Unified communications software vendor Polycom has entered into a deal with
Samsung to develop standards-based video applications for the Android-based
Samsung Galaxy tablet PC.
The applications will be embedded on the tablet PC and will allow users to
participate in video conversations from the mobile devices, combining directory
and chat capabilities.
“Polycom’s differentiated strategy is to deliver innovative UC solutions on
partners’ mobile platforms, as opposed to creating proprietary systems,”
Sudhakar Ramakrishna, Polycom’s general manager of UC products and chief
development officer, said in a statement.
“Unlike other mobile video applications, we believe the Polycom application
will drive a network effect for users and businesses by enabling the Samsung
Galaxy Tab to connect with each other, as well as other standards-based
telepresence and video conferencing systems and applications.”
Polycom’s UC Intelligent Core infrastructure enables cloud-based unified
communications systems delivery to enterprise users, and works with both mobile
and desktop systems.
The Galaxy Tab, unveiled in September, is Samsung’s answer to Apple's iPad,
and with the Polycom bundle, it also competes with other vendors’ tablet PC
offerings being marketed as mobile unified communications devices. Avaya
launched its Atom-based Flare Experience tablet and communications platform in
September. In June, Cisco announced it will offer the Cius, an Android-based
tablet PC designed as a mobile communications and collaboration platform for
businesses, in early 2011.
“Video communications is a critical UC application within mobile
platforms, and the combination of high quality and open interoperability is
critical to driving customer value,” Dr. Hosoo Lee, executive vice president
and head of the Samsung Media
Solution Center,
said in a statement.
“We are partnering with Polycom due to its unparalleled HD video and voice
quality, to bring a best-in-class, standards-based video communications
experience to a wide range of UC applications and devices, including the new
Samsung Galaxy tablets and Samsung smartphones.”
Research firm IDC projects tablet sales
will grow from 7.6 million in 2010 to more than 46 million in 2014.
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