By some standards, Polycom is not a very old company. It was founded in 1990, but has seen significant growth since that time, and is now one of the leading companies offering video conferencing equipment. Polycom grew quickly, through internal means as well as through merging and acquiring other companies within the industry. Polycom has acquired:
- ViaVideo
- Accord Networks
- PictureTel
- Accord Networks
- Vivu Inc.
- DST Media
- Voyant Technologies
- SpectraLink and KIRK Telecom
- HP Visual Collaboration (HALO Products and Managed Services)
The company actually got its start with audio conferencing technology, but quickly entered the world of video conferencing. Their SoundStation, a ubiquitous starfish shaped audio-conference speakerphone propel them into the world of conferencing.
Their first video conferencing solution hit the market in 1998 (the ViewStation line). Since that time, they have continued to make great strides in advancing the technology behind their product offerings, remaining on the cutting edge of a very competitive industry.