Polycom SoundPoint IP 300 Frequently Asked Questions

Polycom SoundPoint IP
®
Polycom SoundPoint

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Polycom desktop IP phones?
Polycom is a leading independent supplier of standards-based
Voice over IP endpoints. We are committed to a full-line of high-
quality, easy-to-use, and affordable desktop VoIP telephones. Our
SoundPoint IP line of desktop phones utilizes Polycom's award-
winning sound quality and hands-free full-duplex speakerphone
technology (one-way, monitor speaker in the SoundPoint IP 300
and SoundPoint IP 301*) to enable natural, two-way conversations.
Polycom SoundPoint IP VoIP telephones provide an easy transition
from traditional PBX systems into the features and functionality of
the world of IP telephony. SoundPoint IP phones also offer
investment protection through in-the-field software upgradeability.
With support for multiple protocols running on the leading IP PBX
and Softswitch vendors' (Technology Partners') solutions, Power
over Ethernet, secure provisioning**, and access to the latest IP
services, including multiple call- and flexible line appearance**,
presence, and instant messaging, Polycom SoundPoint IP
telephones are your future-proof choice for business IP
communications.
What is a Technology Partner?
Polycom focuses on bringing to market standards-based VoIP
endpoints capable of delivering a complete suite of features as
well as the superb audio quality. Polycom Technology Partners
deliver VoIP telephony servers that provide both traditional
telephony functionality and more advanced features like unified
messaging, conference bridging, collaboration tools, and browsing
capabilities. Our strategy is to collaborate with Technology
Partners in order to offer industry-leading integrated VoIP solutions
to the user. For a current list of VoIP Technology Partners and the
Polycom IP phones that work on their platforms, please visit:
http://www.polycom.com and click on 'Products & Services', then
'Voice Products' - 'IP Telephony'.
Why does Polycom work with Technology Partners?
Working with Technology Partners allows Polycom to offer end to
end IP telephony solutions. Technology Partners provide, either
directly or through their own partnerships, essential components
that complement Polycom VoIP endpoints to make up complete IP
telephony solutions. Because of the complex call signaling that
takes place, Polycom engages in most cases at a joint development
level to ensure that the combined solution integrates seamlessly.
For a current list of VoIP Technology Partners and the Polycom IP
phones that work on their platforms, please visit:
http://www.polycom.com and click on 'Products & Services', then
'Voice Products' - 'IP Telephony'.
Can the phones be used independent of a Technology Partner's
platform?
No. In order to support full business phone features, the
SoundPoint IP is required to operate in conjunction with Partners'
IP PBX (customer premise equipment similar to an existing PBX or
Key System) or Softswitch (hosted telephony similar to your current
home phone service.)
Frequently Asked Questions
®
IP
What phone models are available?
There are five models in the SoundPoint IP family, including:
SoundPoint IP 30x encompassing:
SoundPoint IP 50x encompassing:
SoundPoint IP 600 (worldwide)
All SoundPoint IP phones support SIP and MGCP protocols.
Which protocol is best?
There is no one protocol that is better than all the others. Each
protocol has different advantages over the others and the choice is
based on your business communication needs.
Does the phone have a different hardware design for each
protocol?
The hardware/software platform is designed to be flexible with
''drop-in'' protocol stack capabilities. As a result, SoundPoint IP can
support various standards-based protocols with a downloadable
firmware upgrade and no changes to the hardware.
What do the phones cost?
The SoundPoint IP 300 and 301* have a US MSRP of $180. The
SoundPoint IP 500 and 501* have a US MSRP of $270, and the
SoundPoint IP 600 has a US MSRP of $399 (prices may differ for
other regions and are subject to change.) Polycom itself does not
require you to purchase a seat license, but please check with your
reseller for any additional costs from the Technology Partner.
Where can the phones be purchased?
The SoundPoint IP phones are available through Polycom Certified
VARs and Service Providers that provide network communications
solutions. These VARs and Service Providers have met the
stringent requirements of becoming certified that include training
and technical support for their customers.
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*
** - Requires SIP version 1.5.x or higher
- SoundPoint IP 301 (currently offered in North America,
Australia, and New Zealand only)
- SoundPoint IP 300 (ROW)
- SoundPoint IP 501 (currently offered in North America,
Australia, and New Zealand only)
- SoundPoint IP 500 (ROW)
- The SoundPoint IP 301 and SoundPoint IP 501 are currently
offered in North America, Australia, and New Zealand only