As small and medium businesses turn to Unified Communications (UC) applications, flexibility is becoming an important buying consideration. In response, Polycom expanded its product portfolio by providing users with three more business phones.The Polycom VVX 1500 D business media phone supports both H.323 and Session Initiation Protocol protocols. The device, which is priced at $1,199, features an open Application Programming Interface (API) and a WebKit-based browser, so it can be integrated with items, such as Customer Relationship Management applications.

In addition, the vendor announced the SoundPoint IP 335, which costs $199. The device is a SIP desktop phone that works with Polycom HD Voice, which features a G.722 wideband codec and Acoustic Clarity Technology 2. The CX300, which is priced at $169, is optimized for Microsofts Office Communications Server 2007 R2.and features and a two-line monochrome backlit display with plug-and-play operation to a USB port on the PC. The new phones will be featured at the VoiceCon show this week.

Polycom has been a leader in delivering UC products, however, the market for these devices is expected to shift with Ciscos proposed purchase of Tandberg. In the past few years, Cisco has been building up its UC portfolio and now has an expansive  and growingraft of devices. To ward off its well-heeled competitor, Polycom will need to continue to expand and differentiate its product line.