Applications to Drive More Interest in Unified Communications, Report FindsUC vendors are developing applications around specific vertical markets to keep up with new demands, says Light Reading's VOIP Services InsiderPRNewswire NEW YORK, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Providers of unified communications (UC) platforms and services are focusing more effort and attention on developing and marketing applications that target specific enterprise user needs, a strategy shift that will have a significant impact on the continued development of the UC sector, according to the latest report published by Light Reading's VOIP Services Insider (http://www.lightreading.com/entvoip), a subscription research service from TechWeb's Light Reading (http://www.lightreading.com/). The Key to UC Revenue Success: It's the Apps examines emerging trends in the UC applications market, providing an in-depth examination of the top UC applications (including those drawing user attention today), and hot applications that will likely draw more attention over the next 12 to 18 months. It examines the strategies of UC providers, including the types of markets and verticals they are targeting, the partnerships and acquisitions they have made, and their future R&D plans. Additionally, the report provides a comparative analysis of 11 of the top companies in the UC industry and how their products address applications. For a list of companies covered in this report, please see: http://img.lightreading.com/evi/pdf/vsi0808_companies.pdf "Despite next-gen service trappings surrounding unified communications, customers want from UC what they have always wanted from conventional voice, video, and data offerings -- saved time, saved money, and increased productivity," says Denise Culver, research analyst with Light Reading's VOIP Services Insider and author of the report. "As they look to expand the user base for UC, vendors and service providers know they need to emphasize the practical aspects of UC adoption." But even as they emphasize the practical advantages of moving to UC platforms, providers of UC products and services understand that innovative applications will be the ultimate driver for wider UC adoption by enterprises of all sizes, Culver says. "Vendors are developing VOIP, IM, click-to-call, presence, whiteboarding, conferencing, and other applications specifically for small and midsize enterprises," she notes. "For larger enterprises, developers are targeting applications to specific vertical markets, such as using UC for outbound call notification systems now being installed by universities as a response to campus emergencies." Other key findings of The Key to UC Revenue Success: It's the Apps include the following: -- Fixed/mobile convergence and collaboration are two of the most popular UC applications today -- Rich media with HD audio and video is one of the hot applications expected to pick up speed over the next 12 to 18 months -- Financial and healthcare are two of the largest verticals that have vendors creating specialized applications for UC platforms -- Vendors are developing strategic partnerships - often with competitors - to succeed in the UC applications space -- The push toward UC partnerships is also sparking more interest in open platforms for UC The Key to UC Revenue Success: It's the Apps provides critical data and analysis for a range of industry participants, including: -- Unified communications technology suppliers looking for an independent assessment of the UC application market and opportunities -- Network operators evaluating deployment of UC platforms and applications -- Investors needing a better understanding of the scale of the opportunity that the UC application sector presents, and which companies are best positioned to take advantage of that opportunity The Key to UC Revenue Success: It's the Apps is available as part of an annual subscription (six issues) to Light Reading's VOIP Services Insider, priced at $1,295. Individual reports are available for $900. To subscribe, or for more information, please visit: http://www.lightreading.com/entvoip. For more information about other Light Reading Insider research services, please visit: http://www.lightreading.com/research. To request a free executive summary of the report, or for details on multi-user licensing options, please contact: Jeff Claudino Director of Sales Insider Research Services 619-229-9940 claudino@lightreading.com Press/analyst contact: Dennis Mendyk Managing Director Insider Research Services 201-587-2154 mendyk@heavyreading.com About Light Reading Founded in 2000, Light Reading (http://www.lightreading.com/) is the ultimate source for technology and financial analysis of the communications industry, leading the media sector in terms of traffic, content, and reputation. It reaches an extensive audience of executives and technologists within the telecom and enterprise networking communities, as well as the financial/industry analysts and investors who track these sectors. Light Reading was acquired by United Business Media in August 2005, and operates as a unit of UBM. About TechWeb TechWeb (techweb.com/aboutus), the global leader in business technology media, is an innovative business focused on serving the needs of technology decision-makers and marketers worldwide. TechWeb produces the most respected and consumed media brands in the business technology market. Today, more than 13.3 million* business technology professionals actively engage in our communities created around our global face-to-face events Interop, Web 2.0, Black Hat and VoiceCon; online resources such as the TechWeb Network, Light Reading, Intelligent Enterprise, InformationWeek.com, bMighty.com, and The Financial Technology Network; and the market leading, award-winning InformationWeek, TechNet Magazine, MSDN Magazine, Wall Street & Technology magazines. TechWeb also provides end-to-end services ranging from next-generation performance marketing, integrated media, research, and analyst services. TechWeb is a division of United Business Media, a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion. * 13.3 million business decision-makers: based on # of monthly connections SOURCE: Light Reading's VOIP Services Insider CONTACT: Jeff Claudino, Director of Sales, +1-619-229-9940, Web site: http://www.lightreading.com/ |