Cost-cutting sparking new interest in IP PBXs: Report

NEW YORK, USA: Suppliers of IP-based private branch exchanges (PBXs) are positioning themselves to attract more attention from businesses looking to lower their communications costs to cope with the general economic downturn, according to the latest report published by Light Reading's VoIP Services Insider, a subscription research service from Light Reading.

IP PBXs: Looking for an Upside in a Down Economy provides an in-depth look at the IP PBX market, including a comparative analysis of IP PBX solutions -- broken down by their integration features, software and hardware support, management and installation features, security features, and quality of service (QoS) support. It also examines the vertical market strengths and strategies for various vendors in the IP PBX market. The report also examines challenges the market continues to face, trends to expect in the future, and the expected impact of the economy on the industry, as well as a competitive analysis of ten of the top IP PBX vendors.

"There is a need for IP PBX technology, especially among enterprises that need cost savings, increases in productivity, and better efficiency," says Denise Culver, research analyst with Light Reading's VoIP Services Insider and author of the report. "However, one of the biggest hurdles the industry faces is the lack of knowledge and education about VoIP in general, and especially about the benefits of IP PBX."

IP PBX is becoming increasingly popular as users come to better understand the system and all it has to offer, Culver says. "As understanding and acceptance of VoIP has gained traction, overall acceptance of IP-based PBXs has increased," she notes. "Additionally, newer vendors have entered the market, causing the price to decrease, while the target markets for such systems has broadened to include small and medium-size enterprises."

Key findings of IP PBXs

Looking for an Upside in a Down Economy include the following:

  --  Cost savings and high ROI will drive new users to IP PBX as

      enterprises seek ways to trim their telecom budgets over the next year

  --  IP PBX vendors will see growth in the SMB market, as more people look

      to start up new small businesses or work from home

  --  Vendors must educate buyers about the benefits of IP PBXs, helping

      them to overcome the fear of new technology in turbulent times

  --  The government vertical should provide continued growth for IP PBX

      vendors over the next year

  --  Support and training for VoIP must be improved in order to improve QoS

IP PBXs: Looking for an Upside in a Down Economy 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.