Polycom and Microsoft tighten ties offering RealPresence use in Office 365

The relationship between Polycom and Microsoft just got even stronger, with Microsoft certifying Polycom's RealPresence in-room videoconferencing offerings for Office 365.

RealPresence Group Series is the first standards-based video solution to be certified for Skype for Business online in Office 365, enabling users to incorporate Polycom's video and audio within Skype for Business' interface and workflow.

Tony Simonsen, Polycom ANZ, Japan and Korea managing director, says the certification gives Office 365 customers more flexibility in enabling them to use the Polycom products.

RealPresence Group Series is one of a number of Polycom video solutions now certified to work with Skype for Business and Office 365, with Polycom saying it is also developing a next generation Skype Room System to offer a native Skype experience in the conference room.

The two vendors have been collaborating closely around Skype for Business and Office 365.

Mary McDowell, Polycom global chief executive, recently told ChannelLife and EnterpriseChannel, that the vendor was renewing its focus on relationships, such as the Microsoft partnership, as it seeks a return to growth and entrance to new markets following a several difficult years.

Later this year the Polycom will bring its cloud service enabling Cisco hardware users to use Microsoft Skype for Business, to the ANZ market.

McDowell says the relationship with Microsoft is taking Polycom into new accounts and opening the doors for new partner opportunities, providing expansion for resellers already Microsoft certified.

Polycom was acquired late last year by boutique New York private equity firm Siris Capital.