Today Microsoft Corp. and Polycom Inc. announced a multiyear joint marketing and development agreement to deliver business-quality, rich collaboration solutions across communication devices, applications and services that will empower customers to connect and share information in real-time regardless of location or type of call. The initial offering, currently scheduled for release in late 2004, combines the presence awareness and instant messaging capabilities of Microsoft� Office Live Communications Server and Windows� Messenger with Polycom's widely installed ViewStation EX, FX and VSX desktop and group video conference systems; SoundPoint and SoundStation IP handsets and conference phones; MGC voice and video bridges; and the WebOffice conference portal.

As a result, Windows Messenger users will have access to richer media collaboration experiences that will better unify people, applications, services and devices from the desktop to the conference room, inside and between organizations. Real-time, rich media collaboration will enable faster decision-making; greater productivity across workgroups and remote workers; improved relationships with customers, partners and suppliers; lower costs; and a competitive advantage for customers. In addition to this initial offering, the second wave of solutions will lead to voice and video functionality for Microsoft Office Live Meeting for Polycom and Microsoft customers.