Ingram may get to distribute Polycom products

US-based videoconferencing and telecom products company, Polycom, is having
talks with Ingram Micro for exclusive distribution of its products in India.
"Chances of Ingram bagging these rights are very high and if the deal
materializes, Ingram will have the exclusive rights to distribute certain home
and entry level products of Polycom," said Yugal Sharma, Country Manager,
Polycom India.

"The IT channel will get us the reach and visibility we are looking for.
Several schemes and promotional programs for the channel are also in the
pipeline." explained Yugal. He added that they are looking at bundling PVX+
software with monitors for enhanced video quality.

The company is also fostering an alliance with Hughes software system as its
system integrator for implementing Polycom solutions.

It is in the process of tying up with service providers like BSNL, Reliance
and VSNL to bundle its audio-visual solutions along with their broadband network
services. Polycom has also revamped its product line. "We have introduced
VSX series of our view station range of products," said Yugal.

The company partnered with Godrej and Avaya, and is on an acquisition spree.
After acquiring Picturetel in 1993, it acquired Voyent Technologies in January
2004. Polycom is also working aggressively with the Yankee group to get the
Uniform Collaborative Connectivity Industry recognition.

KUSUM MAKHIJA