The market for UC services

The market for UC services and hosted telephony is reaching maturity in the US, according to a new report available on companiesandmarkets.com. By 2020, it is estimated that 20% of business telephony will be hosted, consumers become aware of the benefits and the research becomes more accessible.

The maturing US markets of UC services

Technologies deployed within the maturing US markets of UC services and hosted telephony tend to be adopted by very different end users - VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for the smaller organisations with restricted budgets, and UC for larger businesses with distinct requirements and fewer financial restraints. Cloud technologies have attracted considerable attention in recent years, resulting in positive interest and demand for hosted solutions and software as a service).

Traditional premises-based communications systems however present a threat to hosted UC solutions, with high levels of functionality, reasonable total cost of ownership and a high level of system control cited as key reasons behind deployment of premises-based systems over hosted IP telephony. End users have as well indicated that mediocre customer service/support from telecommunications companies has influenced their attitudes towards hosted research.

Costs associated with UC and private branch exchange systems are dropping, and some PBX companies are initiating their own hosted services, potentially restraining market value. Competition has intensified in the hosted telephony market, encouraging technology. It is expected that in future, providers will offer flexible, bundled service solutions with enhanced features, exactly tailored to clients. Improvements to quality and availability of service will as well attract and retain custom.

The May 2011 publication contains 79 pages of insight into the North American hosted IP telephony market, including historical and forecast data for the period 2008-2017. An explanation of the market landscape is included, including market segmentation, trends, models, opportunities, market barriers/drivers for growth, key players and end users. The report as well provides the reader with strategic recommendations, directed towards end users and service providers.