Lenovo Integrates Lineup with Polycom RealPresence UC

Lenovo has tapped Polycom to add its RealPresence video and voice collaboration software to a wide range of Lenovo’s laptop computers and even some tablets. If you’re a Lenovo VAR who also happens to be working the unified communications (UC) space, this partnership could be a match made in heaven. Here’s why …

Polycom RealPresence HD video and HD voice software soon will be available for the ThinkPad T, X, L and W series, in addition to new “select ThinkPad tablets” set to arrive sometime in the first half of 2012. The relationship is also expected to expand to Lenovo’s desktop products.

Lenovo, which has provided enhanced integration for a number of third-party offerings (e.g., Microsoft driver integration for Lenovo FastBoot), is working with Polycom to ensure that not only is RealPresence software shipping on Lenovo laptops, but it’s also deeply optimized to work with Lenovo’s own technology. This also gives Lenovo the unique distinction of being the first PC maker to build “Polycom-ready products.” Because of that expanded relationship, Lenovo also now will resell Polycom’s portfolio of “personal and group communication accessories worldwide,” which should help Lenovo resellers build a packaged UC solution.

In commenting on the relationship, distributor Ingram Micro called it a “powerful” go-to-market tool for channel partners. Anytime a solution is pre-packaged and easy to sell, it’s good news for partners.

Even if this isn’t your bag, keep your eyes on Lenovo and Polycom anyway. Lenovo’s press release hints it is planning to “embed Polycom software” into new Lenovo devices this year, which could mean big things for Polycom as it continues to push RealPresence software on nearly any device.