A Voice For The Channel
VoIP technology is hot--and should only get hotter. The 2007 VARBusiness State of the Market survey found that VoIP is the fifth most sought-after technology among solution providers, with midsize companies as the strongest adopters. According to the VARBusiness State of Technology report on networking, 25 percent of solution providers currently offer VoIP products and services, while 30 percent plan to add VoIP to their portfolios in the next year.
Channel expectations for VoIP and unified communications reflect the trends in the marketplace. Solution providers see strong demand for voice products and services across all customer segments, particularly among small and midsize businesses that are looking to reduce costs and gain efficiencies. VARBusiness' survey of midmarket companies and end users found improving employee communications to be among the top IT priorities. Additionally, nearly one-third of all end users will hire a VAR to implement their voice solutions.
The opportunities in voice technologies are boundless, provided you think beyond the handset. Solution providers tell us that unified communications is more of a management sell than an offering for the IT guys. It's about satisfying a business need rather than a technology need. While VoIP is pulling demand for upgrades in network gear, storage, security and bandwidth, there are even greater opportunities for integrating with software and IP-enabled systems that improve business processes and create efficiencies.
Do you agree? Use your voice to tell me what you think.