Surge in convergence of networks around IP platforms

NEW DELHI: The convergence of corporate networks around an IP platform has moved into high gear, according to a new survey and report from AT&T in co-operation with the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).

Almost 25 percent of the companies surveyed have deployed converged networks throughout all or most of the organisation. About 60 percent are to follow suit by 2008.

The global survey of 236 executives, which included 77 CEOs, explored the business ramifications of migrating networks to IP. Forty-five of of the executives surveyed said convergence is "important" or "critical" to achieve their strategic IT and business objectives. Four percent viewed it as "unimportant".

This marks an important shift in the emphasis of network convergence projects. Until recently, companies mainly saw converged platforms as a way to reduce network cost, but there is now much greater emphasis on how to use convergence to innovate and add value. For example, according to survey respondents, improved customer service and better collaboration (with customers, suppliers and partners, and among employees) outweigh lower telephony costs as the chief benefits of convergence.

Thirty-nine percent of the survey respondents were from the Asia Pacific region. On a global basis, improved security was ranked as the most important benefit of increased convergence (68%), availability was second (62%) and reliability third (46%), whereas in Asia Pacific Availability was rated more important at 59% with security second (58%) and reliability third (39%).