Science & Technology
Science and Technology
Science and Technology
Wed, November 18, 2009 BT and Polycom Announce New Partnership to Accelerate Growth of Unified Conferencing Solutions Worldwide
LONDON and PLEASANTON, CA--(Marketwire - November 18, 2009) - BT Group, one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services, and Polycom, Inc. (
Under a new global agreement, the companies will combine Polycom's industry-leading voice and video communications and [ telepresence ] solutions with BT's renowned [ managed services ] and global, high-speed MPLS network. The solutions will include jointly developed innovations that enable business-to-business collaboration for multinational companies, large organizations, and small- and medium-sized enterprises.
To ensure that future solutions offer the industry's most innovative features, BT and Polycom have collaborated on software development that brings BT's Bridge Connect services to the scalable Polycom RMX conference infrastructure. This joint development on the Polycom RMX also allows BT to deliver VNOC services and intercompany B2B services, through BT's Global Video Exchange, in support of Polycom immersive telepresence solutions. Additionally, Polycom RMX has been chosen by BT in the company's initiative to upgrade existing video bridging infrastructure.
With the first set of offerings expected to be available by year's end, the companies' unified conferencing solutions will be powered by BT's global multi-protocol label switching network, which is available in more than 120 countries worldwide. Both companies are continuing joint development on Polycom immersive platforms and will be releasing additional value-add services in the near future.
The agreement also includes plans to add Polycom-certified technical support specialists to BT's global support operation, including its 24x7 "follow the sun" help desk services as well as leverage a new global support program that is also part of the agreement.
"BT and Polycom have the unique ability to provide our customers with the unified conferencing solutions that they require," said Aaron McCormack, CEO of BT Conferencing. "Working closely with BT's global sales force, I am pleased with our partnership and the significant potential revenue stream it will represent for both BT and Polycom."
"BT is a strategic partner for Polycom," said Robert C. Hagerty, chairman, CEO and president of Polycom. "The joint solutions we create will enable people to connect and collaborate everywhere. Coupling Polycom's acclaimed voice and video communications solutions with BT's unparalleled success in serving enterprises and public entities alike, this alliance creates a uniquely formidable industry force."
About BT Conferencing
BT Conferencing was established more than 20 years ago and is now one of the leading global providers of audio, video and web collaboration services. Year on year growth has seen the company out-perform the conferencing industry expectation and with its extensive global portfolio, is now one of the largest conferencing providers in the UK and Europe with current reach in more than 70 countries. BT Conferencing is based in the USA, EMEA and Asia Pacific and specializes in the delivery of reliable, robust and innovative conferencing solutions and product hardware to some of the largest companies in the world.
The company offers tailor-made solutions to customers, whether they are small SMEs or major global businesses. With businesses now juggling to increase productivity, being more environmentally aware and at the same time looking to improve the work-life balance of its employees, conferencing and collaboration services provide a cost effective and time saving solution.
For more information, visit [ www.bt.com/conferencing ].
About BT
BT is one of the world's leading providers of communications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. Its principal activities include the provision of networked IT services globally; local, national and international telecommunications services to our customers for use at home, at work and on the move; broadband and internet products and services and converged fixed/mobile products and services. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.
In the year ended 31 March 2009, BT Group's revenue was £21,390 million.
British Telecommunications plc (BT) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on stock exchanges in London and New York.
For more information, visit [ www.bt.com/aboutbt ].
About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. (
© 2009 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.
