Jump to content

Polycom Conference Phones Deliver Excellent Experience by Eliminating Interference from Mobile Devices

Market-leading conference phones integrate RF shielding technology to improve conference call experience by blocking annoying interference from mobile devices

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Feb 05, 2008 : Polycom, Inc. [NASDAQ: PLCM], the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced that its analog SoundStation® and VoiceStation® conference phones now incorporate advanced radio frequency (RF) shielding technology. This new benefit, built into the latest versions of the iconic triangular conference phones enjoyed by millions of business users worldwide, delivers users a clearer and more productive conferencing experience by eliminating the annoying buzzing noise caused by interference from nearby cellular devices. RF interference affects the millions of conference phones, regardless of manufacturer, that are currently installed in businesses around the globe.

"RF interference is nothing new, but our awareness of it is at an all-time high, as more and more business is conducted over virtual forms of communications such as voice and video conferencing, and as the popularity of smartphones increases. Now customers can bring their smartphones into the conference room and not cause any interference on the conference call," said Jeff Rodman, CTO of Polycom's Voice Communications Solutions division. "As the pioneer in voice conferencing, Polycom has aggressively worked to develop solutions that stop the 'buzz' and offer unmatched audio quality. Polycom's industry-leading voice quality, coupled with the new RF shielding and isolation technologies, are now shipping worldwide, helping people be more productive throughout the global workplace."

In a survey directed to 1,000 Polycom customers, ninety-seven percent of respondents noticed the buzz when on a call and found it distracting or annoying. While they understood the buzz was a direct result of having mobile devices in the room, 60 percent of respondents said it was critical for them to keep their mobile device with them during the meeting in order to stay connected to business. The problem is so widespread that 70 percent reported a willingness to upgrade their conference phones if that would solve the problem.

"RF interference, known for being an issue with wireless LANS and other unlicensed devices, affects all kinds of products, wireless or not," said Craig Mathias, a Principal with Farpoint Group. "Polycom is to be congratulated for recognizing the cellular-interference problem and incorporating a solution into its line of conference phones. I’m sure I speak for frequent conference callers everywhere when I say I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these."

Polycom has built multiple layers of robust protection to help avoid the adverse effects of RF interference. The conference phones have been vigorously tested to validate superior performance in high-RF environments. In addition, Polycom is a founding member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) committee responsible for developing industry standards to prevent this type of radio interference.

To learn more about Polycom's SoundStation and VoiceStation conference phones utilizing RF shielding technology, go to www.nomorebuzz.com/news.

Pricing and Availability
All of Polycom's analog conference phones are now shipping worldwide with this new RF shielding technology, with no changes in price or part numbers. This includes the award-winning SoundStation2, SoundStation2W, SoundStation VTX 1000, VoiceStation 300 and 500 product lines. Prices range from $299 to $1,299. For more information visit the conference phone solutions page on www.polycom.com.

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 1-800-POLYCOM or visit the Polycom web site at 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, the Polycom logo, SoundStation, and VoiceStation are registered trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2008, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contacts

www.polycom.com provides product specific information for telepresence, voice and video conferencing customers in the North America region.

4750 Willow Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588-2708, USA. Sales inquiries: 1 800 POLYCOM

© Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.