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IP Videoconferencing Service Providers (U.S.): A Competitive Benchmarking ReportPublished by: Frost & Sullivan Published: Jan. 17, 2003 Table of Contents 1 IP Videoconferencing Service Providers (U.S.), A Strategic Analysis of Pricing & Features and Functionality AbstractIntegrated Services Will Rule the Roost in an Embryonic MarketInternet Protocol (IP)-based videoconferencing is emerging as a powerful business collaboration tool offering significant opportunities for service providers and cost savings to enterprises. Integrated web, audio, and video conferencing services with value add-ons such as web-based portals, centralized management and monitoring, as well as seamless connectivity between disparate endpoints and networks will continuously expand the end-user base. The market is highly competitive with the entry of several new service providers, while the legacy providers maintain a stronghold on the ISDN customer base. This Frost & Sullivan research presents a critical examination of the conferencing service provider (CSP)-managed IP videoconferencing services in the United States. The report provides competitive benchmarking of top market participants and in-depth market analysis of existing products and pricing models enabling companies to formulate effective marketing strategies. Web Conferencing and Value-enhanced Features - Essentials for Greater Market Mileage According to the analyst, "As end user demands evolve, many service providers are offering web conferencing services as part of their service portfolio, grossing higher revenues. The eventual convergence of conferencing solutions will enable quick and cost-effective scaling of bandwidth as well as dynamic switching from application to application." Further, the emergence of single-source providers offering bundled products is allowing customers to build their own best-of-breed solutions. The aggressive strategies of IP-centric conferencing service bureaus and flexible pricing models are also encouraging transition to IP services. To combat increasing competitive pressures, service providers are working to differentiate themselves by offering high-value services such as end-to-end managed IP videoconferencing; web-based access and comprehensive management; simplified user administration of active conferences or on-the-fly management of conferences; advanced security features, enhanced directory services and flexible billing options. Reservationless or 'on demand' videoconferencing is also gaining momentum while features such as call transfer, call forwarding, and 'hunt group' implementations will gain increasing acceptance once video moves to the desktops. Long-term Strategies Will Provide Market Sustenance The telecom services industry, restrained by the weak economy and accounting scandals, is operating with lean organization structures and tight budgets, slowing down growth. The migration from circuit-switched networks to IP networks is also posing strong challenges. Sustained efforts are on to iron out several implementation issues including network integration and management as well as privacy and security of enterprise communications.
The analyst concludes, "Despite the need to focus on the immediate future, it is critical for competitors to maintain a longer-term strategic perspective and to take steps now to establish the sustainable competitive advantages that will position them for success in the next phase of market evolution. Service providers should concentrate on developing collaborative feature sets that are reliable, easy to use, and affordable. Timely competitive assessments will ensure successful initiation and acceptance of new offerings as well as better return on investment."
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