The vendor says that 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 organisations, 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.