The popularity of
converged networks that carry both voice and data traffic has
been demonstrated in research by In-Stat showing that by 31 million
voice-centric business IP phones will have shipped by
2012.
Converged networks offer firms of all sizes great benefits in
terms of streamlined network efficiency and reduced maintenance and
operational costs as companies need only be acquainted with one,
not many, network topologies.
The uptake of IP phones in the business sector is so
pronounced that among voice-centric IP phones, businesses will
outpace consumers more than 10 to 1 according to the In-Stat
report.
IP-based communications in general are rapidly replacing
tradtional networks at a steady pace in the workplace, said
In-Stat analyst Norm Bogen, but adoption is slow among consumers.
"Within the business market, corded IP phones remain the standard,
and will continue to dominate the enterprise IP phone market
through 2012," says Norm Bogen. "However, WLAN and IP DECT phones
continue to grow, especially within some specific vertical and
geographical markets."
Cisco, Avaya, and Nortel are leading the market for enterprise IP
phones. In-Stat also found that Wi-Fi integration in cellular
phones is growing rapidly even if the majority of Wi-Fi/cellular
phones are not designed for VoIP.