October 05, 2006
Polycom Offers Skype Certified VoIP Conference Phone

By Erik Linask
Associate Editor,
Internet Telephony magazine

 
With the growth of Web-based VoIP platforms and — specifically their natural progression into the business space — it becomes only logical that telephony equipment manufacturers will also begin to account for these services as they introduce new products. Indeed, several companies have already introduced products like Skype (News - Alert) compatible USB handsets. But, as these PC-to-PC increase their presence in the business world, users will also require business-quality hardware.
 
Unified collaborative communications solution provider Polycom (News - Alert) is answering that call. The company has announced that its VoiceStation 500 conference phone is now certified for use with Skype’s VoIP PC-based VoIP platform. Because Skype usage has spread rapidly, even to the business world, the integration of the VoiceStation 500 with Skype’s software represents an affordable, high quality conferencing solution for business customers also trying to save a dime on calling costs.
 
The unit features a compact footprint and a functional, yet stylish, design. With Polycom’s Acoustic Clarity Technology for full duplex, natural group conferencing, the VoiceStation 500 enables calls with a minimum of background echoes, word clipping, and distortion, providing a professional conferencing experience. 
 
The VoiceStation 500 runs on AC power and is designed for connection to a standard POTS phone line in addition to its more advanced telephony options, like Bluetooth connectivity and an applications port for connecting to a computer running Skype.
 
With its connectivity options and its business quality audio conferencing capabilities, the VoiceStation 500 allows professionals to easily host conference calls in a small conference room or an executive office. 
 
“Skype estimates that nearly 30 percent of its more than 113 million users are using the software for business purposes,” said Stefan Oberg, vice president and general manager of desktop and hardware at Skype.  “By collaborating with Polycom, we are able to offer Skype business users a Skype Certified device that features Polycom’s renowned voice quality.”
 
In addition to the Skype certified VoiceStation 500 and Polycom Communicator, Polycom offers a Computer Calling Kit option for its SoundStation2 and SoundStation2W conference phones, enabling those products also to work with Skype.
 
 
Come see Polycom’s entire line of unified collaboration products next week in San Diego at INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & EXPO. There, you will not only have the chance to meet with more than 150 vendors focused on your IP Communications needs, you will also be able to attend keynotes and conference sessions designed to enhance your knowledge and understanding of the trends and developments across the industry. 
 
Erik Linask is Associate Editor of INTERNET TELEPHONY. Most recently, he was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication. To see more of his articles, please visit Erik Linask’s columnist page.