Communications and Technology Industry Research

When a new type of technology is introduced to the marketplace, it typically takes a while for consumers and businesses alike to become aware of its benefits. Even once that awareness reaches a critical mass, practices may lag behind.

 

Nowhere is this example more relevant than in the market encompassing IP convergence and VoIP. Although many converged IP products and services are now available, In-Stat (News - Alert) reported this week, the IT departments of many companies aren’t keeping up when they put together their budgets.

 

In many cases, the problem is that the sheer complexity and rate of change related to IP communications, while it may be altering business practices, still leaves IT managers uncertain or unaware of new categories to budget for. This makes it difficult for IP communications product vendors and service providers to market their wares, and also means that companies aren’t adapting as quickly as they could.

 

“Despite the buzz around convergence and its growing importance to companies, this absence of budgeting precision creates a challenge for vendors and service providers selling into a company that coordinates through a budgeting decision-maker,” In-Stat analyst Jeff Jernigan said in a statement.

 

This challenge exists despite the fact that, across all sizes of business, one of the highest telecom priorities for 2007 is implementing IP convergence and VoIP.

 

In-Stat predicted that, as the emphasis on IP solutions increases, so too will demand for managed and hosted services, especially from small and medium sized businesses (SMBs).

 

Also expected to increase, according to In-Stat, is demand for VoIP security solutions, across all sizes of business.

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