I'm a day or so late in noting this, but given frequent questions about industry certification programs, this advance at Rochester Institute of Technology is quite noteworthy.

RIT Launches VOIP/IP Telephony Courses with Support of Polycom Equipment

Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences to use collaborative communications technology in its curriculum

PLEASANTON, Calif.  – Nov. 15, 2006 – Polycom Inc. (NASDAQ: PLCM), the world’s leading provider of unified collaborative communications solutions, has donated state-of-the-art equipment to Rochester Institute of Technology’s B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences. The equipment will be used in the curriculum for the college’s course offering in real-time data and voice/video over Internet protocol (VOIP). The undergraduate courses will be offered to students pursuing various degrees in applied network and system administration, information technology, computer science, and software engineering.

“With the convergence of telephone, video and data networks, students will be expected to run telephone systems, then migrate them to converged voice and video IP-based solutions,” says Bruce Hartpence, associate professor of networking, security, and systems administration in the Golisano College. “Polycom’s market leading solutions will be used in our Telephony Integration Lab where students will learn about emerging rich media telecommunications technologies and methodologies.”

Polycom donated two group VSX™7000s and five desktop video application Polycom PVX™ systems with cameras to the Telephony Integration Lab at RIT. The VSX7000 provides full video conferencing capabilities flexibility and expandability with the option to add additional displays, microphones, speakers, ISDN network and modules. The Polycom PVX personal video conferencing application delivers business quality desktop video conferencing from the convenience of a PC. 

Polycom is dedicated to providing students with the tools and information they need to be the leaders of the future,” said Polycom’s Global Education Market Director Russ Colbert. “After working with the market leading Polycom equipment through their college experience, students are fully prepared to continue working with the technology once they enter the workforce. This creates a win-win in that RIT students are attractive employees and businesses can select from knowledgeable students for new hires.”

About Rochester Institute of Technology
RIT’s B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, the largest comprehensive computing college in the nation, was created in
2001 with a gift from B. Thomas Golisano, founder and chairman of Paychex Inc. 

The Golisano College offers a Ph.D. program in computing and information sciences. At the graduate level, programs are offered in computer science, information technology, software development and management, computer security and information assurance, learning and knowledge management systems, networking and system administration, game design and development, and software engineering. At the undergraduate level, degree programs are offered in computer science, information technology, applied network and system administration, software engineering, new media and medical informatics.

Founded in 1829, RIT is internationally recognized as a leader in computing, engineering, imaging technology, fine and applied arts, and education for the deaf. RIT enrolls 15,300 students in more than 340 undergraduate and graduate programs.

About Polycom
Polycom Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications 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 Web site at www.polycom.com.

Polycom and the Polycom logo are registered trademarks and, VSX, and ClassStation are trademarks of Polycom in the U.S. and various countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2005, Polycom, Inc. All rights reserved.

It's great PR for Polycom, a strong company to begin with. And once again RIT sets the bar for technology education. RIT has proven a consistent leader in forward-thinking implementation of technology and education for several years.

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