NextiraOne First to Sell New Integrated Video Collaboration Solutions From Polycom and Alcatel Across Europe

Leading European Systems Integrator to Install Real-Time Desktop Video Collaboration in Sixteen European Countries

HANNOVER, Germany (CeBIT), March 9 2006 -- Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq: PLCM), the world’s leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, and Alcatel (Paris: CGEP.PA and NYSE: ALA) today announced that one of their first joint channel partners, NextiraOne, will begin selling their jointly integrated collaboration solutions that span voice, video and web conferencing to enterprises in Europe. NextiraOne, a longtime Alcatel channel partner and Europe’s leading systems integrator, is now also cross-certified as a Polycom Authorized Service Partner in sixteen countries.

The joint solutions, which are being demonstrated at the Alcatel stand B50 in Hall 12 at CeBIT, instantly connect dispersed people and workgroups through an instant messaging client or via the telephone; enabling them to launch rich media collaboration sessions that include video. Users will be able to escalate from one form of communication to another with just one touch, adding video to an Alcatel phone call or audio and video to an instant message.

“In 2005, NextiraOne saw IP communications move into the business mainstream, resulting in a 70 percent growth in sales of IP solutions across Europe,” said Foucault de la Rochere, VP Sales, Marketing and Services, NextiraOne. “A key driver of this growth is the many applications that can directly help our customers achieve their business objectives. Conferencing tools are now playing a large part in the take up of IP, and video helps increase the quality and openness of collaboration. Working with Polycom and Alcatel we see a great opportunity to help our customers get measurable business value from better use of information and communications technology.”

The Polycom/Alcatel joint solutions are among the industry’s first end-to-end video conferencing and collaboration solutions that leverage Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). The offerings integrate Polycom’s industry-leading PVX(TM) and VSX(TM) video conferencing and collaboration systems and MGC(TM) multipoint bridges, with the Alcatel OmniPCX Enterprise IP communications platform, the award-winning Alcatel IP Touch phones, and the Alcatel My Teamwork collaboration application, which is part of Alcatel’s integrated unified communications software suite. The integrated solutions tie the desktop into Polycom’s group video conferencing systems in conference rooms both within and among companies for a seamless integration of applications and devices, enabling users to instantly add video to existing IM sessions and telephony calls. Once installed, network administrators are able to remotely deploy, provision and manage the integrated environments through a unified dial plan and directory services.

“We are pleased that NextiraOne, one of our longstanding channel partners, is offering the joint Alcatel/Polycom joint collaboration solutions,” said Jean Luc Fourniou, senior vice president, Alcatel enterprise solutions activities. “European companies will be at the forefront of unifying communications across voice, video and data to improve productivity, and speed decision making.”

“In just less than a year, the Alcatel/Polycom partnership is delivering on the promise both companies made for a simple to use, highly interactive means of communication and collaboration that delivers the world’s best video whenever and wherever our customers need it,” said Hans Schwarz, senior vice president and CTO of Polycom. “We are gratified that Europe’s largest channel has recognized the enormous opportunity and made the commitment to become certified in Polycom’s market leading solutions.”

About NextiraOne
Headquartered in Paris and Houston, NextiraOne is a leading global provider of integrated enterprise network solutions and services that enable effective, reliable business communications. We cover everything from planning and design to the implementation, support and management of voice, data, applications and converged communications networks. We provide best-in-class technologies from leading partners including Alcatel, Cisco Systems, Genesys and Nortel. And we offer consultation and solutions development ranging from contact centre applications to managed services for enterprise communication. Discover more at www.nextiraone.com. NextiraOne is owned by Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com), a global acquisition firm specialising in the strategic operation of mission-critical services and solutions business according to a unique M&A&O(SM) model of creation.

About Alcatel
Alcatel provides communications solutions to telecommunication carriers, Internet service providers and enterprises for delivery of voice, data and video applications to their customers or employees. Alcatel brings its leading position in fixed and mobile broadband networks, applications and services, to help its partners and customers build a user-centric broadband world. With sales of EURO 13.1 billion and 58,000 employees in 2005, Alcatel operates in more than 130 countries..

About Polycom
Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of video, voice, data and Web solutions to deliver the ultimate communications experience. Polycom’s high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony and presence-based networks. With its market driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage in real-time communications and collaboration. For additional information call 800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or 408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom website at www.polycom.com.

Contact Information

Mark Burnworth

Alcatel

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