VoIP trends
IP is a set of standards for the transmission of voice and data over the internet. Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) forms the very basis for the internet.
Two main trends are already clear. A growth in outsourcing or managed services is providing IT companies with a rapidly growing market for services. But, to address customer needs, IT companies are having to expand out of their traditional areas of technology by forming alliances and partnerships. As a “convergent” or “unifying” technology, IP will encourage IT companies to start rooting around in one another’s backyard.
Voice-oriented companies will see IP as a way of selling voice services, with data as an add on. IT-oriented companies will see IP as a way of selling more data services, with a voice-add on. Whichever way it is approached, it means intense competition, as companies offer one service in order to help sell another.
“The market for virtual private networks (VPN) delivered via voice over IP to large corporates is becoming increasingly competitive,” says market research company, Ovum. “To avoid cut-throat competition and eroding margins, VPN service providers are increasingly looking at the possibility of bundling voice services into the offering.”
For bundled services to work they have to offer a wide range of technologies, including networking (possibly including radio links), security, billing, data storage and applications. So there should still be room for smaller suppliers to find a niche with the right product or service, but the competition will be fierce.
There is also a VoIP or Voice Over IP article section, with articles including……What you should know about VoIP….Skype Smartphone….VoIP Providers Improve call quality…International VoIP…..VoIP explained….8 VOIP questions answered….Voice Over IP FAQ’s….What is VOIP ? etc
