Scalable Conferencing Platform supports multipoint video.
Press Release Summary:
Real-time media conferencing platform, RMX 2000(TM), facilitates delivery and management of multipoint video and unified conferencing services within enterprises and through service provider IP networks. Open architecture solution promotes video conferencing infrastructure that can support room video conferencing systems as well as extensive deployments of desktop video collaboration, on-demand or instantaneous conferencing, and high-bandwidth, processing-intensive applications.
Original Press Release:
Polycom Delivers the New RMX 2000 Real-Time Media Conferencing Platform for Multipoint Conferencing
PLEASANTON, Calif., Feb. 20 -- Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced the availability of the Polycom RMX 2000(TM) real-time media conferencing platform, which 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) services within enterprises and through service provider IP networks. The RMX 2000 conferencing platform addresses the growing demand for a high performance video conferencing infrastructure that can support both room video conferencing systems as well as extensive deployments of desktop video collaboration, on-demand or instantaneous (rather than scheduled) conferencing, and high-bandwidth, processing-intensive applications such as high definition (HD) video and telepresence.
Uniquely built on a reliable and scalable Advanced Telecom Computing Architecture (AdvancedTCA(R)), the RMX 2000 conferencing platform is optimized for use on IP networks and designed from the ground up to be at the heart of a unified communications network. The new RMX 2000 delivers unmatched video interactions and audio quality using any device. It is easy for end-users to use as well as for IT managers to configure, install, manage, service, and administer through installation wizards, automated system surveillance, pre-defined profiles, and standard web interfaces. The RMX 2000 has an open architecture and is based on industry standards.
"Video collaboration is moving beyond the conference room, and the potential for emerging and future applications at the desktop, on mobile devices, and within workgroup applications is significant," said Roopam Jain, principal analyst of conferencing and collaboration at Frost & Sullivan. "However, these new applications and emerging technologies require a platform that can support both high-end applications like HD and telepresence and the potentially large number of simultaneous users in desktop and mobile environments. The Polycom RMX 2000 conferencing platform, designed to seamlessly fit enterprise or service provider IT ecosystems, addresses these requirements."
"The RMX 2000 removes distance in today's dispersed global environments," said Joe Sigrist, senior vice president and general manager of network systems at Polycom. "The RMX 2000 enables people with different devices on the road, at the desktop, in a conference room, or in a telepresence suite to collaborate instantaneously, thereby improving an organization's productivity, efficiency, and time to market. The RMX 2000, alongside the ReadiConvene(TM) and MGC(TM)+, provides our customers with a comprehensive portfolio of audio, video, and unified conferencing solutions."
Future-Focused Open IP Platform
The RMX 2000 real-time media conferencing platform supports the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and H.323 standards for delivering on-demand real-time conferencing and collaboration services over IP networks. The IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS)-architected RMX 2000 conferencing platform can be deployed as a traditional conferencing resource or within a distributed IMS network environment. Its modular design enables the integration of video and unified conferencing into IP telephony and presence-based collaboration environments.
"An IMS-architected conferencing platform gives enterprises greater flexibility in how IP-based conferencing and collaboration services are deployed and managed within their networks," said Ronald Gruia, program leader of enterprise communications solutions at Frost & Sullivan. "The Polycom RMX 2000 can be deployed as a consolidated conferencing resource, or as a conferencing optimized media server within a distributed IMS or hybrid fixed and mobile architectures. This flexibility enables conferencing to evolve in parallel with network requirements and supports the rapid and cost-effective delivery of new and more tightly integrated services as business needs change."
The Polycom RMX 2000 real-time media conferencing platform is built on a Linux operating system and offers a standard XML API for deploying value-added or third party conferencing applications. Security functions in the RMX 2000 conferencing platform include user authentication via an external LDAP or Active Directory database, AES encryption on all ports and multiple administrative permission levels.
"Use of our extensive network of video conferencing systems is increasing, and the RMX 2000 provides a reliable, flexible multipoint platform that will support our growing needs and help us reduce operational costs through the simplified management capabilities," said Hiroyuki Tezuka, manager, System Engineering Center for Hitachi Cable, Ltd. "We frequently use video conferencing to collaborate with partners in different countries. The language barriers can make communication difficult, so we often rely on non-verbal communication like facial expressions. The RMX 2000 provides great audio and video quality for multipoint calls, making verbal and visual communication more effective and enabling our users to make decisions faster."
The Ultimate Conferencing and Collaboration Experience
The Polycom RMX 2000 real-time media conferencing platform delivers unparalleled user experiences by fully utilizing the capabilities of every endpoint, thereby leveraging the installed base of existing endpoints as well as new advanced video conferencing systems. The RMX 2000 supports all video format resolutions from CIF, to SD/4CIF, to HD.
The RMX 2000 real-time media conferencing platform makes it simple for users to initiate interactive, on-demand communications, reducing the reliance on IT personnel and resources for help in establishing and managing conferences. Users simply schedule a conference by sending a meeting notice from their calendar application or by using the scheduling features in the Polycom ReadiManager(R) SE 200 or custom applications.
The RMX 2000 conferencing platform also delivers added flexibility and control for end users with new Advanced Click & View(TM) features that enable each conference participant to easily adjust how multiple video participants appear on the screen at the same time. As new users join a meeting, layouts adjust automatically to the optimal viewing configuration, or users can toggle between pre-defined continuous presence layouts, displaying up to 16 sites simultaneously. Users can easily shuffle through screen layouts to view the format most suited to their personal viewing preference. New widescreen continuous presence layout modes are also designed to better support high definition and telepresence applications.
"The RMX 2000 real-time media conferencing platform delivers a significantly improved user experience at all resolutions, thereby enabling customers to leverage their existing conferencing investments while building a foundation for HD and beyond," said Sigrist. "The RMX 2000 conferencing platform provides the next generation of conferencing infrastructure to support emerging video applications such as desktop collaboration, 3G video, high definition, and telepresence."
RMX 2000 Support Services
Polycom Global Services offers a full range of services through certified channel partners to support customer deployments of RMX 2000 systems, including pre-installation, installation and maintenance services. Pre-installation services include network readiness assessment, network design and optimization and integration services. Installation services are designed to help customers get their collaboration solutions up and running with minimal disruption, and include comprehensive project management, pre-installation evaluation, on-site installation, database development and associated training. Polycom Global Services also offers new On Demand Conferencing Services to help organizations realize the full potential of their unified conferencing investment by eliminating the need for end users to schedule conferences, and to minimize the involvement of IT resources in the everyday use of these conferencing activities.
Pricing and Availability
The Polycom RMX 2000 is available today worldwide through qualified Polycom channel partners. Pricing for the modular systems starts at US$53,000. For more information view a podcast about the Polycom RMX 2000 at polycom.com/podcast/rmx2000 or visit the Polycom website www.polycom.com .
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 .
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.
NOTE: Polycom, the Polycom logo and ReadiManager are registered trademarks and RMX 2000, ReadiConvene, MGC and Click&View are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Kevin Young of Polycom, Inc., +1-925-924-5706, or kyoung@polycom.com
