Here is an interesting question. Have we reached a tipping point where the technology forecast for unified communications in enterprises has gone from partly cloudy to mostly cloudy? 

The difference in forecasts

I will leave it up to my old friends at places like Gartner, Infonetics, Frost & Sullivan (News - Alert), Forrester Research, et al, to fill in the data points on the question above. What I know from looking at the latest financials of companies with extensive cloud portfolios is that, despite continuing economic uncertainty around the world, organizations of all sizes are doing more than just kicking the tires; they are buying.  And this means it is not just the coveted SMBs.  

Admittedly anecdotal, proof abounds that we are finally moving from the hockey stick prediction stage to consideration and purchase. Just look at results from Polycom and 8x8, Inc in the last few days.   They represent different aspects of the cloud supplier ecosystem, and you can look to strong performances this earnings season from a diverse mix of vendors that include Sangoma and Interactive Intelligence (News - Alert) just to name a few, and listen for the news from private companies like Digium and GENBAND. In addition, just think about all of those apps being downloaded and used, the continued success of Amazon and SalesForce.com, and the list goes on and on.  

The bottom line is that the world is going from one that is partly cloudy to one that is mostly cloudy.  I leave it to those who make predictions as to the speed at which this will take place. What can be said with certainty is that unlike the weather, where such a forecast would indicate inclement conditions are likely on the way, the embrace of all things cloud should be taken as a leading indicator of good things yet to come. This is true whether it be in the areas of server and desktop virtualization, data storage and management, unified communications, contact center solutions, disaster recovery, hosted communications as a service (CaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and all of the other “aaS” the industry will devise as business opportunities present themselves and market differentiation occurs. 

I could go on, but I am sure you get the point. Plus, the drumbeat of content regarding cloud activities is not only persistent but the cadence is accelerating along with market activity — a great reason to bookmark TMCnet.com as well as our channels and communities that most interest you. 

Knowledge is power

That said, if you are a factoid junky and/or wish to be deeply immersed in useful insights about all things cloud in the next week, I highly recommend you do two important things. 

First, check out the following site for their “100 Best Cloud Data Statistics of 2011…So Far.” The folks of the open source and systems management communities of BitNami, Cloud.com and Zenoss created a wonderful trove of data based on a survey of their members that you can use to impress your friends. I can’t wait for the update.

Second, if you really wish to get informed, kick the tires of what the best cloud vendors -- including virtually all of the ones mentioned above -- have to offer, listen to experts on today’s solutions and their views about the future, exchange best practices and other ideas with colleagues, and get out the physical challenges of winter in cold places, you should consider attending ITEXPO East 2012, taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL.  To register, click here.  

ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for, and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities.  

While I cannot predict the physical weather in Miami, I can say that at ITEXPO you will be able to learn firsthand more than enough about the industry to make your own forecast. Hope to see you there.

Want to learn more about cloud communications? Then be sure to attend the Cloud Communications Expo, collocated with TMC’s ITEXPO East 2012 taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL. The Cloud Communications Expo will address the growing need of businesses to integrate and leverage cloud based communications applications, process enhancement techniques, and network based communications interfaces and architectures. For more information on registering for the Cloud Communications Expo click here.

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