Polycom Expands Market-Leading VoIP Phone Line With New Entry-Level and HD Voice Models

Polycom has expanded its market-leading line of standards-based VoIP desktop phones with three new models, including two enterprise-grade entry-level phones, and a high-performance four-line phone with Polycom HD Voice™ technology. With these additions, Polycom offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of standards-based, best-in-class VoIP phones that spans from the desktop to the attendant’s desk to the conference room.

“We are listening to customers and delivering VoIP phone solutions that meet their complete range of business telephony needs,” said Sunil Bhalla, senior vice president and general manager of voice communications at Polycom. “Through our focused product development efforts, breakthrough technology advancements like HD Voice, and thorough integration efforts with our IP PBX and Softswitch partners, Polycom is able to offer standards-based phone solutions that are second to none in interoperability, quality, performance and value.”

SoundPoint® IP 330 and 320 – Best-in-class entry-level VoIP desktop phones
The SoundPoint IP 330 and 320 are two new entry-level models that feature a full-duplex speakerphone with Polycom Acoustic Clarity Technology for natural, hands-free conversations, an easy-to-read graphical LCD, and integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) support enabling flexible powering options. These phones are designed to meet the demand for a cost-effective VoIP phone that delivers excellent sound quality and enterprise-grade features. The SoundPoint IP 330 features a dual-port 10/100 Ethernet switch for LAN and PC connection, presenting a cost-effective solution for cubicle workers, as well as call center operators who use a “hard” phone in conjunction with a PC client. The SoundPoint IP 320 has a single 10/100 Ethernet port, making it ideal for common areas such as lobbies, hallways, and break rooms as well as various wall-mounted deployments.

“By continuing to expand its desktop VoIP phone line, Polycom is giving customers a broad range of phones for different applications within an organization,” said Lynda Starr, senior analyst with the Frost & Sullivan Information & Communication Technologies Practice. “In addition, by increasing the number of models that include Polycom’s HD Voice Technology, the company will continue to help differentiate IP telephony offerings, and provide customers with a significant benefit for choosing VoIP over traditional phone networks.”

SoundPoint IP 550 – Cutting-edge SIP feature set and Polycom HD Voice
The SoundPoint IP 550 four-line VoIP desktop phone provides a powerful tool for users requiring an advanced feature set. The phone includes Polycom HD Voice technology that delivers lifelike, high-fidelity voice richness and clarity which can improve comprehension and reduce listener fatigue. It also features a high-resolution, backlit, graphical LCD; integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) support; and an XHTML micro browser for productivity-enhancing web applications.  The phone offers advanced functionality such as shared call / bridge line appearance, busy lamp field (BLF), and presence*.

The SoundPoint IP 550, 330 and 320 all support IEEE 1329 Type 1 full-duplex audio to allow for natural conversation even in double-talk situations. This is the same advanced technology used in the award-winning Polycom conference phones and provides best-in-class performance.

“People are so accustomed to the quality of phone calls today that the value of HD Voice may not be immediately clear … until you hear it,” said John Guillaume, senior vice president of sales and marketing at New Global Telecom.  “After rigorous testing and side-by-side comparisons in our lab, it became evident that HD Voice quality and clarity surpasses that of legacy systems and can dramatically improve user experience.  In fact, with Polycom HD Voice, we can now demonstrate that VoIP quality is substantially higher than traditional networks.”

The new phones will be supported by most Polycom IP PBX and softswitch partners.

source: www.polycom.com