Security, Standards & Interoperability

Polycom believes that security is of the utmost importance and is committed to bringing a secure means to real-time collaborative communications to our customers worldwide. We recognize that implementing secure communication technologies, validating standards and interoperability is in many cases a mandatory requirement for our government customers.

Our dedicated Security Center is committed to maintaining an active product evaluation and certification program to reduce both real and perceived risks associated with interactive communications across multiple networks. Polycom's solutions address the following:

• Open Standards
• FIPS 140-2 Validation
• IPv6 Certification
• Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) Certifications
• Type 1 COMSEC and Classified Service & Support

For more information on the Polycom products currently on the Department of Defense (DOD) Approved Products List (APL), as well as certifications Polycom is in the process of completing, visit our Certification & Accreditation page.

When selecting a partner, it is important to choose one that understands that interoperability and interconnectivity of networks is key to enabling communications on a worldwide scale. Polycom’s collaboration strategy is possible thanks to our longstanding commitment to open standards.

Polycom actively contributes our technical expertise and management recommendations to world and regional standards committees. One of which is the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The ITU is an International organization within the United Nations System where governments and the private sector coordinate global telecom networks and services. Recommendations on standards from the ITU are high quality because they guarantee the interconnectivity of networks and enable telecommunications services to be provided on a worldwide scale.

Many of the industry’s standards, including H.264 for video compression, H.239 for simultaneous display of people and content and G.722.1 Annex C for high fidelity sound are based on Polycom technologies, including Siren™ 14. This focus and commitment to innovation and development is an ongoing effort to consistently improve the end user collaboration experience and shape the future of real-time communications.

Polycom is the first video conferencing manufacturer to receive certificates of validation from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This validation supports the needs of government agencies with mandates to procure, retain and use only FIPS 140-2 validated equipment. Agencies can now acquire and connect Polycom’s video conferencing equipment to their networks with confidence that the information being transmitted is secure. In addition, intelligence and other organizations seeking to protect against industrial espionage, can rely on Polycom solutions to transmit information requiring a higher level of security to protect critical information. Download Certificates.

Support for IPv6 is a key requirement for Polycom solutions. Polycom’s incorporation of IPv6 into our technology allows our customers to deploy the industry’s best visual communication solutions as they prepare for the transition to next-generation networks. With 128-bit addressing that combines security and authentication, the ability to reserve bandwidth to deliver improved Quality of Service (QoS), improved interoperability, plug-and-play device configuration, and with a structured routing system, IPv6 is ideal for use with IP based video conferencing.

However, the true value of transitioning to IPv6 enabled solutions lies in how the technology is applied to enable mission achievement and the ability to enhance the delivery of public services. Visual communications can be critical to the success of missions by enabling agencies to deliver secure, real-time information and to improve coordination among key organizations. With instant access to information, commanders are able to bring a higher level of intelligence to military and defense operations with the ability to collaborate and coordinate real-time. As networks continue to evolve, additional applications and new capabilities will emerge and agencies will begin to recognize tangible benefits from adopting IPv6 enabled solutions.

Polycom is committed to ensuring that our voice, video and data collaboration solutions meet the stringent security and interoperability requirements of our government customers. Our Security Center is tightly aligned with the Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) and is working to acquire Information Assurance (IA) and Interoperability (IO) certification on our products to ensure that our solutions can interoperate in a joint, combined, and coalition environment in support of global net-centric war fighting capabilities. Download Certifications & Software Release.

Polycom has many pre and post Sales Engineers that have completed COMSEC training and are certified to deliver secure installation, configuration and technical and field support on Type 1 COMSEC and classified equipment.  These certifications are a result of our investment in our people and our commitment to support our technology and provide greater value to our government customers.

• DD1435 Certificate (HAIPE, TACLANE, KG and KIV series Type 1 Encryption)
• DD2625 Form
• CCI (Controlled Cryptographic Item) Briefing & Test
• Polycom has Pre and Post Sales Engineers with government sponsored security clearances