Polycom, Inc. is a manufacturer of telepresence, teleconferencing and videoconferencing equipment.

History

The company was founded in December 1990 by Brian Hinman and Jeff Rodman with the goal of producing integrated voice, video and data solutions for enhanced enterprise communication. Polycom was initially a research and development firm until September 1992, when they began shipping their first voice communications product, the SoundStation. In January 1998, they completed the acquisition of ViaVideo Communications, Inc. In February 1998, they started to manufacture and distribute the ViewStation range of videoconferencing products. In December 1999, they acquired Atlas Communications Engines, Inc., a private supplier of integrated access devices (IADs), and an emerging supplier of digital subscriber line (DSL) routers. Through the next several years they acquired several additional video and audio conferencing companies.

Acquisitions

In February 2001, Polycom acquired Accord Networks Ltd., a leading provider of network products that enable Internet Protocol and other network voice and video communications. In October 2001, they completed the acquisition of rival VC manufacturer, PictureTel. Coincidentally, Picturetel was started by the creators of Polycom. From 2001 through 2007, Polycom acquired several additional companies including Destiny Conferencing, the makers of telepresence solutions, SpectraLink, a manufacturer of wireless communications technology, and Voyant Technologies, Inc.

See also

• BrightCom
• Cisco
• HP
• Lifesize
• Tandberg
• snom

External links

• Polycom Official Website
• Polycom On Demand - corporate podcast

Notes