Polycom Integrates Desktop and Group Video Into IBM Collaboration Solutions in Technology Demo at Lotusphere

12:19 am - January 23rd, 2006

Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM), a world leader in providing unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced a technology demonstration at Lotusphere(R) in which Polycom’s market leading desktop and group video systems and bridges are integrated with IBM(R) Workplace(TM) Collaboration Services, IBM Lotus(R) Sametime(R), and IBM Lotus Notes(R). The joint Polycom and IBM demonstration can be seen at Booth # 418 at Lotusphere.

The demonstration shows how users can initiate a web conference in Lotus Sametime and add TV-like video with near CD quality sound using the Lotus Notes buddy list, which displays both people and the Polycom desktop and group video endpoints associated with them. The calls, which can be initiated in real time and involve participants on a variety of audio and video devices, can be point to point or multipoint, from PC to PC, or PC to conference room video as a result of the Polycom MGC bridge integration with Lotus Sametime, Lotus Notes and Workplace Collaboration Services.

In the Lotusphere demonstration, a Polycom PVX(TM) desktop video and VSX group conference room system have been added as “buddies” on an instant message buddy list in Lotus Notes. Integration of the Polycom MGC conference bridge, which supports the broadest array of PTSN, ISDN, H.320, H.323 and SIP devices, with IBM’s collaboration servers enables joint Polycom and IBM customers to initiate multipoint calls connecting any type of endpoint over any network for a truly unified conferencing experience. Because conference room video systems are now integrated with desktop PCs, enterprises can expand the reach of Lotus real time collaboration beyond PCs to be a complete collaborative solution end-to-end both within and between organizations.

“Offering business quality multipoint video to users of IBM’s enterprise collaboration solutions can help improve the flow of communication within a business and enhance overall productivity,” said Ken Bisconti, vice president, Workplace, Portal and Collaboration products, IBM. “Polycom’s demonstration at Lotusphere 2006 is a great opportunity for the over 125 million Lotus Notes users to experience this type of convergence first hand.”

“Collaborative communications that include video are compelling to enterprises looking to raise productivity among dispersed workgroups,” said Mark Roberts, vice president of market development for Polycom’s Network Systems Division. “With today’s demo, video now joins audio and web conferencing as an equal partner in delivering effective and efficient collaboration. IBM and Lotus customers are a critical audience to be included as we integrate voice, video, and data seamlessly onto core IP communications networks and integrate PCs and applications with systems found in conference rooms.”

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. The tech demo at Lotusphere illustrates both companies’ commitment to broaden the reach and simplify the usage of video communications as part of IBM collaboration.

About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. is a worldwide leader in unified collaborativecommunications (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 http://www.polycom.com.