If truth be told, the SoundStation IP5000 is really the younger brother of the newer IP6000 and IP7000 models. While I might be tempted to say that the SoundStation IP5000 replaces the now discontinued SoundStation IP4000 that would be a total mischaracterization of the device. The SoundStation IP5000’s introduction seems aimed to change that. These devices, both because of cost and size, were not a good match to the requirements of small businesses and home office dwellers. While Polycom has historically held a commanding lead in the conference phone market their IP-capable product offerings have focused on the requirements of large board rooms. This also eliminates the closer than comfortable grouping of co-workers in front of a desk phone, letting everyone relax and participate comfortably in the call. It’s a superior solution when more than one or two local participants are involved, especially on lengthy calls. Its upward pointing speaker is clearly heard in all directions.
In contrast a dedicated conference phone, like the SoundStation IP5000, is equally sensitive to sound from all directions. In addition, you may have to gather your group awkwardly around the front of the desk phone so that they can hear or be heard clearly. So when two or more people are collected to take part in a call inevitably one person will sound “distant” or “off-mic”. Desk phones generally use a directional microphone that is more sensitive to sounds from the front to the phone. There’s considerable merit to using a real conference phone over the speakerphone function on even a high-quality desk phone. In a larger office or small conference room you may ask, “Why bother with a dedicated conference phone? Won’t a good desk phone with a quality speakerphone feature be good enough?” Will they get it right, and deliver the kind of device upon which their reputation was built…yet designed and priced to match the sensibilities of the SOHO/SMB user? When a class leading company like Polycom creates a new product specifically for the SOHO market it makes me take notice. To say the least, I was eager to try the little SoundStation IP5000 from the moment it was offered. This also makes it suitable for the home office user. Unlike most of their prior offerings the SoundStation IP5000 is a SIP conference phone specifically targeting smaller conference rooms & executive offices. The SoundStation IP5000 is the latest in a long line of SoundStation models that go back to the very core products upon which the company was founded. This week Polycom is introducing the SoundStation IP5000 conference phone at VoiceCon East in Orlando.
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