Polycom Announces First Scalable, High Performance Bridges For
High Definition Video Conferencing

Polycom Unveils HD Support on MGC Video Bridges for Up to 90 Simultaneous HD Calls; Reveals HD Upgrade Plan for VSX 8000 Video Endpoints

POLYCOM USER GROUP CONFERENCE – PHOENIX, Ariz. – Oct. 17, 2005 – Polycom®, Inc. [NASDAQ: PLCM], the world’s leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced and demonstrated the latest developments in its delivery of high definition (HD) video conferencing and collaboration at its annual Polycom User Group conference. Polycom’s HD strategy gives customers a cost-effective migration path to leverage their existing video communications investments, while evolving to next generation technology. Enabled through a software upgrade (MGC version 7.02), Polycom is delivering leading-edge HD video conferencing support ahead of the emerging market.

Polycom announced the availability of HD video conferencing support on its industry-leading line of MGC™ bridges, enabling users to connect up to 90 simultaneous HD video calls on a single MGC-100 bridge. The support is available today through a software upgrade for existing MGC customers, eliminating the need for a dedicated multipoint conferencing unit just for HD video calls. Polycom also announced details for delivering HD video conferencing for users of its existing high-performance VSX™ 8000 systems including information on pricing, availability, technical specifications, and expected performance.

“With the support for HD, Polycom demonstrates once again why the MGC bridges remain pre-eminent in the industry for their flexibility, scalability, and powerful performance,” said Phil Keenan, senior vice president and general manager of network systems at Polycom. “No other bridge is as secure, transcodes more devices on a single call, or now supports more simultaneous HD calls than the MGC. All of which gives customers the greatest long-term value for their investment. The MGC line is the most widely used video conferencing bridge in the world. The decision to provide HD capability as a software upgrade rather than hardware upgrade means MGC customers are already prepared for this next technology advancement.”

HD Support on MGC Bridges – Available Today
The Polycom MGC delivers the most flexible platform for high-bandwidth conferencing by supporting CIF, standard definition (SD and half SD), and boardroom high definition (HD 1280x720 at 30 frames per second) on the same bridge. By enabling HD support on the existing MGC platform, customers do not need to purchase a separate, dedicated bridge for HD video calls in the future. The standards-based technology will support Polycom and other standards-based HD video conferencing endpoints.

HD Support for VSX 8000 Customers – Extending Investment Value Of Polycom Systems
Polycom also announced today details of an upgrade that will enable existing VSX 8000 customers to easily and cost-effectively migrate to HD video conferencing. The VSX 8000 HD upgrade will include all the necessary hardware, software, cables and instructions on upgrading their VSX 8000 to deliver HD. The technology will be standards-based, enabling the systems to work with other standards-based HD endpoints and HD video bridges, including the Polycom MGC (MGC version 7.02 or later). HD video calls will be available starting at bandwidths of 1 Mbps and higher and deliver 1280x720 resolution at 30 frames per second. The VSX 8000 HD upgrade will also include enhanced audio, video and content sharing functionality, while continuing to support existing software capabilities and hardware.

“Polycom is committed to investment protection leadership, so it was important to offer a cost-effective migration path to HD video for our customers,” said Ed Ellett, senior vice president and general manager of video communications at Polycom. “The VSX 8000 is Polycom’s most powerful video communications platform and delivers the best video conferencing image quality on the market today. We expect our VSX 8000 customers to be amongst the first group to transition to HD video. Polycom is always at the forefront of pioneering technologies, many of which have become industry standards. Once again with HD video we are leading the way and providing customers with the ultimate communications experience.”

High definition video conferencing makes images incredibly sharp and clear to deliver a real face-to-face experience – despite the distance in between. Today, Polycom VSX systems can deliver television-like quality at rates of 30 frames-per-second and 60 fields of interlaced video, known as Polycom ProMotion™ video. Television-like quality is available at data rates as low as 384 Kbps, which is the current “sweet spot” for video calls and is available in most home office and business environments. HD video conferencing typically requires data rates of 1 Mbps or higher. As more organizations install HD video-capable displays, Polycom expects to broaden its HD video offering for more mainstream and vertical applications.

Pricing and Availability
MGC version 7.02 is available today for existing customers on a maintenance contract. The VSX 8000 HD upgrade will be available in the second quarter of 2006 through selected Polycom channel partners for MSRP of US$5,999.

The VSX 8000 HD upgrade is governed by the standard terms and conditions of the then current Polycom Upgrade Program for Video Products. Contact your Polycom reseller for details.

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 logo are registered trademarks, and MGC is a trademark of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2005, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Media Contact Information:
Kevin Young
Polycom, Inc.
925-924-5706
kyoung@polycom.com