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Polycom Delivers Embedded Support for Microsoft Office Communicator 2005 and Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 on Video Endpoints & Bridges

Posted on: Wednesday, 14 September 2005, 09:00 CDT

Software Upgrades Enable End-Users to Click on Buddy Lists and Initiate High Quality Video Calls Between Microsoft Office Communicator and Polycom Video Endpoints

Polycom(R), Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced shipment of phase two integration with Microsoft's latest generation presence-based collaboration solutions. Polycom's market-leading desktop and conference room video systems and bridges now offer embedded software support for Microsoft Office Communicator 2005 and Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005.

For the first time, end-users can simply add Polycom PVX, V500, VSX 3000, VSX 5000, VSX 7000, and VSX 8000 video endpoints as "buddies" on an instant message buddy list in Communicator. As a result of software release version 8.0 for both the Polycom VSX series and Polycom PVX as well as the MGC 7.0.2 software upgrades, users can initiate high-quality, multiparty video calls and share content with each other or with any Polycom desktop PVX or VSX series group video conferencing endpoint. Support by the Polycom MGC conference bridge, which supports the broadest array of PTSN, ISDN, H.320, H.323 and SIP devices, means that Live Communications Server and Polycom customers can initiate multipoint calls connecting any type of endpoint over any network for a truly unified conferencing experience. Enterprises and service providers can expand the reach of Microsoft real time collaboration beyond the PC, adding Polycom video as a critical component of presence-based collaboration.

"Customers benefit from the latest integration of Polycom systems into the Microsoft real time collaboration environment, increasing remote workgroup productivity, efficiency within organizations, and overall competitiveness," said Marc Sanders, senior product manager, Microsoft Real Time Collaboration Group. "Having the embedded support for Communicator and Live Communications Server within Polycom's endpoints and bridges ensures a seamless, high quality experience for end-users and network administrators alike. Polycom provides another strong example of the vibrant industry partner ecosystem developing rich solutions on the Microsoft collaboration platform."

"Delivery of the new software represents the latest milestone in the multi-year strategic alliance between the two companies to simplify and broaden access to video," said Mark Roberts, vice president of market development for Polycom's Network Systems Division. "Microsoft and Polycom are collaborating on the development of integrated solutions to deliver the best presence-based collaborative experience between desktop PCs and mobile devices, applications, and audio/video conferencing systems throughout and between enterprises."

Presence-based collaboration involves providing desktop users the choice to initiate on-demand voice, video, data sharing, and instant messaging sessions -- all from a single mouse click. Polycom offers a broad range and reach of solutions to complement Microsoft collaboration, including video endpoint integration, video and voice bridging, web collaboration, security, and telephony/VoIP solutions.

Along with the Polycom MGC and ReadiConvene video bridges, all PVX and VSX video endpoints can now automatically register, authenticate and publish availability information (away, online, busy) to Live Communications Server. This simplifies the deployment and management of on-demand, presence-based conferencing and collaboration.

Growing demand among customers and channel for presence-based collaboration

Berbee Information Networks Corporation, a Polycom Certified channel partner and Microsoft Gold Partner of Madison, WI, expands their Communications & Collaboration practice with the integration of Polycom and Microsoft collaboration technologies.

Berbee, an award-winning IP telephony and systems integrator, is looking forward to serving the communication needs of its customers with this exciting new product offering.

"Creating an integrated collaboration environment between Communicator, Live Communications Server, and voice and video conferencing solutions from Polycom is a powerful combination that gives information workers easy access to the collaboration tools they need to be productive," said Liz Eversoll, vice president of the Microsoft Practice for Berbee. "Our customers are telling us desktop collaboration is a top priority and that they want a high quality voice/video/web/instant messaging experience that is easy to use and seamless. The integrated collaboration solution set provided by Polycom and Microsoft delivers powerful, cost effective solutions for our customers."

Wainhouse Thought Leadership Webinar with Polycom and Microsoft

Polycom and Microsoft will be discussing presence-based collaborative communications and its impact, as well as this latest integration between their two platforms in a Wainhouse Research Thought Leadership webinar, "Enabling Distributed Workgroup Productivity Through Presence-Based Unified Collaborative Solutions" scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. Eastern. To register go to www.wainhouse.com/tls/index.html#event.

Availability

Polycom PVX and VSX version 8.0 and MGC 7.0.2 software upgrades are available today through Certified Polycom Channels.

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 and the Polycom are registered trademarks and VSX, PVX, and VTX are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (C)2005, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: Business Wire

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