Polycom, Inc., the global leader in open standards-based unified communications and collaboration (UC&C), today introduced a series of new customer financing options that put comprehensive, tailored UC&C solutions within reach of more customers.

Polycom is leveraging Macquarie Equipment Finance's global capabilities to provide customer financing solutions. In addition, through an arrangement with GE Capital, Polycom is offering its channel partners access to working capital aimed at lessening the burden of inventory carrying costs during customer implementations.

Offered through Polycom Capital, the new customer financing programs take an "all-in" approach by letting small and medium businesses (SMBs) and enterprises finance their Polycom® RealPresence® solutions and services, as well as their entire UC&C implementation. Polycom Capital has designed three programs to accommodate a variety of customer needs:

• 0% for 24 months. For organizations seeking no-interest financing over a shorter term, this option is available to all enterprises, service providers and SMBs, though smaller companies are likely to find it especially attractive.
• 2.99% for 36 months. This program is ideal for organizations seeking below-market, longer-term financing.
• Technology refresh financing. This financing program is for customers wanting the flexibility of upgrading to next-generation solutions without waiting until the end of the financing term. It provides organizations the option of refreshing their recent purchase at specific intervals within the term of the program, without financial penalties or fees.

"These new attractive financing options from Polycom Capital put unified communications and video collaboration solutions within reach of nearly any business, and we believe it will help us sell even more of the full product portfolio to our customers," said Eric Brown, Polycom Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

"In today's market, we're seeing strong interest from both customers and partners in Polycom Capital. With various payment options and the ability to finance everything - maintenance, installation, services, training and even non-Polycom accessories - Polycom Capital provides a very compelling value proposition for customers and partners."

"We are excited to help Polycom offer its customers financing options so they can create comprehensive unified communications and collaboration solutions," said Nicholas Holmes, global head of vendor programs for Macquarie Equipment Finance.

New Financing Options for Polycom Channel Partners

Polycom Capital is also working with GE Capital to provide Polycom channel partners access to working capital. The program provides partners with extended payment terms and higher credit lines for their purchases of Polycom products; this gives partners time to install Polycom products and services, and collect from customers before having to pay for their inventory. Depending on geography, payment terms can be as long as 90 days. Longer terms may be available for specific transactions.

"GE Capital is pleased to work with Polycom and its global reseller network to provide the working capital financing necessary to meet the needs of its resellers," said Tom Grathwohl, senior managing director of global and structured solutions of GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance.

Macquarie Equipment Finance, a member of Macquarie Group, is a leading global provider of customized financing and asset management solutions for enterprises, technology manufacturers and suppliers worldwide with capabilities on four continents to serve the needs of major multinational organizations through small and midsize businesses.