Polycom delivers on strategic relationship with Microsoft; offers broadest portfolio of HD voice and video solutions that natively interoperate with Microsoft UC environments
PLEASANTON, Calif. - Nov 17, 2010 : Delivering on its strategic relationship with Microsoft Corp. to provide end-to-end unified communication (UC) solutions, Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM), a global leader in unified communications (UC) and a Microsoft Gold Certified partner, today announced enhancements to its comprehensive portfolio of voice and video solutions for Microsoft Lync Server 2010. The Polycom HDX series telepresence systems and Polycom UC Intelligent Core Infrastructure are the industry's first telepresence solution designed to be fully interoperable with Microsoft Lync.
Polycom telepresence solutions lead the industry with support for standard-based H.264 High Profile technology, which reduces bandwidth requirements for HD video communication by up to 50 percent while also working with Lync. The HDX series telepresence systems and RMX® conference platform join a full portfolio of Polycom UC endpoints optimized for Lync and including the Polycom CX500 and CX600 UC devices and the Polycom CX3000 IP conference phone, the only conference phone optimized for Lync.
"In order to derive greater value from UC deployments, customers are demanding proven interoperability, a rich feature set, and simplified management and administration capabilities," said Rich Costello, senior research analyst, IDC. "The close alliance between Polycom and Microsoft helps deliver that to the desktop collaborative experience."
Enhancing collaboration and lowering costs
Polycom's devices Optimized for Microsoft Lync are designed for the highest levels of performance with Lync and offer Polycom HD Voice™, time-saving features such as single sign-in, calendar access, and advanced presence on vibrant color screen displays. The Polycom video solutions also incorporate Microsoft's RTV codec, enabling communications throughout enterprises as well as B2B environments and across multiple collaboration tools. With this solution, companies can lower their total cost of ownership, streamline IT management, improve redundancy protection with ensured support for mission-critical applications.
Extending the reach of UC
The Polycom solutions enable customers to collaborate from their desks, on the road, at home, or in a conference room using standards-based Polycom solutions. This powerful, personalized solution offers a multitude of secure, presence-based voice and video options that expand the flexibility of business communications. Polycom's UC Intelligent Core infrastructure leverages Microsoft's Edge Server to traverse firewalls and enable federation between organizations that would otherwise not be able to collaborate via video or would require the additional cost and management complexity of gateways to connect.
Polycom is readying its partner ecosystem to deliver Microsoft-optimized solutions by offering a dedicated Microsoft UC enablement program designed to assist channel partners to successfully sell, implement and service the Polycom offerings. The UC specialization track for Polycom and Microsoft partners features dedicated resources including collaboration, development and go-to-market initiatives and is available in North America immediately, with regional programs rolling out in the first half of 2011.
Maximizing productivity
Polycom offers the broadest and one of the most flexible portfolios of integrated voice and video solutions for Microsoft UC environments. The Polycom solutions optimized for UC improve the efficiency, effectiveness and competitiveness of organizations by enabling people to easily leverage productivity-enhancing voice, video, presence and data collaboration tools through the familiar environment of their everyday workflow. To learn more, view the Polycom Microsoft Experiencevideo.
Lync offers a single interface that unites voice, IM/presence, audio-, video-, and web-conferencing into a richer, more contextual offering and a single identity makes it easier and more efficient for users to find contacts, check their availability and connect with them. Lync works consistently with Micros
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
