Contact: Joyce Essig | 800.237.2041, ext. 10439 | jessig@crestron.com

February 19, 2013

Crestron Takes Microsoft® Lync® to the Conference Room

Together Microsoft and Crestron Offer a Collaboration and Video Solution for the Conference Room; Debuts at Microsoft Lync Conference 2013 in San Diego

Crestron, a world leader in enterprise automation and management solutions, and Microsoft®, a world leader in software and services, have developed a powerful video-enabled collaboration solution for the meeting room. Crestron RL™ is a comprehensive solution that combines Crestron hardware with Microsoft Lync® software.

The Crestron RL solution includes the full Microsoft Lync 2013 functionality, including high-definition, multi-party video and powerful collaboration capabilities like presenting PowerPoint®, sharing your desktop or applications, as well as interactive whiteboarding, in a comprehensive solution tailored for the meeting room. Meetings are simple to schedule through its integration with Microsoft Outlook®, and can be joined with a single click on the touch-enabled console in the meeting room. People remotely can participate via Lync, without the need to deploy additional gateways, and adding participants is now just as simple and fast as adding them to a Lync conversation.

"We are pleased that Crestron, a world leader in enterprise automation and management systems, will bring a Lync room system product to market," said Giovanni Mezgec, General Manager for Lync Product Marketing at Microsoft. "Crestron's strong experiences in providing great conference room solutions across the world, combined with Microsoft Lync's powerful software capabilities, produce a groundbreaking solution that takes collaboration and communication to a new level."

Crestron RL includes everything needed to deliver an enhanced collaboration experience, including the Crestron UC Codec for Lync, HD camera, microphone, 65" touch screen(s), 10" tabletop touch screen and more.

"As a scalable, appliance grade, turnkey solution, Crestron RL can be implemented in practically every conference room across the global enterprise," says Fred Bargetzi, Vice President of Technology, Crestron. "Collaborate and communicate faster and easier than ever before with anyone whenever you want regardless of location."

With just one touch of a button, anyone can walk into a conference room and instantly start a collaboration session. This full-featured Lync®-based system enables video, voice, Lync meetings or Instant Messaging within seconds from any device. View, edit or annotate any document, file or video remotely. Share ideas and notes collaboratively with partners, colleagues and clients anytime, anywhere with any device.

Crestron offers a complete solution that connects over the corporate LAN, so implementation is extremely easy. Simply mount the display, connect Crestron RL to the network, and authenticate.

No long distance cabling

No costly hidden add-ons or MCUs required

No costly programming

No intimidating end-user training required to operate

Crestron RL is designed to seamlessly integrate with the complete line of Crestron control and automation solutions, including its award-winning Crestron Fusion Enterprise Management Software. Monitor, and control AV, lighting, climate, energy and even room scheduling from any PC on the network.

"Crestron allows the conference room to be monitored, managed, and controlled via the NOC or any PC on the network just like the IT infrastructure," explained Sean Goldstein, Vice President, Marketing, Crestron. "It also enables future upgrade paths to include lighting, shade climate, energy and even room scheduling into the system so that all building technology can be centrally managed."

This breakthrough solution will be unveiled and demonstrated live at the Microsoft Lync Conference 2013 in San Diego, California, February 19-21. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity. To schedule a private demo during the event visit the Skype Lounge or email Joyce Essig at jessig@crestron.com.

For more information about Crestron RL, visit www.crestron.com/rl.

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For 40 years Crestron has been the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology to simplify and enhance modern lifestyles and businesses. Offering integrated solutions to control audio, video, computer, and environmental systems, Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life in commercial buildings, universities, hotels, hospitals and homes.

In addition to its World Headquarters in Rockleigh, New Jersey, Crestron has sales and support offices throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Australia.