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Polycom completes award-winning VSX video conferencing line with new systems and enhancements

Polycom Revamps Entire Video Product Line with Three New VSX Systems and Version 8.0 Software Enhancing All VSX Products and PVX Desktop Video Conferencing Software

PLEASANTON, Calif., July 13, 2005 -- Polycom(R), Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced the expansion and completion of the award-winning VSX(TM) product line with three new video systems and enhanced software for all VSX products as well as an updated version of the PVX(TM) desktop video conferencing application. These releases address the growing global demand for video communications and collaborative solutions. The now complete VSX line offers customers a state-of-the-art platform for collaboration and video conferencing from the desktop to the conference room that integrates with the leading telephony and presence-based communications infrastructures. Through the VSX platform, Polycom is enabling businesses of all sizes to reap the competitive advantages and productivity enhancements of video communications including faster decision making, improved collaboration among geographically dispersed teams and a reduction in the need for travel.

"Video communications is at a tipping point, where the quality and performance of the solutions are ready for widespread adoption, and systems are affordable and easily cost-justified for businesses of all sizes," said Robert Hagerty, chairman and CEO of Polycom. "Video communication is also extending outside of the traditional conferencing silo into a more integrated communications experience as we partner with Alcatel, Avaya, Cisco Systems, Lucent Technologies, Microsoft, Nortel and others. Like Polycom, these partners understand video is a key enabler of collaborative communications. Together we are pioneering the next generation of integrated solutions for customers and sending video communications over converged and broadband networks into widespread adoption."

"The Polycom VSX line continues to set the gold standard for video communications with unmatched innovation, quality, performance and overall customer value. It also offers the most flexibility for integration with leading communications platforms," said Ed Ellett, senior vice president and general manager of video communications at Polycom. "We have expanded our line to address specific customer and channel partner requests and are continuing to lead the industry with technology innovations. For example, Pro-Motion(TM) H.264 provides incredibly lifelike and natural video at just 384 Kbps of bandwidth. And, Polycom StereoSurround(TM) provides the real in-room experience enabling clarity and distinction between all voices, even when multiple parties are speaking simultaneously. With well over a half million video systems shipped to date, Polycom is clearly the leader of choice for video communications and the VSX platform is leading the way for the next generation of customer applications."

VSX Advantage -- Innovative Signature Benefits and Leadership Options

From the desktop to the conference room, all Polycom VSX systems include Signature Benefits that deliver unmatched quality, performance and ease of use. VSX Signature Benefits include:

-- SIP support across the entire video product line

-- Crystal-clear sound with Siren 14(TM) audio

-- Voice clarity during simultaneous conversations with Polycom StereoSurround

-- Incredible video with Polycom Pro-Motion (60 fps)

-- The industry's best QoS over IP networks with iPriority(TM)

-- Secure calling anytime with embedded Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

-- Integration with enterprise telephony, messaging and presence infrastructures

-- 360-degree room coverage using the Polycom Microphone Array with multiple microphones

-- Common user experience and system tools

All systems also offer Leadership Options, allowing organizations to customize their video conferencing solutions to fit their needs. Examples of VSX options include:

-- SoundStation(R) VTX 1000 integration -- provides simplified dialing direct from the conference phone, eliminates clutter of microphones and wires and provides enhanced audio capture

-- People+Content(TM) IP -- Share PC content (slides and documents) cable free with the conference participants -- no need to connect your PC to the VSX -- even works for audio add participants! Always shows the people and the data simultaneously.

-- Ceiling microphone -- no wires on the table or floor, room coverage up to 20x20, and can be daisy-chained for larger meeting spaces

-- MPPlus -- internal multipoint conferencing unit including cascading, audio transcoding and mixed multipoint (IP and ISDN)

-- Multiple network interfaces -- easily add additional interfaces such as ISDN/PRI/V.35

-- Conference Room Solutions -- choose the cart and display that best fits your meeting needs

Three New Systems Complete the Industry-Leading VSX Line

VSX 5000 -- a new breakthrough entry-level solution for customers demanding premium quality audio and video performance coupled with basic video conferencing functionality. The system includes a new electronic pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera featuring high reliability with few moving parts, and most of the functionality of mechanical PTZ cameras. The VSX 5000 is a dual mode (IP/ISDN) system, with support for dual monitor capability, as well as advanced data sharing. The VSX 5000 connects to any XGA or TV display for system flexibility. Additionally, the VSX 5000 includes VSX Signature Benefits and key Leadership Options, making it the perfect conferencing system for small meeting spaces. System pricing starts at US $3,999.

VSX 7000s -- The new VSX 7000s is a high quality, versatile group video conferencing solution for medium to large rooms. The VSX 7000s includes an embedded speaker and subwoofer, providing superior audio performance. The system provides incredibly natural imaging using the latest in video technology and standards, has embedded dual monitor support, and includes multiple methods of sharing data, videos and pictures with all conference participants. The VSX 7000s connects to any TV or XGA display for system flexibility, and includes key VSX Signature Benefits and Leadership Options. System pricing starts at US$6,999.

VSX 7000e -- The VSX 7000e is a top-of-the-line, mainstream group video conferencing system with a split form factor, ideal for flat panel displays, shipping with a slim, attractive codec and the Polycom PowerCam(TM) camera. The VSX 7000e includes dual monitor support, and can be connected to either an XGA or TV display when in single-monitor mode. The system includes advanced connection options, such as direct international POTS, for easily adding a voice-only participant, and dual RS-232 ports for peripherals and control. Polycom VSX Signature Benefits are a part of every system, and it can be expanded by adding VSX Leadership Options. System pricing starts at US$8,999.

New VSX Release 8.0 Software Improves the Entire VSX Line

Continuing its technology and innovation leadership, Polycom VSX Release 8.0 software delivers enhanced quality and performance across the entire VSX product line. All VSX systems can be upgraded to VSX Release 8.0, and all will gain video performance improvement, extended data sharing capabilities, improved system reliability and more flexibility for both the network administrator and end user.

The VSX 8000 receives additional enhancements including:

-- Expanded internal MCU capabilities (6-site)

-- The best video shipping today -- Pro-Motion H.264, with 2CIF at 60 fields per second

-- Improved automated camera tracking ability with Polycom's PowerCam Plus -- tracks to voices and presets

As a result of the Release 8.0 software, Polycom VSX and PVX systems can now be registered and authenticated on Microsoft Live Communications Server 2005 for point-to-point and multipoint calling. Along with the current Microsoft Windows Messenger support, presence-enabled calling is now also possible with Microsoft Office Communicator and Polycom endpoints.

PVX Software Release 8.0 Enhances the Industry's Best Desktop Video Conferencing Software Application

Polycom PVX(TM) is a breakthrough application that delivers high quality video, audio and content sharing on a PC using a standard USB web cam. PVX Release 8.0 enhances the existing application by offering SIP support, creating an end-to-end SIP solution across the entire Polycom video conferencing line. Additionally, PVX now includes standards-based content sharing with H.239, making it easy to share data with any other video conferencing system. Calls through home routers and firewalls are now simplified for SOHO users and small office environments through new universal plug and play (UPnP) support, as well as support for multiple network adaptors. PVX Release 8.0 also includes video and audio enhancements, as well as enhanced management support through Polycom Global Management System(TM) and ReadiManager(TM).

Pricing and availability:

The VSX 5000, VSX 7000s and VSX 7000e systems will be available in July through certified Polycom channel partners with system pricing starting at US$3,999, US$6,999 and US$8,999 respectively. VSX Release 8.0 software will be available in July for US$1,999. PVX Release 8.0 software will be available in September with pricing starting at US$149 (discounts offered to current PVX customers).

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.

About Polycom

Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of video, voice, data and Web solutions to deliver the ultimate communications experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony and presence-based networks. With its market driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage in real-time communications and collaboration. For additional information call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or +1-408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom website at www.polycom.com.

Polycom and the Polycom are registered trademarks and VSX, PVX, People+Content, SoundStation VTX, StereoSurround, Siren14, PowerCam,Pro-Motion, ReadiManager and Global Management System are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (C)2005, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.



Kevin Young, 925-924-5706
kyoung@polycom.com

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