Microsoft and Polycom come together for video collaboration solutions

Polycom and Microsoft announced an expanded relationship through which Polycom plans to deliver a new series of video collaboration solutions purpose-built for Skype for Business called Polycom RoundTable.

The first device in this new offering is the Polycom RoundTable 100 for huddle rooms that will allow small to midsized businesses (SMB) and teams with Skype for Business and Microsoft Lync 2013 simply by logging into their Skype for Business account. The RoundTable 100 will not require corporate domains or on-premises infrastructure.

“Together, Microsoft and Polycom have a joint vision to deliver collaboration experiences that help our customers defy distance. We are now expanding our solutions to allow SMBs, as well as large enterprises, to reap the benefits of video collaboration,” said Peter Leav, Polycom president and CEO. “Our partnership with Microsoft has never been stronger, and over the years, it has fortified a market demand for collaboration experiences that help make our customers successful.”

The companies also announced that the Polycom CX series of video collaboration solutions, also will become part of the Polycom RoundTable series. Together Polycom’s and Microsoft aim at bringing the world’s more than 50 mn meeting rooms of all shapes and sizes into the digital age, enhancing collaboration for businesses of all sizes. In addition, Polycom VVX business media phones will be the first phones to support the forthcoming cloud voice service offering as part of Microsoft Office 365.

RoundTable solutions will add to Polycom’s portfolio of more than 40 existing solutions that integrate with Lync and Skype for Business.

“Collaboration is the cornerstone of productivity, and people need tools that work the way they do—across locations and devices,” said Zig Serafin, corporate vice president, Skype Business Services Group, Microsoft. “Throughout our long-standing partnership with Polycom, we’ve shared a goal of delivering collaboration experiences that transform the way people work. The RoundTable 100 serves as another important step in helping businesses of all sizes to realise that goal.”