Polycom announces new interoperability for SpectraLink phones

Polycom announced it has extended the interoperability capabilities of its SpectraLink 8000 series of phones to meet open VoIP standards in addition to the proprietary protocols it already supports. SpectraLink now has full interoperability with SIP-based systems, and Polycom chose a fitting event, Interop New York, to launch the product.

The SpectraLink WiFi handsets can now operate as extensions of the VoIP call server and have full business capabilities, such as caller ID, conferencing and messaging, among others.

Ben Guderian, vice president of product management for Polycom's SpectraLink, said the offering is perfect for enterprises with large campuses that benefit from cost-effective WiFi communications.

"There is a lot of effort going into mobile UC right now with emphasis on cellular functionality, but what about those enterprises whose employees are not at desks, but rather working on a warehouse floor or hospital ward?" Guderian said. "Our phones allow for decreased use of paging and more expensive cellular connections, plus they are much more durable than cellular devices." Guderian literally hammered that point home by repeatedly banging the handset on the table where we sat, with no damage to the phone.

Polycom representatives said they are marketing the new offering to hospitality, health care, manufacturing and retail stores primarily. 

For more:
- see the Polycom press release announcing SpectraLink 8000 

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