January 22, 2007
IP Convergence Provides Numerous Benefits for the Enterprise
By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor
The future holds significant market challenges as globalization, intensified competition, and shifting patterns in demand changes the way we work. As a result, many organizations will move toward converged IP
networks that support a wide range of collaboration among companies.
networks that support a wide range of collaboration among companies.Convergence in Action, the latest white paper from AT&T (News - Alert), explains how collaborative problem-solving will increase with companies’ suppliers in addition to their customers and other third parties. Performance improvement will be a result of pooled resources in a variety of areas including sourcing, new product development, marketing, sales and manufacturing.
One example provided includes linking up companies’ legal departments on an IP network, making it possible to create a distribution agreement in 11 days rather than the previous 11 weeks. Competitive benefits can be realized much faster as convergence facilitates a better flow of information.
A converged IP network is essential within the organization as well. For large, global enterprises with employees and operations located throughout the world, convergence has become vital to ensuring that all staff works together efficiently across all borders. This global teamwork is possible with convergence-enabled collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Customers can also be brought into the collaboration sphere by customers using IP. Such functionality enables information and input voice or electronic interactions during customer service transactions to be fed back into business processes.
Next-generation IP tools are already becoming available and executives expect to see IP collaboration tools evolve as demand grows and technology advances. Check out this white paper in its entirety to get a better understanding of what the future of IP convergence holds for all organizations.
Want to learn more about networks? Then be sure to check out TMCnet’s White Paper Library, which provides a selection of in-depth information on relevant topics affecting the IP Communications industry. The library offers white papers, case studies and other documents which are free to registered users. The papers are authored by industry leaders, who, in turn, receive qualified sales leads from interested parties. Check here for the latest in CRM information.
Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMC (News - Alert) and has also written for eastbiz.com. To see more of her articles, please visit Susan J. Campbell’s columnist page.
