IP PBX Adoption Rate Dependent Upon New Services, Software

InStat:With the move to IP, the PBX is no longer a standalone system, but rather just one component of a larger unified corporate communication system that includes e-mail, IM/presence, dual-mode phones, video conferencing, etc.,. Full IP PBX deployments across the entire scope of the enterprise remain relatively rare, and smaller businesses are only now beginning to gain sufficient confidence to deploy IP-based systems. PBX suppliers realize the only way to speed the transition and increase revenues is to advance the obsolescence of traditional systems by changing the way employees communicate in ways that enhance productivity. But to accomplish such lofty goals, IP PBX players must radically change their historical business models in ways that replace hardware revenues with software and services. One leg of such strategies requires IP PBX players to walk the fine line between cooperation and competition with powerful players like Microsoft.

• Most PBX players have some level of relationship with Microsoft, and many of these ties have been strengthened in recent months.

• As dual-mode phones that operate on both cellular and 802.11 frequencies begin to hit the market, mobility is becoming an ever more important part of IP PBX player strategies.

• Line shipments of IP PBX systems will increase from 19.1 million in 2006 to 37.8 million in 2010.

In-Depth Analysis: The Changing Face of IP PBXs: Mobility and Multimedia Publ 20061030