Polycom IP 300 Information Guide

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Polycom SoundPoint IP 
Frequently Asked Questions
 
Polycom
®
 
SoundPoint
®
 
IP 
           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.)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
What phone models are available? 
There are five models in the SoundPoint IP family, including:  
SoundPoint IP 30x encompassing: 
- SoundPoint IP 301 (currently offered in North America, 
Australia, and New Zealand only) 
- SoundPoint IP 300 (ROW)  
SoundPoint IP 50x encompassing: 
- SoundPoint IP 501 (currently offered in North America, 
Australia, and New Zealand only) 
- SoundPoint IP 500 (ROW) 
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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
_____ 
*      - The SoundPoint IP 301 and SoundPoint IP 501 are currently 
offered in North America, Australia, and New Zealand only 
**    - Requires SIP version 1.5.x or higher