Opportunities! Opportunities! Who will grab what??
Convergence is the word today. After the convergence of Wi-Fi and cellular technologies, the solution providers are now looking forward to drive WLAN, VoIP, applications and services sales.
Aruba Networks is about to deliver Fixed Mobile Convergence (FMC) to enterprises, while Cisco Systems is gearing up for the launch this week of its Master Unified Communications specialization, its new top-level certification for VoIP partners. Other vendors such as Meru Networks, Nortel Networks and Trapeze Networks also are preparing VARs to capitalize on the emerging FMC market. The Santa Ana, Calif., distributor last week launched a new mobility division to encompass new partnerships with wireless carriers such as Verizon Wireless, Sprint/Nextel and Cingular as well as with device manufacturers and ISVs including Palm, Nokia, Motorola, Research in Motion and Good Technology to help VARs build wireless solutions.
I-mate, Motorola, Nokia and Paragon Wireless have already flooded the market with their Dual-mode handsets that have both Wi-Fi and cellular radios. By 2009, the Wi-Fi phone market is expected to hit $3.7 billion, up from $125.5 million in 2005, according to Infonetics Research. The firm projects that 91 percent of Wi-Fi phone revenue will come from dual-mode handsets by 2009, up from 42 percent in 2005.
With business flourishing via mobile phones, the idea of replacing separate desktop and cellular phones with a single mobile device that provides access to enterprise VoIP calling features and messaging applications is extremely attractive to a wide variety of customers and service providers are working hard to tap this opportunity.