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Polycom advances enterprise video communications with new conferencing solution

Announcement posted by Polycom 07 Nov 2002

- iPower 9000 Series delivers unrivalled collaboration features and highest audio and video quality for enterprise and integrator needs - Polycom introduces industry's first integrated endpoint solution capable of connecting up to 12 locations in a video
Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLCM), a worldwide leader in the convergence of interactive voice, video, data and web communications, today announced the iPowerTM 9000 Series of multimedia conferencing solutions that deliver the highest audio and video quality available with unrivalled collaboration capabilities, strong IP functionality and flexible options for conference control. The iPower 9000 Series is available as a comprehensive system for enterprise environments and as a stand-alone codec designed for the specialised needs of systems integrators and value added resellers (VARs). Polycom will unveil the iPower 9000 Series this week in the United States.

The iPower 9000 Series marks the debut of the industry's first embedded 12-port multipoint control unit (MCU) capable of bridging up to 12 locations in a call over IP (H.323) without the need for inefficient cascading links between multiple MCUs.

"Our new iPower 9000 Series offers the industry's most advanced multimedia conferencing system with the highest audio and video quality available," said Craig Malloy, senior vice president and general manager of video communications for Polycom.

"These products address the expanding needs of high-end enterprise customers and provide the most powerful and flexible codec for systems integrators and value added resellers."

iPower 9000 Series raises the bar for collaboration, quality & overall customer value
The iPower 9000 Series features all new system components and incorporates the award-winning features and capabilities of the iPower line, including: 14 kHz audio fidelity via Polycom's exclusive SirenTM 14 algorithm, Pro-MotionTM video (60 fields per second at 336 kbps and higher), and dual-stream People+ContentTM technology enabling simple, high-quality data sharing. The systems support a range of connectivity via ISDN, IP, V.35, RS-449 and wireless with call rates up to 4 Mbps over IP. The new systems also support the Polycom OneDialTM enterprise dialling feature, which enables users to easily initiate a multipoint conference without the need for a reservation or conference operator intervention. Combined with a Polycom MCU or gateway in the network, Polycom OneDial provides an end-to-end seamless operation.

The iPower 9000 Series currently includes two models: the stand-alone iPower 9000 Codec for systems integrators and VARs; and the iPower 9800 Multimedia Conferencing System -- a comprehensive workstation ideal for the most demanding enterprise applications.

The iPower 9800 Multimedia Conferencing System includes:

- iPower 9000 Codec (with built in DVD drive)
- Embedded four-port MCU for bridging up to four sites in a video call (12-port optional)
- New PowerCam Plus camera that offers advanced performance and is ideal for flat-panel displays and for wall mounting
- Newly designed wireless keyboard featuring color-coded video control keys
- Newly designed remote control featuring an integrated mouse for controlling applications
- PowerMic for 360-degree room coverage
- ImageShareTM for simple laptop connectivity (can also connect directly to codec).
- New Meeting Tool Assistant - on-screen controls for a range of supported document cameras, VCRs and projectors connected to the system.

"The iPower 9800 provides a robust and flexible video communications system that addresses our diverse video and data collaboration needs," said Cathy Boswick, strategic telecom planning, for US based ADP - Corporate Telecommunications.

"The video and audio quality is exceptional and the new keyboard with integrated conferencing hot keys is an intuitive, easy-to-use system that fits well with our users and support staff."

The iPower 9000 Codec is a model available for systems integrators and VARs. The exceptional video and audio quality, unrivalled collaboration capabilities and rack-mountable design are ideal for high-end conferencing applications. The system supports iPower and third party cameras, displays, microphones, various presentation peripherals, interactive whiteboards and conference room control systems from leading vendors such as AMX and Crestron. The iPower 9000 Codec includes newly designed wireless keyboard and remote control.

The iPower 9000 Series is part of The Polycom OfficeTM, an integrated end-to-end solution for interactive voice, video, data and web communications. The iPower 9000 Codec complements Polycom's comprehensive line of voice, video, web and data communications solutions for systems integrators and VARs.

For further information or to obtain photographs, please contact

Pricing and Availability*
The iPower 9800 Multimedia Conferencing System and iPower 9000 Codec will be available at the end of November with pricing starting at US$20,699 and US$16,099 respectively. The 12-port IP MCU software option will be available simultaneously with new iPower 9000 series systems for US$8,049, and will be introduced for the iPower 900 and 600 Series systems in the first quarter of 2003.

About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality, easy-to-use and affordable voice and video communication endpoints, video management software, web collaboration software, multi-network gateways, and multi-point conferencing and network access solutions. Its fully integrated end-to-end solution, The Polycom Office, is supported by the Polycom Accelerated Communications Architecture, and enables business users to immediately realise the benefits of integrated video, voice data and web collaboration over rapidly growing converged networks. For additional information, call (02) 9978 8000, or visit the Polycom web site at www.polycomasia.com.

Polycom, the Polycom logo and ViewStation are registered trademarks and iPower, Pro Motion, Siren 14, People+Content, ImageShare, and The Polycom Office are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (c)2002, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.

*Prices are Polycom's current list prices and are subject to change without notice. Retail prices may vary.

This release contains forward-looking statements, including statements. These statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including the potential fluctuations in results and future growth rates, the market acceptance of Polycom's products, possible delays in the development, availability and shipment of new products, and risks associated with changes in general economic conditions. Further risks are detailed from time to time in Polycom's SEC reports, including the Form 10-K, for 2001, and subsequent Form 10-Q filings.