Posts: 345
From: Sarasota FL USA
Since: Jul 2000

posted 21 November 2003 10:57 AM               

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Big news. We share our views in WRB V4 #42; we invite you to click on 'reply' and share your thoughts ....

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Posts: 2
From:
Since: Nov 2003

posted 21 November 2003 04:24 PM               

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It a good technology move, as was the acquisitions of ViaVideo, Accord and PTEL. Polycom has demonstrated a strategy for success through the purchase of innovation that they then deliver to its existing customer base and strong brand.

However, it's still not complete without delivering a common, ubiquitous UI. That's a software issue, and Polycom is a hardware manufacturer. The key going forward will be the capability of Web Office as a robust portal. I am not discounting Polycom's capability to deliver, just reserving judgement until they do. Until then, we have what we had - disparate technologies that require manual operation to converge.

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Posts: 51
From: Simsbury, CT 06070
Since: Feb 2001

posted 24 November 2003 08:06 PM               

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I agree that it is a good strategic move, and also agree that they have yet to truly integrate their offerings. That is easier said than done if they continue to make acquisitions at their current pace. And yes indeed, they re not a software company.

Joe

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Posts: 4
From: Cambridge, MA, USA
Since: Nov 2003

posted 26 November 2003 09:32 AM            

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I would like to see Polycom invest a little more dollars in software engineering. It seems to be one of their weakest areas, yet they haven't made any strong moves to improve upon it. GMS doesn't fare well compared to similar products (TMS for example), and we've found many bugs in their web browser interface (it seems to be getting worse rather than better with each rev).

If they're going to push for an integrated voice+video+web platform, what will the end result be if they have not proven themselves from a software standpoint in their existing products? Will they tell Company X that has over 100 Viewstations in operation that they will need to upgrade all of their existing equipment to take advantage of new technology? Or how about that they won't interoperate with other non-Polycom devices?

I, too fancy the strategy that Polycom utilizes to improve upon their product offerings, but they're missing the one ingredient that will keep customers from going with Tandberg or other rivals...software - strong, reliable, dependable, user friendly, software.

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