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Polycom Expands IP DECT Portfolio With Solutions For Businesses Of Any Size – From The Soho To Enterprise

Polycom's expanded DECT portfolio includes highly scalable wireless servers and a sleek, new Bluetooth-enabled handset

AstriCon, GLENDALE, Ariz. and PLEASANTON, Calif. - Sep 22, 2008 : Polycom, Inc. [Nasdaq: PLCM], the global leader in telepresence, video and voice communications solutions, today announced the launch of its latest KIRK Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications (DECT) solutions. Polycom is the leading independent provider of open, standards-based IP phones, and is furthering its position in the DECT marketplace by expanding its award-winning KIRK product portfolio to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Polycom has introduced three new products: the KIRK® Wireless Server (KWS) 300, the KWS 6000, and the KIRK 5040 handset. Polycom's SIP-based DECT solutions help our customers drive the speed of business by making them always accessible regardless of where they are within the workplace.

"We knew we needed a wireless communications solution at O'Brien, and after evaluating several other options, we realized that Polycom DECT system was the only solution to satisfy all of our requirements. The KIRK wireless system we implemented allows us to always be in touch, no matter where we are on our campus of over 40 acres," said Dave Stear, IT director of O'Brien Automotive Team. "The value of accessibility is priceless – it means our sales people, management and other key personnel are always available to each other, and most importantly, to our customers. In addition, the KIRK system was the only solution to offer seamless integration with our phone system and a reliable voice signal, and the battery life of the handsets has been surprisingly long."

"Recent Frost & Sullivan research indicates the DECT market in North America, APAC and CALA is likely to experience considerable growth over the next few years, and with its comprehensive DECT portfolio, Polycom is well positioned to take advantage of this untapped opportunity," said Elka Popova, global program director, Frost & Sullivan. "For those wanting to keep voice and data on separate networks, DECT offers a secure alternative with guaranteed voice quality. Polycom's extensive experience in providing both VoWLAN and DECT solutions and its successful track record will likely be a competitive advantage as the company moves to grow its share in this growing market."

KIRK Wireless Servers
Polycom now offers SIP-based DECT solutions that address the needs businesses large and small – from the SOHO market (KWS 300) to medium-sized businesses (KWS 600v3), and for the largest of enterprises as well (KWS 6000). All KIRK solutions are scalable – both in terms of the number of users as well as the coverage areas supported. The latest additions to the KIRK Wireless Server portfolio include:

  • The KIRK Wireless Server 300, a SIP-based wireless telephony system, is ideal for smaller sized businesses, by scaling support from one to 12 handsets The KIRK Wireless Server 300 is a single-cell solution that can support up to four simultaneously calls and up to six KIRK repeaters in order to extend the coverage area. Each KIRK repeater increases the coverage area by approximately 50 percent.
  • The KWS 6000 is a SIP-based enterprise wireless telephony solution that scales from just a handful up to more than 4,000 users. Up to 256 radio units are supported, which when combined with the KIRK Media Resource, can support more than 1,000 simultaneous calls. Each KIRK base station handles 12 simultaneous calls, and customers can scale up based on their individual needs. Additionally, KIRK repeaters can be added to increase the coverage area by approximately 50 percent.

KIRK Wireless Telephones
Polycom offers a broad portfolio of KIRK wireless telephones ranging from a sleek, lightweight model geared to the general office to highly durable and intrinsically safe handsets.

The KIRK 5040 handset, the newest addition to the KIRK product line, is a lightweight DECT phone that combines award-winning design with intuitive user interface and wireless headset that can be operated hands-free and wirelessly with a Bluetooth headset. Like the KIRK 5020, the 5040 can quickly be switched to silent mode and will distinguish between external and internal calls by ring tone. The KIRK 5040 handset also features an intuitive user interface and a large color-display offering an experience similar to a mobile phone and with the added benefit of hands-free operation.

"We listen to our customers and then design wireless telephone solutions that meet their needs," said Sten Dyrmose, general manager for Polycom's DECT business unit. "The addition of the KWS 3000 and KWS 6000 allows us to offer enterprise-grade wireless to businesses across the globe, regardless of size. With the introduction of the KIRK 5040, our customers have the option of using a lightweight, stylish handset with an extended battery life, which allows them to move freely about the office while staying in touch whether they prefer to use the telephone itself or communicate using a headset."

Pricing & Availability
The new KIRK solutions are available worldwide through Polycom's certified reseller partners. The list price for the KWS 300 is U.S. $360. The KWS 6000 list price is U.S. $1,200 and includes a server and one base station, which supports up to 30 users. With the scalable nature of the KWS6000 it can easily be set up for more users. The KIRK 5040 handset sells at a list price of U.S. $310. To learn more about Polycom's KIRK solutions, go to www.polycom.com/kirk.

About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM) is the global leader in telepresence, video, and voice solutions and a visionary in communications that empower people to connect and collaborate everywhere. Please visit www.polycom.com for more information.

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, and KIRK 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.

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