[October 3, 2001]

Polycom Solution Gives Enterprises, Service Providers Secure Web Conferencing Capability

Polycom, Inc. announced new Web collaboration capabilities with the introduction of the Polycom WebOffice -- a software application that enables companies to hold meetings over the Internet or intranet and seamlessly integrate video, voice and data collaboration.

Businesses, educational institutions and government agencies are now able to implement this Web conferencing solution, in a cost-effective way as part of their own network application infrastructure, or to use a service provider that combines Web collaboration with voice and video services. In addition, service providers can now cost effectively complement their voice and video services using Polycom WebOffice without relying on another service provider for the Web collaboration solution. By offering their own collaboration service, they will be able to maintain control of the customer interface while retaining a larger portion of the collaborative service revenue.

"Web conferencing, when seamlessly combined with videoconferencing and audioconferencing, will change the way people hold meetings and communicate," said Bob Hagerty, president and CEO of Polycom. "The ability to connect multiple participants using various types of endpoints in a Web conference is a powerful new collaboration capability that Polycom is uniquely qualified to provide."

Polycom WebOffice provides a Web-based virtual office, which enables users to conduct online meetings, or to share documents, applications or desktops in a secure, interactive environment using their Web browser. From the same Polycom WebOffice, users can launch video and audio calls to Polycom's voice and videoconferencing products, bringing real-time interaction to their Web meetings. WebOffice provides a collaborative environment with seamless functionality that is ideal for applications such as online sales efforts, where users can share information in an effective, cost-efficient way that can speed the decision-making process and reduce the sales cycle.

Wainhouse Research forecasts that the worldwide market for Web conferencing services will grow from $279 million in 2001 to over $2.8 billion in 2005.

"Adding Web collaboration to their audio, video, and network products portfolio is the next logical step for Polycom," said Andy Nilssen, senior analyst and partner at Wainhouse Research. "By offering WebOffice as part of an integrated product suite, Polycom provides a powerful solution for customers, while creating a new revenue opportunity for its existing audio and videoconference service provider partners. WebOffice is unique in that it creates a personal Web portal that seamlessly blends Polycom's voice, video, and networking products with new data-sharing capabilities and the ability to click to initiate ad-hoc and scheduled rich media conferences. The result is much more powerful than Web collaboration alone."

Polycom WebOffice is easy to install, simple to use and works with firewalls. Users simply set up their virtual Web offices by creating a unique URL, similar to their e-mail address. Anyone can then meet in this virtual office by entering the "office URL" into their Web-browser, whether they are inside or outside of the organization. They connect to the office as they would any Web site. From the office they can also start audioconferences and videoconferences.

"An integrated solution that offers audio, video, Web and data collaboration is the ultimate combination for users wishing to communicate easily and effectively," said Phil Keenan, senior vice president and general manager of network systems at Polycom. "We've been using Polycom WebOffice as a sales and training tool for several months, and it has boosted our productivity significantly. We expect our customers to experience the same results."

WebOffice allows users to:

• Conduct remote meetings over the Internet and Intranet (scheduled and ad-hoc).
• Present to multiple remote participants.
• Integrate audioconferencing and videoconferencing.
• Conduct online sales efforts in a cost-effective, collaborative environment.
• View, annotate and edit documents online and share applications.
• Demonstrate applications live and in real-time.
• Create online Web tours.
• Access support from a distance with remote desktop control.
• Use instant messaging and buddy lists.

Polycom WebOffice software is available immediately, starting at US $750 per seat (or concurrent user).

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