Polycom Links

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HP Inc. completed the acquisition of Poly on August 29, 2022¹.

Learn more: 1. investor.hp.com 2. investor.hp.com 3. press.hp.com

Plantronics acquired Polycom on July 2, 2018.

Plantronics changed its name to Poly on March 18, 2019 following its acquisition of Polycom¹. The company continues to trade on the New York Stock Exchange as Plantronics, Inc. (POLY; listed as PLT until May 24, 2021)¹.

Learn more: 1. en.wikipedia.org  2. eweek.com  3. en.wikipedia.org  4. cnet.com  5. bizjournals.com— see less

https://chat.openai.com/share/586af7f5-300e-4eda-af8f-fd8165294f0d

Title: Polycom: A Journey of Innovation and Evolution in Collaboration Technology

Introduction:

In the fast-paced world of technology, companies must constantly adapt and evolve to meet the ever-changing demands of the market. Polycom, a renowned name in the field of collaboration technology, has a rich history of innovation and has recently undergone significant changes with its merger into Plantronics and subsequent acquisition by Hewlett Packard. This article will delve into the fascinating story of Polycom, tracing its roots, exploring its product line, and examining its journey through mergers and acquisitions.

1. The Early Days: Polycom's Foundation and Growth

Polycom was founded in 1990 by Brian Hinman and Jeffrey Rodman, two engineers who recognized the potential of audio conferencing technology. The company's initial focus was on developing speakerphones for conference rooms, providing a more immersive and efficient communication experience. Polycom's commitment to superior sound quality and innovative solutions quickly earned them a strong reputation in the industry.

Throughout the 1990s, Polycom expanded its product offerings, introducing video conferencing systems that revolutionized remote collaboration. Their solutions enabled businesses to bridge geographical gaps and enhance productivity. The company's dedication to research and development allowed them to refine their technology, introducing features like high-definition video and advanced audio algorithms.

2. Polycom's Rise to Prominence

By the early 2000s, Polycom had firmly established itself as a leader in the collaboration technology space. The company's products were widely adopted by businesses of all sizes, spanning various industries. Polycom's commitment to interoperability set them apart, allowing their systems to seamlessly integrate with other vendors' equipment, ensuring hassle-free communication across platforms.

Polycom's portfolio continued to expand, incorporating advanced features like content sharing, telepresence systems, and immersive video experiences. Their commitment to user-friendly interfaces and intuitive controls made their solutions accessible to both technical and non-technical users.

3. Merger with Plantronics: Expanding the Horizon

In 2018, Polycom merged with Plantronics, a leading provider of audio communications equipment. This strategic union brought together Polycom's expertise in collaboration technology and Plantronics' excellence in audio solutions. The merger aimed to create a comprehensive communication and collaboration portfolio, encompassing both audio and video solutions.

The combined entity retained the Polycom name, leveraging the brand's recognition and reputation. The merger allowed Polycom to strengthen its offerings, introducing integrated audio and video conferencing solutions, unified communications systems, and enhanced cloud-based collaboration platforms.

4. Polycom and Hewlett Packard: A New Chapter Begins

Following the merger with Plantronics, Polycom entered a new phase when it was acquired by Hewlett Packard (HP) in 2020. The acquisition aimed to bolster HP's presence in the collaboration technology market, providing them with a comprehensive suite of communication solutions for the modern workplace.

Under HP's ownership, Polycom has continued to innovate, leveraging HP's resources and global reach. The combined strength of Polycom's collaboration expertise and HP's technology prowess promises to deliver cutting-edge solutions that empower organizations in the era of remote work and digital transformation.

5. The Poly Product Line: Cutting-Edge Collaboration Solutions

Polycom's product line encompasses a wide range of collaboration solutions designed to enhance communication and productivity in diverse environments. Here are some of the notable products in their current lineup:

a. Poly Studio Series: These all-in-one video conferencing bars combine high-quality audio and video capabilities with easy deployment and management. The Studio Series offers solutions for huddle rooms, small meeting spaces, and executive offices.

b. Poly Trio Series: These smart conference phones integrate audio, video, and content sharing functionalities, making them ideal for small to large meeting rooms. The Trio Series delivers crystal-clear audio and supports advanced collaboration features like wireless content sharing.

c. Poly EagleEye Cameras: These high-definition cameras provide exceptional video quality for immersive video conferencing experiences. With advanced features like facial recognition and auto-framing, EagleEye cameras offer enhanced meeting engagement.

d. Poly RealPresence Group Series: Designed for larger meeting spaces and boardrooms, the Group Series delivers outstanding audio and video performance. These systems support 4K video resolution, content sharing, and multi-site collaboration.

e. Poly VoxBox: A portable speakerphone with exceptional audio quality, the VoxBox is designed for on-the-go professionals. It enables clear and natural conversations in any environment, making it a reliable companion for remote work and travel.

Conclusion:

Polycom's journey from its inception to its current position as a part of Hewlett Packard has been marked by continuous innovation and a dedication to enabling seamless communication and collaboration. With a diverse product line that caters to various business needs, Polycom remains at the forefront of the collaboration technology market. As part of Hewlett Packard, the company is poised to continue its legacy of driving digital transformation and empowering organizations in the modern workplace.

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Products | Poly, formerly Plantronics & Polycom

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