTON, Calif., April 24 -- Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative solutions, today announced an engineering breakthrough for the recently released RMX 2000(TM) real-time media conferencing platform that will deliver true high definition (HD) continuous presence conferencing with full transcoding on the existing RMX 2000 media processing module hardware. The feature, delivered with RMX 2000 Version 2.0 software, enables customers to combine video conferencing endpoints with different resolutions (HD, standard definition (SD) and common intermediate format resolution (CIF)) within the same call, showing multiple sites simultaneously (continuous presence) and providing optimal resolution and call quality for each participant based on the capabilities of their video system. The new capability is being demonstrated to more than 500 channel partner representatives this week at the Polycom Global Partner Conference in Boston.
"The delivery of HD continuous presence support on the existing RMX 2000 hardware is a testament to the flexibility and power of the RMX 2000 architecture and our industry-leading engineering team," said Joe Sigrist, senior vice president and general manager of network systems at Polycom. "The RMX is a future-focused platform with the flexibility to support the evolving needs of our customers as they move from CIF and SD to HD video conferencing environments. Not only can its capacity scale according to the application need, but it also provides optimal quality for all endpoints in the call, whatever the resolution, making it ideal for the majority of real-world video conferencing environments today, as well as the pure HD video environments of tomorrow."
"Today, the majority of video conferencing systems in use are not HD-capable, but many customers are interested in moving to HD at some point in the future," said Ira Weinstein, senior analyst with Wainhouse Research. "Polycom's approach with the RMX 2000 is to give customers a single multi-point bridging solution that is built to support HD, but has the flexibility to support their existing non-HD bridging needs. The fact that Polycom is making HD continuous presence available as a software upgrade, instead of a hardware upgrade, is a major benefit for existing RMX customers."
Uniquely built on an Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (ATCA), the RMX 2000 is a real-time media conferencing platform optimized for use on IP networks and designed from the ground up to be at the heart of a unified communications network. The RMX 2000 simplifies the delivery and management of multipoint video (multiple locations on a single call) as well as unified conferencing (video, voice, and content all on a single call) for enterprises that require an infrastructure that supports room and extensive desktop deployments of video collaboration, on-demand or instantaneous conferencing, and high-bandwidth, processing-intensive applications such as high definition (HD) video and telepresence. Capabilities enabled in RMX 2000 Version 2.0 will lay the groundwork for integration efforts that will bring next generation video communications applications to market with Polycom's strategic alliance partners in the service provider IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) infrastructure, IP PBX and presence-based collaboration markets.
In addition, Version 2.0 software delivers support for 11 additional languages (supporting 12 total), making it suitable for global and international organizations. Languages supported include English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Russian, German, Korean, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Norwegian.
In conjunction with a new TI/EI interface card, the new software allows support for PSTN and VoIP audio with dynamic configuration of audio and video resources, allowing the system to scale from 20 to 400 ports depending on the configuration of voice and video devices, as well as the video resolution selected.
The RMX 2000 conferencing platform can now also be managed by the Polycom ReadiManager(R) SE200 in an all RMX 2000 or mixed RMX 2000/MGC environments (see Polycom announcement dated April 23, 2007 entitled, Polycom Enhances ReadiManager SE200 to Simplify Management of Video Conferencing Networks, Including HD Environments).
Pricing and Availability
RMX 2000 Version 2.0 software is scheduled for general availability in early Q3 at no cost to RMX 2000 customers currently on a standard maintenance agreement. The RMX 2000 is now available through certified Polycom channel partners. Pricing for the modular systems starts at US$53,000. For more information about the RMX 2000, listen to a podcast at polycom.com/podcast/rmx2000 or visit the Polycom website www.polycom.com .
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 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 www.polycom.com .
NOTE: Polycom, the Polycom logo and ReadiManager are registered trademarks and RMX 2000 is a trademark of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries.
CONTACT: Kevin Young of Polycom, Inc., +1-925-924-5706, kyoung@polycom.com
