Polycom Announces Intentions to Lync enable Various Existing Polycom Deskphone, Videophone and DECT Models

 

Note: The noted firmware is NOT Microsoft Qualified or certified.
Note: The below is a summary of perusing Polycom PDF documents and is not 1st hand testing.

Polycom just announced that they are attempting to make select models Lync enabled and from a little browsing of documents I’d say they have some audacious goals. They have announced a firmware upgrade who’s goal is to make various Polycom phone models Lync interoperable.

Summary:

• According to Polycom, various Polycom deskphone models become Lync interoperable directly with firmware upgrade (no gateway or extra server required)
• Firmware required: Polycom UC Software 4.0.1 or later
• pg2 Licenses Required: No licenses required.
• pg10 Appears to support G722 HD codec for audio
• pg17 Appear Polycom VVW 1500 Supports direct video

Below are features that Polycom notes are implemented with Polycom UC software 4.0.1 or later:

• Place and answer calls
• Hold and resume multiple calls
• Transfer calls
• Set up conference calls
• Forward incoming calls to other users
• Access your contact directory
• Work with call lists
• Access voicemail
• Set your presence status
• Manage your Microsoft Lync contacts (called buddies)
• Send and receive instant messages (on SpectraLink 8400 Series wireless handsets only)

Features Polycom notes are not implemented:

• pg16 Shared Line Appearance does NOT work with Lync using UC Software 4.0.1
• pg16 “…cannot initiate a MS Lync hosted conference call.”

Features Polycom notes are not currently available: Source: click here, slide 11

• E911
• CAC
• Branch Office
• resiliency
• remote Worker (ice/ston/turn)

Screenshots of SoundPoint from Polycom documentation:

login screen

home screen

According to this page (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/lync/gg278172) apparently this firmware has not gone through the Lync Qualified certification yet. Update: Verified, FW is not certified or qualified with Microsoft. Polycom notes they are working on this. ( source, slide 11)

Source:
http://supportdocs.polycom.com/PolycomService/support/global/documents/support/technical/products/voice/FP72430_Lync_Interop_1725-47118-001.pdf

Firmware UC 4.0.1 Manual click here
Press Release: click here

Polycom/Microsoft Solutions Q4 2011

View more presentations from Graham Walsh

Thanks Randy Wintle @UCmadeeasy for the URL