Conference phones manufacturer Polycom recently announced upcoming availability of four new high-definition phones for use with Microsoft (News - Alert) Office Communications Server (OCS) 2007. The company, a Gold Level member of Microsoft's partner program, is developing the products as a way to expand its support for OCS.   Polycom's (News - Alert) product family now includes CX100 (a portable speakerphone peripheral), CX200 (speakerphone and handset), CX400 (cordless desktop handset) and CX700 (executive IP telephone).   These new conference phone products take advantage of OCS' streamlined communications features, which make it easier for users to find and communicate with their contacts, using their favorite desktop applications. OCS also includes software-based VoIP, Web conferencing and enterprise-grade instant messaging. This is all possible without expensive infrastructure or network upgrades.   "Polycom's CX solutions for Office Communications Server 2007 enable a flexible, engaging and person-centric communications experience with high definition quality sound, PC integration, buddy list call initiation, and cordless design," said Sunil Bhalla, senior vice president and general manager of Polycom's voice division, in a statement.   Bhalla continued: "Our solutions are designed to bring the richness of the PC together with the familiarity and advanced voice capabilities of the desktop telephone, so users can easily locate and engage with customers, partners and co-workers within a secure and productive environment."   More details about Polycom's in-development conference phone products is summarized below.   CX100 speakerphone-Peripheral that connects to a laptop or desktop using USB; no driver is needed. Designed to be highly portable, enabling hands-free, high-fidelity, hig-def audio and improved group collaboration through ad-hoc conference calls initiated from a laptop.   CX200 desktop phone-USB peripheral that provides full duplex speakerphone functionality, coupled with an enhanced presence status indicator.   CX400 cordless phone-Wireless handset with a small base station. Connects using USB, includes display capabilities with presence, 30-foot wireless reception range, and 10-hour talk time.

Polycom CX700 IP phone-Designed for executive desktops. Delivers a presence and directory enabled phone with a color touch screen, USB and Ethernet ports, and a biometric/fingerprint reader.   "The combination of Office Communicator 2007 and Office Communications Server 2007 with Polycom's CX family of devices provides customers a rich and integrated experience with software-powered VoIP," said Chris Cullin, director of technical product management for the unified communications group at Microsoft, in a statement.   Cullin continued: "Microsoft's strategic alliance with Polycom allows us to provide new levels of business value, as these devices help create efficient, high quality collaboration experiences for our enterprise customers."