| Polycom, LG-Nortel debut Windows CE-powered IP phones |
May 14, 2007
 Polycom and LG-Nortel today each unveiled standalone IP (Internet protocol) phones that support Microsoft's "Unified Communications" platform. The two devices, each running Windows CE-based software stacks, were among 15 phones and devices from nine vendors that were announced at Microsoft's WinHEC 2007 conference in Los Angeles.
Polycom CX700 standalone IP phone
Polycom's new IP phones include the CX100, a portable Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 speakerphone peripheral; the CX200 speakerphone and handset; the CX400 cordless desktop handset; and the CX700, an executive-oriented standalone IP telephone powered by Windows CE.
Polycom CX700
(Click to enlarge) |
The CX700 (shown at right) is described as a presence- and directory-enabled standalone IP phone that enables easy monitoring and management of calls through a "brilliant, large touchscreen color display." The device also includes a full telephone keypad, a scroll wheel for navigating the user interface, and keys for controlling volume, mute, speakerphone, and headset mode. Interfaces include USB and Ethernet ports, plus a biometric fingerprint reader for security. According to Polycom, the device's calling features include "click to call" as well as name-based calling from a contact list or call logs, and enhanced incoming call information lets users quickly decide how to deal with a caller.
Chris Cullin, director of Technical Product Management for Microsoft's Unified Communications Group, stated, "The combination of Office Communicator 2007 and Office Communications Server 2007 with Polycom's CX family of devices provides customers a rich and integrated experience with software-powered VoIP. Microsoft's strategic alliance with Polycom allows us to provide new levels of business value, as these devices help create efficient, high quality collaboration experiences for our enterprise customers."
LG-Nortel 8540 standalone IP phone
For its part, LG-Nortel unveiled a series of three new IP phones, said to enable "unified communications with advanced collaboration" and information-sharing features such as directory dialing, calendar integration, and IM (instant messaging) integration. The three new IP phones include the USB Phone, for use with PCs; the Bluetooth Headset, for adding Bluetooth functionality to wireless communication; and the IP Phone 8540, a standalone IP telephone device that runs an embedded Windows CE software platform.
LG-Nortel 8540 IP Phone
(Click to enlarge) |
The IP Phone 8540 (shown at right) features a 5.7-inch, 320x240 pixel, color touchscreen display along with an "improved communications experience" featuring high-quality voice based on a wideband audio codec. Like the Polycom device, the 8540 provides enhanced security functionality via a built-in biometric fingerprint reader. Other key features, according to LG-Nortel, include:- USB ports
- Usable with an LG-Nortel Bluetooth headset
- Built-in two-port 10/100 Ethernet switch
- Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af Class 2)
- Hearing-aid and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compatible handset
LG-Nortel CEO Jae-Ryung Lee stated, "We have been working closely with Microsoft to deliver innovative solutions that can simplify the transition to unified communications for enterprise customers. LG-Nortel expects to have a strong impact in the market with the new family of next-generation IP phones that will provide a rich and high-value experience to end users -- and further the momentum and shared vision of the Nortel and Microsoft Innovative Communications Alliance."
"Unified Communications"
All of these new devices are designed to work in conjunction with Microsoft's sweeping "Unified Communications" initiative, which the company describes as a means to "[combine] email, IM, voice, and video into a single, intuitive system built around people, not technology." Specifically, the Unified Communications platform comprises both software and hardware, including Office Communications Server, Exchange Server, Office Communicator, Live Meeting enhancements, RoundTable, and both PC-attached and standalone IP phone devices.
Further perspective on these components of Microsoft's Unified Communications strategy is available in our additional feature coverage of Microsoft's announcements today at WinHEC, and in the other "related stories" that appear below.
Availability
The LG-Nortel products are expected to ship in September, 2007 to select countries around the globe. Polycom said its CX100 Speakerphone is available for registered users of the Office Communications Server 2007 public beta; the CX700 will reportedly ship in the third quarter of 2007. No pricing information was disclosed by either vendor.
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