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Polycom ClassStation VSX Solutions Smash Barriers in Distance Learning

Business Wire - October 19, 2004

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- New Technology Brings High Quality Collaboration to the Classroom, Allowing Students Interactive Participation Regardless of Location or Classroom Size

Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced four new educational solutions based on its Polycom VSX(TM) 7000 and VSX 8000 video communications platforms -- ClassStation(TM) Primary, ClassStation Secondary, ClassStation Small and ClassStation Large. The new solutions are specifically designed by educators for educators, for use within any environment and any application, including K-12, universities, medical, military and corporate training. The complete systems enable teachers to expand the classroom across the world achieving more educational equity, gaining access to two-way interactive content, subject matter experts, museums, research, different cultures and even electronic field trips.

"Polycom's video conferencing products have enriched the lives of at-risk students, allowing an experience different than they get at home," says Ruth Block, director of distance learning for Cooperating School Districts of Metropolitan St. Louis. "Video conferencing has improved the experience IQ for many students in our 64 schools. It gives them the ability for higher achievement and really tears down the walls of the classroom."

Polycom has long been the leader in the distance learning market with its education solutions, which seamlessly integrate audio, video and instructional multimedia tools to provide a comprehensive video communications-enabled classroom in one system. These packages provide an interactive classroom experience regardless of participant location. Primary and secondary systems are based on easy-to-install appliances, and the Small and Large Classroom solutions are based on tightly integrated installed-room systems. Both offer a seamless environment for rich-media collaboration and feature the highest quality H.264 video, Polycom StereoSurround(TM) audio, closed caption support, segment icons, web server, web director, People & Content(TM), array microphones, and automatic camera operation to the classroom.

In compliance with the "No Child Left Behind" legislation, Polycom's components have received federal funding approval. This endorsement allows schools to take advantage of Polycom's ClassStation solutions, creating more equity, excitement and greater performance to schools in lower-income and remote-school locations. Polycom's technology benefits include more flexible content design, access to real-time information, increased enrollments, dual enrollments and increased professional development.

"We are happy to offer these new transparent and automated classroom packages to create the true ultimate communications experience for the classroom," said Steve Huey, chief marketing officer, Polycom, Inc. "The transparent nature allows the teacher and student to be themselves and not have to become a TV star or technician to feel comfortable and confident."

The VSX 7000 conferencing products are ideal for primary and secondary packages for fewer students and smaller rooms, delivering robust audio and video in a set-top form factor using the most advanced video technology and customizable interface.

Polycom performance room systems, like the VSX 8000, provide the industry's most advanced audio and video technology, maximum flexibility input and output connectivity, and robust management tools designed to fit even the most demanding classroom environments. The VSX 8000 is specifically designed for larger packages for more students and larger rooms. The 1U rack amount configuration of the VSX 8000 is ideal for integrated environments, like universities and corporate training sessions that require state-of-the-art interactive distance learning video conferencing.

Pricing and Availability

Polycom ClassStation solutions based on VSX 7000 and VSX 8000 systems are now available through North American Polycom channel partners (available globally with a custom configuration). Pricing starts at US$16,999.

About Polycom

Polycom, Inc. is the world's technology leader of high-quality, easy-to-use video, voice, data and web conferencing and collaboration solutions. The Polycom Office(TM) reflects the Company's continued commitment to make distance communications as natural and interactive as attending in person being there by providing best-in-class conferencing solutions that are interoperable, integrated and intuitive to the user. The Polycom Office is based on industry standards and supported by an open architecture that promotes interoperability in multi-vendor environments and complements leading network infrastructure platforms. For additional information, call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or +1-408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom Web site at www.polycom.com.

Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks and Polycom Office, VSX, People+Content, ClassStation and Polycom StereoSurround are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (C)2004, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events, future demand for our products, and future growth prospects that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are only predictions, which may differ materially from our, or our industry's, actual future events or results. Further information on potential factors that could affect the Company's financial results are discussed in the 2003 form 10-K, quarterly reports on form 10-Q, and other reports filed by Polycom with the SEC.

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- New Technology Brings High Quality Collaboration to the Classroom, Allowing Students Interactive Participation Regardless of Location or Classroom Size

Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced four new educational solutions based on its Polycom VSX(TM) 7000 and VSX 8000 video communications platforms -- ClassStation(TM) Primary, ClassStation Secondary, ClassStation Small and ClassStation Large. The new solutions are specifically designed by educators for educators, for use within any environment and any application, including K-12, universities, medical, military and corporate training. The complete systems enable teachers to expand the classroom across the world achieving more educational equity, gaining access to two-way interactive content, subject matter experts, museums, research, different cultures and even electronic field trips.

"Polycom's video conferencing products have enriched the lives of at-risk students, allowing an experience different than they get at home," says Ruth Block, director of distance learning for Cooperating School Districts of Metropolitan St. Louis. "Video conferencing has improved the experience IQ for many students in our 64 schools. It gives them the ability for higher achievement and really tears down the walls of the classroom."

Polycom has long been the leader in the distance learning market with its education solutions, which seamlessly integrate audio, video and instructional multimedia tools to provide a comprehensive video communications-enabled classroom in one system. These packages provide an interactive classroom experience regardless of participant location. Primary and secondary systems are based on easy-to-install appliances, and the Small and Large Classroom solutions are based on tightly integrated installed-room systems. Both offer a seamless environment for rich-media collaboration and feature the highest quality H.264 video, Polycom StereoSurround(TM) audio, closed caption support, segment icons, web server, web director, People & Content(TM), array microphones, and automatic camera operation to the classroom.

In compliance with the "No Child Left Behind" legislation, Polycom's components have received federal funding approval. This endorsement allows schools to take advantage of Polycom's ClassStation solutions, creating more equity, excitement and greater performance to schools in lower-income and remote-school locations. Polycom's technology benefits include more flexible content design, access to real-time information, increased enrollments, dual enrollments and increased professional development.

"We are happy to offer these new transparent and automated classroom packages to create the true ultimate communications experience for the classroom," said Steve Huey, chief marketing officer, Polycom, Inc. "The transparent nature allows the teacher and student to be themselves and not have to become a TV star or technician to feel comfortable and confident."

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