Videnda News

Microsoft RoundTable Renamed As Polycom CX5000

Polycom and Microsoft are strengthening their strategic relationship to deliver sets of voice and video solutions for unified communications and collaboration. As part of this, Polycom has licenced the right to distribute Microsoft RoundTable, effective immediately. The product, renamed as Polycom CX5000 Unified Conference Station, will be available through Polycom and its channel network.

Originally launched by Microsoft in October 2007, the CX5000 is a plug-and-play device that connects to a PC through a USB connection and does not require any extra provisioning or configuration – the user can walk into a conference room, plug in a laptop and start a meeting.

The CX5000 is designed for enterprises that use Microsoft Office Live Meeting 2007 or Office Communications Server 2007 and want a simple way to add audio and visual communication to an Office Live Meeting or Office Communications Server 2007 session. When used with Office Live Meeting service, or as part of Office Communications Server 2007, the CX5000 combines content, a 360-degree view of the entire meeting room, and a separate view of the active speaker for a unique and engaging voice and video experience, the company explains.

"Microsoft and Polycom share a long-standing, strategic relationship in the unified communications space, and we are confident in Polycom's depth of experience and customer support in the conferencing market," said Sanjay Manchanda, director, business division, Microsoft India. "Our vision to make RoundTable available to more people in more countries has been realised with the introduction of the Polycom CX5000 Unified Conferencing Station and shows further evidence of Microsoft's commitment to a software platform that enables device innovation."

The CX5000 will be available in 27 countries through Polycom's channel partner network and will be available for shipment in late-April.

Once the Polycom CX5000 is available, RoundTable will no longer be sold. Microsoft will continue to support all RoundTable devices it has previously sold, while Polycom will provide front-line customer support for CX5000 units sold immediately.

This story can be viewed at EFY Times