Polycom Transforms Mobile Unified Communications in the Workplace With Next-Gen Voice-Over-Wi-Fi Handsets

PLEASANTON, CA–(Marketwire – September 21, 2010) –  Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLCM), a global leader in telepresence, video and voice communications solutions, today expanded Polycom’s leadership in voice over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) products with next-generation Polycom® SpectraLink® 8400 series handsets for wireless voice and data applications that transform mobile unified communications (UC) in the workplace. The new Polycom SpectraLink 8400 series are the first in the industry to feature a revolutionary standards-based application platform, the most reliable form factor for enterprise use, an integrated barcode reader, Polycom’s renowned voice quality, and the industry’s broadest interoperability with 802.11a/b/g/n wireless infrastructure and market-leading UC platforms.

The SpectraLink VoWi-Fi telephones allow people to stay in contact and easily access important data from any location within the enterprise Wi-Fi network. The new solutions are designed to improve productivity and responsiveness of mobile workers, meet the critical communication needs in the healthcare, industrial, and retail markets, and deliver the industry’s lowest total cost of ownership — up to 33 percent lower than competing systems.

“Polycom is taking enterprise-grade VoWi-Fi to a higher level of functionality and performance with the introduction of the 8400 series handsets,” said Craig Mathias, principal, Farpoint Group, an advisory firm specializing in wireless communications and mobile computing. “The SpectraLink 8400 incorporates all of the key features enterprises are looking for in wireless handsets, including durability and ease of use, and also includes support for critical business applications through a powerful and flexible thin-client approach. And, of course Polycom’s reputation for building rugged, reliable products will put these new handsets on the short list across a huge range of applications.”

“Having access to people and data when and where you need it is important for any business, but is mission-critical in environments like hospitals, manufacturing facilities and large retail stores,” said Jim Kruger, Polycom vice president of Solutions Product Marketing. “Polycom SpectraLink handsets are the gold standard in wireless workplace mobility and we are raising the bar again with the 8400 series in terms of voice quality, reliability, application support and open standards-based interoperability.”

Support for mission-critical industry applications
The Polycom SpectraLink 8400 series’ open application platform and developer-friendly browser capabilities support enterprise and industry-specific applications such as nurse call in hospitals, inventory control applications in retail, and equipment monitoring systems in manufacturing. The phones are available with an integrated barcode reader delivering a revolutionary voice, application and data capture solution unlike any currently available platform in the market. For example, in a hospital environment, the integrated barcode reader and interface allows a nurse to quickly scan and transfer barcode information from a prescription from the phone. This supports barcode medicine administration best practices, which can reduce medical errors by up to 93 percent¹.

“Polycom is addressing Adventist Health’s demanding requirements by providing a platform for application support without compromising the durability, telephony features and voice quality we expect from our SpectraLink handsets,” said Scott Mahnke, telecom coordinator, Information Technology Services at Adventist Health. “We’re looking forward to deploying the 8400 series handsets throughout the organization, because they will have an immediate impact on meeting our initiatives for improved care, zero errors and greater patient satisfaction.”

Customer-driven design for ease of use and enhanced productivity
The Polycom SpectraLink 8400 series were designed with extensive customer input. The phones feature a large color display and simple, intuitive user interface, enterprise-grade durability, and broad accessory support for battery packs, headsets, etc.

Lowest total cost of ownership vs. competition
Through lower administrative costs, superior reliability and a more extensive warranty program, Polycom delivers up to 33 percent lower total cost of ownership than competing solutions. The Polycom SpectraLink 8400 series also delivers greater functionality through the combined power of two-way radios, pagers, barcode scanners, intercoms, and high-quality conferencing in a single fully-integrated device. It offers simple provisioning and management, and best-in-class warranty, maintenance and service offerings for long-term investment protection.

Broadest standards-based interoperability for greatest investment protection
The phones feature an integrated 802.11a/b/g/n radio with Polycom Voice Interoperability for Enterprise Wireless (VIEW) Certified performance on leading, enterprise-grade wireless LAN infrastructure platforms, as well as extensive enterprise call server support for a wide range of UC platforms.

The Polycom SpectraLink 8400 series handsets will begin shipping in the first half of 2011 through certified Polycom reseller partners. For more information, visit www.polycom.com/sl8400.

About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ: PLCM) is a global leader in unified communications solutions with industry-leading telepresence, video, voice and infrastructure solutions built on open standards. Polycom powers smarter conversations, transforming lives and businesses worldwide. Please visit www.polycom.com for more information or connect with Polycom on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

¹Source: The Journal of Healthcare Information Management

© 2010 Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved. POLYCOM®, the Polycom “Triangles” logo and the names and marks associated with Polycom’s products are trademarks and/or service marks of Polycom, Inc. and are registered and/or common law marks in the United States and various other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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