Server enables on-demand, rich-media conferencing services.
Press Release Summary:
Proxias(TM) application server enables service providers to deliver rich-media conferencing services across geographies, organizations, and workgroups as part of unified communications environments. Optimized for on-demand, mixed-media conferencing and collaboration services, IMS-compliant carrier-class SIP platform offers scaleable foundation for developing and deploying applications across networks, platforms, and devices with mission-critical reliability.
Original Press Release:
Polycom Proxias Application Server Delivers Next-Generation Platform for On-Demand, Rich-Media Conferencing Services
IMS-compliant solution delivers world's leading service providers a foundation for deploying scalable conferencing applications reliably across networks, platforms, devices
PLEASANTON, Calif., July 16 -- Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced the Polycom(R) Proxias(TM) application server, a flexible, carrier-class platform that enables service providers to cost-effectively deliver rich-media conferencing services across geographies, organizations and workgroups as part of unified communications environments. The IMS-compliant, SIP platform is optimized for the unique technical requirements and operational complexities of on-demand mixed-media (voice, video, content) conferencing and collaboration services providing an unmatched, scaleable foundation for developing and deploying these applications across networks, platforms, and devices with mission critical reliability.
"The world's leading service providers run more than 50 million conferencing minutes a day on Polycom infrastructure. We are leveraging this experience and our proven technology to deliver a platform for next generation rich-media conferencing and collaboration services," said Joe Sigrist, senior vice president and general manager of video solutions at Polycom. "The Polycom Proxias application server is designed to fit seamlessly into IMS or hybrid service provider environments, providing unique capabilities for offering differentiated services, accelerating service deployments and increasing service revenues -- all while reducing operating expenses and deployment costs."
A key element in Polycom's IMS architecture, the Proxias application server works in conjunction with the Polycom InnoVox(TM) 4000IP and RMX 2000(TM) media servers to optimize audio and video conferencing as a core component of next-generation service architectures. By pairing Polycom's carrier-class product reliability with future-focused design principles, the Proxias application server provides communications and IT strategists with a proven, open, and adaptable structure for leveraging rich media in their organization.
"As the use of audio, video, and web conferencing continues to increase in today's enterprises, users need a flexible conferencing infrastructure that can accommodate their growth," says Ira Weinstein, senior analyst and partner at Wainhouse Research. "With this release, Polycom has transitioned to an IMS architecture that separates call flow and application handling from the media processing engines. The result is a conferencing ecosystem that addresses the efficiency, scalability, and reliability needs of service providers and large enterprises alike."
The Proxias application server will initially support Polycom ReadiVoice(TM), the most widely deployed solution for on-demand audio conferencing services in the world. The combined solution introduces marked improvements to ReadiVoice's already industry-leading, high-availability solutions by adding greater scalability and resiliency to help service providers grow and protect revenue, by reducing administrative requirements to lower operational costs, and by offering a flexible application development environment for fast and specific customization.
The Proxias application server and ReadiVoice solution feature rack-and-stack scalability to support the largest service providers' current as well as future conferencing needs.
"We've seen a direct correlation between collaboration and business performance, and we also know that good collaboration can reduce business travel and have a positive impact on the environment," said Michael Marcellin, vice president of Product Marketing for Verizon Business. "In order to help our customers to both, we are always exploring how best to deliver our global conferencing services and support the millions of virtual meetings we currently handle each month while scaling to meet our future customer requirements."
Unlike traditional conferencing platforms that require service interruption during upgrades, the Proxias application server and ReadiVoice solution feature zero down-time upgrade capabilities; allowing a service provider to accelerate service delivery and reduce costs by maintaining complete service functionality during upgrades. The solution also features redundant and modular components that eliminate single points of failure, simplify growth and reduce the impact of hardware replacement. A simplified architecture and centralized management capabilities also streamline administration and help lower operating costs.
Furthering Polycom's IMS strategy, the Proxias application server will become the platform for multiple collaboration applications, including a highly scalable, manageable, and resilient on-demand video conferencing application leveraging the RMX 2000, a conferencing optimized media server for video and unified (voice, video and content sharing) conferencing. These applications will be built within the Proxias application server's integrated Application Development Environment, which enables both rapid creation of conferencing applications as well as integration with unified communications environments to deliver a wider range of related applications suited for workers in office, mobile and home office environments.
Pricing and Availability
The Proxias application server is scheduled to be available in North America and EMEA beginning in mid August through Polycom. Pricing for the modular systems varies based on capacity.
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/.
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.
Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks and Proxias, ReadiVoice, InnoVox, and RMX 2000 are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (C)2007, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.
CONTACT: Kevin Young of Polycom, Inc., +1-925-924-5706, kyoung@polycom.com
