Hartcourt Companies (fka HRCT)

[asia]

OT: Polycom NEWS

Polycom(R), Inc. , a worldwide leader in the convergence of interactive voice, video, data and web communications, today announced that Enventis Telecom, Inc., a multiservice network systems integrator, transport provider and Cisco Systems Partner-Gold Certified, will leverage Polycom''s complete line of interactive video communications and web collaboration products as a key part of its complete IP-based solutions offering to its customers.

The agreement with Polycom expands Enventis Telecom''s solutions portfolio to address the growing demand of IP and IP-based video technologies. The agreement enables Enventis Telecom to deliver to customers The Polycom Office(TM), an integrated end-to-end solution for converged communications that includes Polycom''s industry-leading ViewStation(R), iPower(TM) and ViaVideo(TM) video communications end points; its MGC(TM) Video Multipoint Control Unit and Gateway and Polycom VoicePlus for voice and video bridging, the Polycom PathNavigator(TM) call processing server for intelligent call routing, ease of deployment and ease of use; its Global Management System(TM) software for remote management; and Polycom WebOffice(TM), a web collaboration solution that seamlessly integrates voice and video conferencing into a unified conferencing experience. The Polycom Office is standards-based and complements leading network platforms such as Cisco AVVID.

Polycom and Enventis Telecom will also engage in joint marketing efforts for the promotion of the IP-based video communications solutions.

"The addition of Polycom''s solutions to our existing complex network integration practice extends our capability to now include video conferencing and web collaboration," said Murad Velani, vice president of sales and marketing for Enventis Telecom. "We are able to address an organization''s entire communications and network architecture, deploy new applications that make a difference to end users, and help network managers realize the benefits of a single IP network."

"Our partnership with Enventis Telecom creates a very complementary offering for customers seeking IP-based solutions," said Craig Malloy, senior vice president and general manager of video communications at Polycom. "This partnership enables Enventis Telecom to provide both complete IP solutions and migratory solutions that integrate with existing network infrastructures. We are pleased to be working with Enventis Telecom to offer The Polycom Office and look forward to growing our relationship."

About Polycom

Polycom, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality, easy-to-use and affordable voice and video communication endpoints, video management software, web collaboration software, multi-network gateways, and multi-point conferencing and network access solutions. Its fully integrated end-to-end solution, The Polycom Office(TM), is supported by the Polycom Accelerated Communications Architecture, and enables business users to immediately realize the benefits of integrated video, voice and data over rapidly growing converged networks. For additional information, call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or [phone], or visit the Polycom web site at http://www.polycom.com/ .

About Enventis Telecom Inc.

Enventis Telecom -- The IP Company(TM) -- helps organizations design, deploy, migrate, manage, protect, operate, optimize and support mission critical network and transport solutions. The company offers solutions for large enterprises, small to medium sized companies, and federal, state and local government agencies. Enventis Telecom has locations in Minneapolis, Bloomington, Rochester and Duluth, Minn., and St. Louis, Mo. Enventis Telecom is a wholly owned subsidiary of ALLETE, Inc. For more information, visit the company''s web site at http://www.enventistelecom.com/ .