Poly Inc.
| File:Polycomlogo.jpg | |
| Company type | Public (Nasdaq: PLCM) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Videoconferencing, Teleconferencing, Collaboration |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Headquarters | Pleasanton, California |
Key people | Co-Founder and Former CEO: Brian Hinman Current CEO: Robert Hagerty |
| Products | Videoconference systems, conference phones, infrastructure |
| Revenue |  $580 million USD (2005) |
Number of employees | 1,200 |
| Website | www.polycom.com |
Polycom is a manufacturer of teleconferencing and videoconferencing equipment. Their best selling teleconferencing range of systems are called Soundstations.
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., or ViaVideo, a start-up company started by Craig Malloy in Austin, Texas. Malloy left Polycom in 2003 and went on to start the High Definition Video Company, LifeSize Communications. ViaVideo designed and developed high quality, low cost, videoconferencing systems. In February 1998, they started to manufacture and distribute the ViewStation range of videoconferencing products that would underpin their success over the next 5 years. 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.
In February 2001, they 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.
According to a recent survey, Polycom currently enjoy approximately 42% of the market share for video and around 75% for voice.
Polycom conferencing products are used in the current series of 24 for scenes taking place in the White House where as Cisco products are used within CTU.