Cisco vs. Polycom Comparison GBH Communications provides a revealing look into the top two contenders in the video conferencing space. Summary Video usage in enterprise organizations is growing at an astonishing rate. It is estimated that over 50,000 endpoints are added each quarter by enterprise users. These endpoints range from high end Telepresence suites to high definition group conferencing units to desktop video solutions. And, this does not count the desktop and mobile video that is also beginning to emerge on tablets, smart phones and other consumer devices used by business professionals. So how can organizations determine which video conferencing is right for their needs and existing network infrastructure? GBH, a leading provider of Video Conferencing products and solutions to Fortune 500 organizations is dedicated to helping companies find the right solution for their unique needs. Two of the most popular video conferencing solutions are Cisco and Polycom. We are here to help you navigate the differences between these two solutions. Determining the Key Factors for Making the Right Choice Key factors to consider when researching a video conferencing system are: 1. Flexibility 2. Technology 3. Cost
1. Flexibility When considering video conferencing it is imperative to find a solution that is interoperable with other video technologies and can be easily upgraded as technology advances. It is also important to integrate the technology within your existing network without having to purchase new infrastructure. Polycom video conferencing solutions operate with a fully open, standards based technology. Their equipment is fully compatible with all standards based video conferencing solutions meaning calls to customers, or clients using brands other than Polycom will be made seamlessly. Cisco has combined multiple solutions including gateways, telepressence, MCU s, video and audio endpoints to customize their own proprietary based standards. The Cisco product portfolio (not including the Tandberg brand) includes non standards based systems which may cause an issue when calling other non Cisco devices. Technology When we are searching for any type of electronics or business hardware solution, we always fall back on technology as one of the most important deciding factors. As consumers, we are looking for the best technology available at the moment we make our final decision. Finding the right video conferencing solution is also determined by technology. What solution will fit my needs, provide me the features I am looking for all while providing cost savings necessary to justify the purchase. Understanding the differences between the Polycom & Cisco Technology: Polycom Polycom Solutions are open and interoperable. Their infrastructure and endpoints work natively with other manufacturers infrastructure and endpoints. Integration with UC partners including Microsoft is possible without any additional hardware. The Polycom solution utilizes H.264 High Profile (SVC) and lost packet recovery (LPR) across the entire product line within their Intelligent Core solution providing the highest quality conferencing experience available today. Polycom also provides users with a single call control, management and multipoint conferencing solution that works with their entire line of endpoints and infrastructure. Cisco Cisco Telepresence solutions operate using a SIP stack with proprietary extensions which restrict interoperability. Cisco solutions do integrate with UC partners including Microsoft, IBM and Avaya but gateway integration with these solutions compromises workflow productivity. To integrate with Microsoft Lync OCS, users are required to adopt Cisco applications in place of Microsoft native applications. Using the Tandberg ClearPath technology, SIP endpoints do have network error correction, however MCU s are not equipped with this option. Cisco devices including gateways, endpoints and MCU s are interoperable but are unified by an inconsistent method of combing multiple platforms and technologies Tandberg, Cisco, Codian etc.
Key Video Terminology To help further differentiate the Polycom and Cisco video conferencing solutions, it s important to understand the key factors in the technology. The following is a list of key video terminology that can assist with making the decision of which system is the right fit for your organization. P2P Bandwidth Point to Point Bandwidth Video Outputs/Inputs Number of inputs or outputs each device has to support additional audio and video devices. H.329 Technology created to support two video/content streams. LPR (Lost Packet Recovery) LPR (or Lost Packet Recovery) is a recently released Polycom algorithm designed to protect IP video calls from the impact of network packet loss. LPR uses forward error correction (FEC), an error recovery method in which the sending system adds redundant data to its outgoing data stream to allow the receiving system to detect and correct errors without having to ask the sending system to re transmit the missing information. The ability to correct errors without having to wait for network transmissions makes FEC especially well suited for real time communications such as television broadcasts, voice over IP (VoIP), and IP videoconferencing. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) Encryption A type of symmetric key encryption adopted as a standard in United States used promote security of hardware devices. Side by Side Comparisons of Polycom and Cisco s Most Popular Room Based Systems Polycom HDX 7000 vs. Cisco C40 HDX7000 Cisco C40 Video Inputs/Outputs 4 2 4 2 Max Microphones 2 2 List Price $9,999 $18,070
Polycom HDX8000 vs. Cisco C60 HDX8000 Cisco C60 Video Inputs/Outputs 4 3 5 3 Max Microphones 3 4 List Price $15,999 $28,470 Polycom HDX9000 vs. Cisco C90 HDX9000 Cisco C90 Video Inputs/Outputs 4 3 13 5 Max Microphones 4 8 List Price $22,999 $48,770 2. Cost To determine the true return on investment (ROI) for a video conferencing solution, we need to consider both upfront costs and yearly costs. This total cost of ownership includes network and or bandwidth upgrades, infrastructure, installation, yearly network maintenance, hardware maintenance contracts as well as the cost of the endpoint itself. Polycom Costs Polycom video conferencing systems start $9,999 for a small room based solution. It s important to note, these system MSRP prices do not include any additional costs like infrastructure upgrades, accessories, installation, yearly system maintenance and hardware maintenance. These costs will depend on your network and existing infrastructure as well as what types of additional features you would like to add to your unique solution. Cisco Cisco video conferencing solutions start at $18,000. Similar to Polycom, these system MSRP prices do not include any additional costs like infrastructure upgrades, accessories, installation, yearly system maintenance and
hardware maintenance. These costs will depend on your network and existing infrastructure as well as what types of additional features you would like to add to your customized solution. Conclusion Based on defining the key factors used to determine the best video conferencing solution: flexibility, technology and cost, Polycom is the superior video conferencing solution. To learn more about Polycom and Cisco solutions, contact GBH Communications directly at 800 222 5424. About GBH Communications GBH is a trusted provider of customized collaboration solutions. We specialize in assisting clients find the right conferencing tools to fit their needs and budget. We partner with companies of all sizes, drawing on a full spectrum of products and providers to craft individualized solutions that maximize overall productivity while cutting costs and maximizing budgets. What sets GBH apart from other solution providers is TechShield Services, a division of GBH, created to help clients easily maintain and utilize video conferencing technology. TechShield provides services to help clients implement new video conferencing and also keep their existing video conferencing systems up and running. These services include: consulting services for new or upgraded equipment, 24 hour phone support and next day product replacement. Document provided by: GBH Communications 1309 S Myrtle Ave Monrovia CA 91016 800 222 5424 www.gbh.com