Polycom Expands VOiP Phone Line

Polycom, Inc., formerly known for its starfish shaped conference calling boxes, has expanded its line of standards-based VoIP desktop phones with three new models. The SoundPoint IP 330 and 320 are two new entry-level models that feature a full-duplex speakerphone with Polycom Acoustic Clarity Technology for hands-free conversations, a graphical LCD, and integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) support for flexible powering options. The SoundPoint IP 330 features a dual-port 10/100 Ethernet switch for LAN and PC connection, presenting a solution for cubicle workers as well as call center operators who use a "hard" phone in conjunction with a PC client. The SoundPoint IP 320 has a single 10/100 Ethernet port. The SoundPoint IP 550 four-line VoIP desktop phone provides Polycom HD Voice technology. It also has a high-resolution, backlit, graphical LCD ; integrated Power over Ethernet (PoE) support ; and an XHTML micro browser for web applications. The phone offers functionality such as shared call/bridge line appearance, and busy lamp field (BLF). The SoundPoint IP 550, 330 and 320 all support IEEE 1329 Type 1 full-duplex audio to allow for conversation even in double-talk situations. This is the same technology used in the Polycom conference phones. The new phones will be supported by most Polycom IP PBX and softswitch partners. The Polycom SoundPoint IP 550 is now available worldwide (available in China, Korea, and Brazil in Q2) through Polycom certified channel partners for a MSRP of $369. The Polycom SoundPoint IP 330 and 320 phones will be available for order worldwide in April (available in China, Korea, and Brazil in Q3) through Polycom certified channel partners for a MSRP of $179 and $139, respectively.