Polycom Healthcare Video Collaboration Solutions Help Improve Patient Care and Provider Coordination
Business Editors/High-Tech Writers
PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 23, 2005--
New Telemedicine Systems Help Providers Reduce Costs, Centralize Resources, Reach More Patients and Increase the Quality of Healthcare Polycom(R), Inc. (Nasdaq:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, today announced two new telemedicine solutions, the Polycom MedLink(TM) Cart and Polycom Practitioner Cart(TM), which are based on the award-winning Polycom VSX(TM) 7000 and VSX 8000 group video communications systems. The innovative, new solutions are specifically designed to integrate with standards-based video medical peripherals and to be easy to use, manage and deploy in medical and healthcare environments. The systems feature the highest quality video, audio and data sharing capabilities available, which enable practitioners to deliver quality care regardless of geographic location, manage patient care, and receive continuing medical education and training in a the cost-conscious healthcare industry.
"The demands on our physicians and the requests for their knowledge from individuals and organizations around the globe are tremendous," said Alexander Nason, senior manager of business development for Johns Hopkins International. "Video conferencing helps us reach people more efficiently than previously possible. When appropriate, we can coordinate patient care, offer educational content to medical teams in other countries, provide critical second opinions, consult with hospital management and offer remote participation in promising clinical trials."
Polycom's portfolio of solutions creates an unequalled virtual experience that meets the demands of any healthcare environment. Based on the Polycom VSX platform, the solutions offer the highest quality video, even over low bandwidth; standards-based encryption; high-resolution data sharing and the industry's only wideband stereo audio -- Polycom StereoSurround(TM). These packages provide increased contact with patients at remote locations and are the only standard-based integrated conferencing and collaborative solutions that help meet HIPPA requirements. Both of these solutions also comply with "The Americans Disabilities Act," offering optional closed captioning and voice and touch control.
"The quality, reliability and transparent nature of our solutions allow healthcare providers to maximize their effectiveness and productivity, reaching more patients and increasing the quality of healthcare," said Craig Lynar, vice president of Polycom's vertical segment solutions. "World-class medical facilities like Johns Hopkins are demonstrating the effectiveness of this type of technology and organizations like Medical Missions for Children are showing the limitless possibilities for real-world applications."
The MediLink Cart integrates the output of multiple devices and/or non-medical peripherals into a video conference. The cart is ideal when situations require plug and play of S Video or Composite devices; when multiple audio and camera inputs are needed; or when the positioning of a monitor or camera is critical. The cart also provides consolidated, secure storage space for medical devices.
The Practitioner Cart delivers real-time interactive voice and video communications capabilities in circumstances when maximum mobility is required within minimal storage areas. With a petite footprint ideal for small rooms, the Practitioner Cart delivers high-quality audio and video and includes standard based (AES) encryption for security. The Practitioner Cart is also capable of operating in a wireless network environment for maximum flexibility and mobility.
Pricing and Availability
The Polycom Practitioner Cart and MedLink Cart solutions are now available through Polycom channel partners starting at US$16,995 and US$24,995 respectively.
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 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or +1-408-526-9000, or visit the Polycom website at
www.polycom.com.
Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks and Polycom Office, VSX, Medlink and Polycom Practitioner Cart are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. (C)2005, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.
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CONTACT: VisiTech PR Melody Callaway, 303-752-3552 x223 Melody@visitechpr.com
KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE MEDICAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKING PRODUCT SOURCE: Polycom
Copyright Business Wire 2005
