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Enhanced Carrier Messaging Platforms Market
Frost & Sullivan, July 2004
Next-Generation IP Messaging Platforms Drive Market Growth
The global messaging platform market is currently witnessing large-scale transition from legacy time division multiplexing (TDM)-based solutions to next-generation Internet-Protocol (IP)/packet switched platforms. This paradigm shift is due to the overwhelming benefits such as lower operational expenditure (OPEX), quicker service creation, and higher subscriber retention offered by these next-generation platforms, without being locked into a vendor’s solution for long periods. Though claims on lower maintenance costs need further market validation, other compelling returns including improved and centralized management applications, reduced complexity, and lower space requirements tilt the scales in favor of these enhanced services platforms (ESPs).
Frost & Sullivan’s recent research investigates how quickly carriers are likely to transit to IP-based-ESPs {also known as value-added services (VAS) platform} - an all-encompassing solution that can deliver carrier-grade service ranging from voice mail (VM) to unified communications (UC) for wire line, wireless, and cable operators. The research analyzes key migration issues and other challenges faced by vendors besides providing revenue forecasts for 2002 to 2007 and a thorough examination of the competitive landscape.
Service Differentiation and Cost Savings Are Key Catalysts for Migration to IP Platforms
The move toward IP-based messaging platforms is likely to accelerate further since the aging of the legacy VM installed base and its eventual replacement is expected to provide a plethora of opportunities to all carriers, particularly incumbents. To leverage this and ensure customer ‘stickiness’, carriers need service differentiation in addition to their claims on low operational costs. This is the reason for next-generation IP based messaging service, which can be bundled with extra storage capabilities, being considered a boon to carriers that find it six to ten times cheaper to maintain a current subscriber than to add a new one in the present business environment.
Besides this, the expected service improvements in the enhanced VM market - enabled by the migration to IP platforms - is anticipated to assist carriers in extending their scope of services, resulting in subscriber retention and substantial OPEX savings. With a next-generation ESP, operators can create a user interface that is unique and is always likely to remain the same for different types of phones, says the analyst. This will ensure customers’ loyalty to remain with the carrier rather than with the handset manufacturers.
Wire Line and Cable Markets Hold Untapped Revenue Potential
The penetration of messaging in the wire line segment, especially among the residential and business wire line users, remains low. However, this situation is expected to change soon as wire line carriers realize the superlative benefits of next-generation IP solutions. One such benefit will be the convergence of wire line and wireless VM that helps participants counter the erosion of wire line subscriber base.
Additionally, the ‘triple-play’ (voice, data, and video) threat from multiple system operators (MSOs) and cable participants is anticipated to drive the market uptake of wire line messaging. The cable opportunity, though small, is likely to grow at a faster pace than any other market. To take advantage of these emerging opportunities, carriers have to redefine the value proposition by offering a ‘single message store’ - the fundamental centerpiece of an ‘open architecture’ - with modular ‘plug and play’ components in strict adherence to industry standards.
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