Polycom Selects Y&R San Francisco as Its Global Agency of Record

Polycom Selects Y&R San Francisco as Its Global Agency of Record

    Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

    PLEASANTON, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 10, 2005--

Selection Reflects Polycom's Global Commitment to Demonstrate The Value of Unified Collaborative Communications to Customers and Its Leadership Role in This Market

    Polycom, Inc. (Nasdaq:PLCM), the world's leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions (UCC), today announced it has selected Y&R San Francisco as its global agency of record. The decision was made after a comprehensive agency review involving numerous world-class agencies.
    UCC is an emerging category that facilitates transparent collaborative communications in real-time across a range of platforms (voice, video, web and data), devices and geographies. Polycom, long-known as the market leader in voice and video conferencing, is the pioneer of this emerging market and the only company providing an end-to-end solution for UCC from conference phones and handsets, desktop and group video conferencing, as well as the supporting networking infrastructure to deliver seamless integration of these different media and end-points.
    Y&R San Francisco, in partnership with Mediaedge.cia, will provide global brand strategy, creative development, fully integrated global communications planning and media planning, as well as buying support for the $10 million account, which will include the launch of a re-articulated brand positioning showcasing the lead Polycom enjoys in the UCC space and conveying the bottom line value of UCC to organizations.
    "Y&R will help us cement our position as the pioneer and leader of UCC and as the only company providing a robust, end-to-end solution that is rapidly becoming mission critical to organizations looking for a competitive advantage from increased productivity, faster time to decision and enhanced relationships," said Steve Huey, chief marketing officer at Polycom. "In Y&R we have found a strategic and creative partner who really understands the magnitude of the opportunity ahead of us as UCC crosses the chasm to widespread adoption. We are tremendously excited at the prospect of working with Y&R SF in developing the full spectrum of our advertising and marketing programs and helping us realize our vision. They not only demonstrated strategic planning and creative strength, but also the collaborative nature of their team will help us pinpoint a focused communications strategy to deliver our promise and create a foundation for our success moving forward."
    "It is our goal to elevate Polycom to its rightful position as a strategic provider in the burgeoning world of UCC, which is changing the way we collaborate and work. They have created this category and have the broadest range of solutions and partners to deliver true value to their customers. We're excited about working on this prestigious brand and becoming partners with the many talented and dedicated folks who are passionate about the company's success," said Penny Baldwin, managing partner of Y&R SF. "Working with Steve Huey and Heidi Lorenzen, we are confident that we'll accomplish great things together."

    ABOUT Y&R SAN FRANCISCO

    Y&R San Francisco, builds short and long-term business success for clients by creating, managing and protecting brand assets. It provides branding, advertising, design and interactive services to clients such as Cadbury's Schweppes (7UP, Sunkist), ChevronTexaco, Foster Farms, Havoline, NCAA, Sunmaid Raisins, Jacuzzi Inc., Hitachi Data Systems and Hitachi Global Storage Technologies. Y&R is part of Young & Rubicam Brands, a division of WPP.

    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 hiqh 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 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: Polycom, Inc. Jessica Kersey, 925-924-5689 jessica.kersey@polycom.com or Y&R San Francisco Sally Kennedy, 415-882-0632 Sally_kennedy@sfo.yr.com

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: HARDWARE TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKING MARKETING AGREEMENTS SOURCE: Polycom, Inc.

Copyright Business Wire 2005