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HP’s Power Play for EDS Delivers Dubious Synergies
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Business Network Services - U.S., Enterprise Network Systems, Contact Center Solutions, Internet/Managed Services - U.S., Application Infrastructure, Enterprise Communications , Business Telecom Services - Europe, Enterprise Security, Enterprise Mobility - Europe, Enterprise Mobility - U.S., Telecom Services - Asia, Telecom Infrastructure Services
- [May 16, 2008]
HP’s agreement to shell out big money to
bolster its services
portfolio by acquiring EDS appears a safe,
but expensive and
uninspired move. The synergy is about
additive finances, not
revolutionary new ideas, and IBM’s
position is not threatened.
|
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Interactive Intelligence Keeps Pace in Unified Communications Development with OCS Support
|
| Competitive Update |
Contact Center Solutions, Enterprise Communications
- [May 15, 2008]
Interactive Intelligence creates a compelling unified
communications solution by integrating Microsoft’s OCS with its
Vonexus EIC and Customer Interaction Center. However, it is a
single voice in a crowd and may be drowned out by louder voices.
|
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Cisco’s New TelePresence End Stations Widen Deployment Options
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [May 13, 2008]
New additions to Cisco’s TelePresence portfolio offer
businesses new ways of deploying and utilizing immersive video
technology. But expensive systems and high-bandwidth
requirements continue to characterize this cutting-edge
technology.
|
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Siemens Enterprise Communications and BT Tighten Bonds for MNC Opportunities
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [May 09, 2008]
Siemens Enterprise Communications and BT together present a
unified services approach for MNCs. The partnership adds global
power to Siemens’ channel and differentiates BT’s managed PBX
offerings. Both are required to combat fierce competition.
|
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3Com’s New Management Will Improve its Business in China
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Enterprise Network Systems, Enterprise Communications , Enterprise Security
- [May 05, 2008]
Reshuffling its executive management team demonstrates that
3Com is rethinking its corporate strategy now that its
privatization plans have failed. But the company has yet to
deliver a clear and coherent business plan.
|
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Interop 2008: Avaya Speaks Up with Latest Unified Messaging Release
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Apr 30, 2008]
Avaya is offering free speech and other incentives with its
latest unified messaging release as it seeks to retain existing
customers. It’s a wise approach in a competitive market in
which rivals are looking to steal away its customers.
|
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Interop 2008: ADTRAN Offers More of the Same with New IP PBX
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Apr 30, 2008]
ADTRAN is meeting the demands of its
VARs and demonstrating its
commitment to the SMB PBX market with
new products. However,
the company has missed an opportunity
to expand its markets and
improve its applications capability.
|
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AT&T Launches Managed Cisco TelePresence Offering, Countering Competitors’ Play for Top Tier Customers
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Enterprise Communications
- [Apr 24, 2008]
AT&T will launch an international videoconferencing service
using Cisco’s TelePresence system in the second half of 2008.
AT&T will see intense competition against competitors vying for
the select customer base that can afford the solution.
|
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As NEC Unveils Yet Another More Advanced Platform, NEAX 2400 IPX Remains Its Bread and Butter in Enterprise Accounts
|
| Product Intelligence Report |
Enterprise Communications
- [Apr 15, 2008]
NEC delivers an IP migration path with
strong investment
protection in the NEAX 2400 IPX
platform. Use of proprietary
technology and the availability of more
advanced IP systems
from NEC and others limit the PBX’s
attraction for new accounts.
|
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Despite Mitel’s Continued Support for Inter-Tel Axxess, the Platform’s Long-term Fate Is Dubious
|
| Product Intelligence Report |
Enterprise Communications
- [Apr 15, 2008]
The Inter-Tel Axxess PBX has benefited
from an advanced
applications set and a migration path to
newer IP-based
communications systems. These same
systems, however, and more
flexible platforms within Mitel’s catalog
cloud Axxess’ long-
term fate.
|
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Cisco Partner Summit: Opening Branch Office Routers to Third-party Apps Will Increase Versatility
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Apr 11, 2008]
The Application eXtension Platform helps
Cisco open up its
router platforms, much like its
competitors are doing. An
impressive range of communications apps
will help Cisco not
only keep up with, but potentially
outpace, the Joneses.
|
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Unified Communications: The Differing Needs of Large Enterprises and SMEs
|
| Advisory Report |
Enterprise Communications
- [Apr 07, 2008]
Major differences between the way large
enterprises and SMEs
view unified communications (UC) creates
challenges in the way
UC technologies are developed,
marketed and implemented.
|
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Disruption Reduction: Controlling the Impact of Communications Innovation
|
| Advisory Report |
Enterprise Communications
- [Apr 01, 2008]
There are many disruptive technologies that can dramatically
change the way communications solutions are implemented,
deployed and managed within enterprises. Vendors should make
sure customers and resellers are not overwhelmed by them.
|
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VoiceCon Spring 2008: IBM Advances Unified Communications Strategy with ShoreTel, Video and Persistent World Integrations
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Mar 20, 2008]
IBM is thinking outside the box as it seeks
to embed unified
communications capabilities in healthcare
apps and virtual
worlds. But it’s likely such integrations will
result in few new
sales opportunities for Big Blue’s Lotus
division.
|
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VoiceCon Spring 2008: Microsoft Allies with Aspect, Opening Opportunities for Both
|
| Show Update |
Contact Center Solutions, Enterprise Communications
- [Mar 20, 2008]
Microsoft and Aspect ally to accelerate the development of UC
for the contact center. Each partner offers significant
strengths but the alliance will compete against large rivals who
are also developing UC solution for contact centers.
|
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VoiceCon Spring 2008: Avaya’s New Presence Offering Will Deliver a More Flexible UC Solution
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Mar 19, 2008]
A marked improvement over its existing
presence solution, Avaya
Intelligent Presence Server will become a
federated,
multivendor UC platform. However, with
more mature UC offerings
on the market, Avaya has its work cut out
to differentiate
itself.
|
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VoiceCon Spring 2008: Motorola Invokes TEAM to Revitalize Its FMC Initiatives
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Mar 17, 2008]
Motorola unveiled a revitalization of its
enterprise FMC
initiatives after years of silence. Though
late to the party,
its wireless pedigree and the market’s
relative immaturity
provide an opportunity for Motorola to
become a player in the
space.
|
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Nortel and Microsoft’s Delivery of Jointly Developed UC Solutions Attests to Alliance’s Strength
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Mar 13, 2008]
Nortel is leveraging its Innovative Communications Alliance
with Microsoft to deliver some unique unified communications
solutions. But competitors aggressively integrating with OCS
are likely to soon replicate some currently unique offerings.
|
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|
What It Means to Be ‘‘Green:’’ Environmental Responsibility in the Telecom Industry
|
| Advisory Report |
Data Management, Business Network Services - U.S., Carrier Infrastructure , Enterprise Network Systems, Broadband Infrastructure , Contact Center Solutions, Internet/Managed Services - U.S., Optical Infrastructure , Wireless Services - Europe, Solutions Assessments, Application Infrastructure, Wireless Infrastructure , Enterprise Communications , Business Telecom Services - Europe, Enterprise Security, Enterprise Mobility - Europe, Carrier IP Telephony , Wholesale Telecom Services , Enterprise Mobility - U.S., Telecom Services - Asia, Digital Media Infrastructure, Telecom Infrastructure Services, Consumer Broadband Services Europe
- BeNeLux, Central Europe, China/Hong Kong, Eastern Europe, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Nordics, Pan-Asia, Pan-European, Singapore, Southern Europe, UK/Ireland [Mar 07, 2008]
As Kermit once said, “It’s not easy being
green.” Current
Analysis recognizes the challenges and
opportunities associated
with environmental sustainability and it is
taking a
comprehensive approach to analyzing the
key issues in this
movement.
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Vertical Key System Will Appeal to VoIP Adoption Laggards
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Mar 05, 2008]
Releasing another communications
platform for small businesses,
Vertical Communications has a voice
system for about every
conceivable customer type. But there
seems to be minimal
thought in weaving the systems into a
more cohesive product
line.
|
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CeBIT 2008: Siemens’ Combined Comms and UC Software Will Facilitate Cross-sell Opportunities
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Mar 04, 2008]
Combining a software-based PBX and UC
software into a single platform, Siemens
will be in a better position to sell HiPath
8000 to OpenScape customers and vice
versa. More apps and more integrated
management will improve the offering.
|
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|
Siemens “Reorientation” Must be Followed Up by Spin Off
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Contact Center Solutions, Enterprise Communications
- [Feb 28, 2008]
Workforce reductions and outsourced
manufacturing form the
heart of Siemens Enterprise
Communications latest
organizational shakeup. It’s hoped these
will stabilize the
company and lead to an acquisition,
though it’s unclear that
this will happen.
|
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Alcatel-Lucent Forum: Alcatel-Lucent Partners Will Expand BiCS Reach
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Feb 25, 2008]
With its newest communications platform
now available, Alcatel-
Lucent is signing up top-tier carriers to
distribute it. This
promises to raise awareness of BiCS
among both providers of
managed services and their customers.
|
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3Com-Bain Deal Stalls, but the Door Remains Open
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Feb 22, 2008]
Bain Capital Partners and Huawei have
withdrawn their proposal to take 3Com
private. While the door remains open for
further discussions, it also leaves 3Com
vulnerable to rivals.
|
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Aastra Fortifies European Power with Ericsson Enterprise Acquisition
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Enterprise Communications
- [Feb 21, 2008]
Aastra is increasing its market influence
via the acquisition
of Ericsson’s enterprise business, which
makes the company one
of the top suppliers in Europe; however,
the company’s product
line just got even more complicated.
|
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ShoreTel Tightens Partnership with Enterasys for Stronger Enterprise Play
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Feb 14, 2008]
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes in Enterasys’
announcement that it has certified against ShoreTel’s IP voice
systems. Going forward, ShoreTel will be Enterasys vendor of
choice when it comes to recommending IP PBXs to enterprise
clients.
|
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Covergence’s SBC Will Extend Its Reach into the Enterprise
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Feb 04, 2008]
Covergence has found a distinctive niche in the SBC space with
a virtual appliance aimed at enterprises. The market for such
devices remains in its infancy, but a low-cost SBC could
increase enterprises and SMBs’ interest in them.
|
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Siemens Rebrands Enterprise Services to Freshen Value Proposition
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Feb 04, 2008]
The OpenScale Services branding aims to
raise awareness for Siemens Enterprise
Communications’ services portfolio, which
is evolving to meet changing enterprise
needs. While setting the table for the
future, immediate advantages are
minimal.
|
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Internet Telephony Expo: Fonality’s Partnership with Dell Will Raise Awareness of Fonality Solutions
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Jan 25, 2008]
Signing up Dell as a business partner is a real coup for
Fonality, an open source PBX startup needing a big shoulder to
lean on as it better establishes itself in the market. But the
company already faces stiff competition within this new channel.
|
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Lotusphere 2008: IBM’s OEM Agreements with Cisco, Nortel Will Broaden Sales Opps
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Jan 24, 2008]
IBM garnered support from an additional set of top-tier PBX
developers for Sametime and has expanded existing relationships
for increased marketing power. All will be needed as
competition in enterprise unified communications markets
intensifies.
|
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Lotusphere 2008: NEC Strengthens Its UC Position with Sametime Integration
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Jan 23, 2008]
Support for IBM Sametime will open new
sales and marketing
opportunities for NEC. Since its tardiness
has given
competitors a healthy head start, NEC
will need to prove strong
differentiation to catch up from a
marketing perspective.
|
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|
Avaya Takes New Approach, Improves Communications Manager Versatility in Version 5
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Enterprise Communications
- [Jan 22, 2008]
Enhancements to how its IP PBX
supports SIP services,
applications, and devices are at the heart
of Avaya’s latest
Communication Manager upgrade.
Customers are sure to favorably
respond to the simplified deployment and
greater end point
options.
|
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Internet Telephony Expo: 3Com Diversifies Its Branch Offerings with MSR-Asterisk Solution
|
| Show Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Jan 22, 2008]
With its router-based IPT solution, 3Com
fulfills promises and
proves progress in its strategically
important OSN initiative.
While highlighting the benefits of being a
developer of both
voice and data gear, the offering puts it
in an elite group.
|
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Interactive Intelligence PBX Updates Will Appeal to Microsoft Shops
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Jan 18, 2008]
Integration with Microsoft Live
Communications Server and
planned support for Office
Communications Server will help
Interactive Intelligence’s EIC better fit
into the application
software deployed at small businesses
and larger enterprises.
|
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Nortel Starter Kits Will Appeal to Businesses Seeking Mobility Options
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Jan 18, 2008]
With its new starter kits, Nortel is making its various mobility
solutions easier to source and implement. But with competitors
now offering product bundles of their own, Nortel’s kits in
general are less differentiated than they once were.
|
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|
Mitel SX-200 ICP
|
| Product Intelligence Report |
Enterprise Communications
- [Jan 07, 2008]
The SX-200 ICP provides a plausible IP migration path for a
number of legacy or lower-end Mitel systems in North America.
But its narrow markets and other platforms within Mitel’s
portfolio increasingly shrink the SX-200 ICP’s role.
|
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Integrated Apps Change Competitive Dynamics of SMB Communications Market
|
| Advisory Report |
Enterprise Communications
- [Jan 07, 2008]
Advanced communications applications - instant messaging,
presence and relatively advanced contact center software - are
set to change the nature of SMB voice systems and the way
employees at smaller companies communicate with one another.
|
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NextiraOne Targets Orange with Neuf Cegetel Alliance
|
| Competitive Intelligence Report |
Enterprise Communications
- [Jan 02, 2008]
NextiraOne’s alliance with network
operator Neuf Cegetel raises
the pressure in the French business
market, particularly for
Orange Business Services, which has
been using its blend of
network and IT expertise to great effect.
|
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Avaya Appeals to Mobile SMB Workers with IP Office Enhancements
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Dec 14, 2007]
Avaya’s IP Office 4.1 enhancements, which focus on mobility and
productivity, will have appeal for existing customers and will
generally keep IP Office on pace with alternatives that are also
delivering enterprise-class applications to SMBs.
|
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Nortel’s Updates to BCM 50 Diversify Advanced Apps Capabilities
|
| Competitive Update |
Enterprise Communications
- [Dec 10, 2007]
Small businesses will find themselves well
served with the
latest BCM 50 upgrade. However, so
much R&D focus on this low-
end system could call into question
Nortel’s plans to introduce
comparable features to other BCM
platforms quickly.
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-
