Polycom snaps up HP’s VC business

01 June 2011

Polycom will acquire HP’s visual collaboration business including its Halo products and managed services business.

Polycom will also serve as an exclusive partner to HP for telepresence and certain video UC solutions under the terms of a strategic relationship. Polycom’s video applications will also be available for HP’s WebOS platform.

The agreement also states that Polycom will provide expertise in software technology and UC infrastructure, covering the full continuum of integrated and secure mobile, desktop, room and telepresence solutions. HP will provide its expertise and leadership in go-to-market strategies for UC solutions and will resell Polycom’s UC solutions including: personal and group UC devices, UC infrastructure, UC managed services, and audio/video software.

Andrew Miller, Polycom president and CEO, described the announcement as groundbreaking for the UC industry.

“The transaction makes the most of the strength of two industry leading, customer-centric organisations to offer a seamless UC experience with high-quality, enterprise-class telepresence solutions to millions of customers. Our broadened relationship with HP underscores Polycom’s focus and commitment to bring the most advanced and innovative UC solutions to market,” he added.

Shane Robison, executive vice president and chief strategy and technology officer at HP, said: “This transaction and alliance allows us to focus on executing our strategy in cloud computing and connectivity, while ensuring the long-term care of our customers and development of our services business.”