| Date | Report |
|
|
CTIA 2013 was the second to last of the bi-annual CTIA shows, separating enterprise mobility from “everything else”. As this was the “everything else” show, finding enterprise announcements was challenging, but M2M kept up its role as a newsmaker.
|
|
|
Enterprise interest in UCaaS is increasing, and service providers are responding with expanded portfolios and vendor support. Carrier support for integrated cloud and premise-based solutions will help enterprises move to UCaaS at their own pace.
|
|
|
VMware rolled out its much-anticipated hybrid service this week. Aimed at clients running applications in a virtual on-premises environment that want a secure path to the cloud, the impact on VMware’s service provider partners is still unclear.
|
|
|
Even though cloud collaboration is taking off, some enterprises are reluctant to embrace this productivity enhancing solution. What is holding them back, and how can they overcome these hurdles?
|
|
|
M2M is increasingly viewed as just a part of the larger Internet of Things (IoT) which encompasses all Internet access technologies and many more “things” to be connected. Cloud services are key to the scalability and management of the larger IoT.
|
|
|
Technology providers that have invested heavily in next-gen integrated database and middleware cloud appliances are hoping to find an important group of early adopters in network operators and other MSPs.
|
|
|
AT&T partners with M2M integrator Wipro to augment its ability to provide solutions for deployments that use Axeda’s application development platform. With their complementary skill sets, the trio’s market opportunity may be significantly enhanced.
|
|
|
Cbeyond has built up its TotalAssist services, dividing them into categories for cloud on-boarding, CPE management and custom projects. By mapping processes, the provider can better predict rates and on-board SMBs cost-effectively.
|
|
|
Sprint is expanding its cloud portfolio to include a new IaaS solution that marries its MPLS network with partner CSC’s on-demand compute offer. The result is an end-to-end service that promises both stability and elastic capacity.
|
|
|
EarthLink Business rolls out Cloud Disaster Recovery, which replicates a full operating environment with configuration, applications and data. The service can be spun up fully when needed, providing a cost-effective alternative to hot standby.
|
|
|
April 2013 witnessed the closing of minor acquisitions by regional CLECs; Sprint and Cbeyond led innovations in the SMB space with adoption of new cloud-based applications and personalized assistance to back their newly introduced services.
|
|
|
Coming on the heels of its HughesON WAN optimization services launch, the provider debuts its HR4700 gateway tuned for broadband. Combining managed services with co-developed CPE makes for OpEx-based WAN optimization at compelling prices.
|
|
|
The new Verizon breach report put a spotlight on China’s massive cyber-espionage activities for the second time this year. Read beyond the sensationalist headlines, however, and you’ll see the biggest threat comes from the U.S. and Eastern Europe.
|
|
|
Sprint now supports Data Link and Static IP addresses across its 4G LTE network. Businesses can now use these Sprint service options transparently across 3G, 4G LTE and 4G WiMAX – important progress for temporary sites and failover applications.
|
|
|
Fiberlink strengthens offer for BYOD with dual persona option, which provides a container without on-site equipment needed to secure email or separate business data/apps. This preserves the user experience, with lower costs and management overhead.
|
|
|
Sprint announced a new combination of MPLS and managed network services. While products in the bundle are mature, the provider expects simpler, streamlined pricing and support to help pave the way to new sales.
|
|
|
High profile cyber attacks and looming threats to areas such as mobile security have enterprises scrambling to mount better defenses. However, there is evidence-anecdotal and otherwise-that businesses are overlooking the fundamentals of security.
|
|
|
OpenStack’s latest release promises greater scalability, broad hypervisor support, diverse developer input and new manageability features. Yet, concerns remain that individual implementations may not play well with others.
|
|
|
Managed telepresence services continue their merger into the broader world of video conferencing. Industry competitors are widely looking forward to support of video for Microsoft Lync clients and have begun mapping out the merger of video and UC.
|
|
|
In the second part of this two-part series we examine how CSC and CGI approach the M2M market, and provide recommendations for competing for opportunities in this important and growing segment.
|
|
|
Mobile operators get most of the attention when it comes to providing M2M services. But some IT service providers are very active behind the scenes, playing an increasingly pivotal role leveraging their unique skill sets and vertical expertise.
|
|
|
Vodafone Global Enterprise is taking on mobile security with a hosted solution to combat malware/spyware/viruses/DLP while adding e-mail/app security and browser controls. Threat Manager is key to VGE’s new security portfolio, with more to come.
|
|
|
Enterprise Connect is more about multichannel communications and less about ‘voice’ with each passing year, and the 2013 show was no exception. As expected, cloud services and mobility were popular topics and video occupied a prominent role.
|
|
|
The voice, video and collaboration focus of the Enterprise Connect Conference in March motivated these service providers to show off their latest enhancements in the sector – some high in innovation, others high in practicality.
|
|
|
While the mobile OS market is clearly consolidating, there are often a number of version variants in use within each OS platform, creating problems for device vendors, MDM vendors, developers, enterprises, and the OS providers themselves.
|
|
|
Verizon launched Networkfleet, a comprehensive fleet management solution from its Hughes Telematics group. Verizon has adopted the solution for 18,000 vehicles within its own technical support fleet, while re-launching it as a Verizon solution.
|
|
|
AT&T sweetens its UC offer with support for Microsoft Lync server, backed by a UC migration program and its global network. AT&T’s Lync offer lags competitor launches, but it does start with several Lync implementations already under its belt.
|
|
|
XO Communications already had the network, visibility and security building blocks available to assemble its new XO Intelligent WAN bundle. The bundle aligns the services and improves its targeting for cloud and unified communications.
|
|
|
As we revisit the progress made by the industry’s major global providers of managed telepresence services, trends such as reservationless services, off-net desktop/mobile support and all-important Microsoft Lync support are becoming clearer.
|
|
|
The IT security industry converged at its biggest annual conference to talk about trials and successes in a fast-evolving threat environment. In spite of advances, the industry is still chasing the dream of proactive security.
|
|
|
United Fiber & Data went public with the start of construction along a diverse fiber route between New York City and Ashburn, VA, due for completion later in 2013. The company is hedging its bets by building in data centers and cloud service offers.
|
|
|
Many of the 72,000 attendees at Mobile World Congress came to see 4G handsets and glittery demos. But enterprise mobility momentum was also a major theme, while M2M displays showcased the coming transformation in how we drive, work and live.
|
|
|
Advances in malware detection, incident management and big data analytics took center stage at RSA this year. The effectiveness of these solutions is essential to help organizations better manage risk in an increasingly complex threat environment.
|
|
|
In WAN services, H2 2012 was characterized by widespread 100 Gbps wavelength deployment, broad sourcing of E-Access services, moves forward in bandwidth-on-demand, and apparent stagnancy in U.S. enterprise IPv6 adoption.
|
|
|
The Verizon Partner Program unifies the company's formerly separate wireless, cloud and wireline networking channel programs. It's a positive move for Verizon, though the provider needs to make up for lost time.
|
|
|
This month, cable providers have added products that fuel their ambitions to grow above the very small business segment, and industry competitors add financing solutions to attract business they may not have been able to win otherwise.
|
|
|
AT&T formed its new Partner Exchange to address an untapped opportunity and become a high-value, more strategic partner for regional integrators, VARs and other providers of complex wireless/M2M, wireline, and cloud solutions.
|
|
|
IBM launches MobileFirst, a set of mobile technologies and services to integrate and extend its mobility portfolio in mobile security, analytics, app development and management. New services focus on strategy, design, development and integration.
|
|
|
Impact Telecom agreed to acquire Matrix Telecom (which rolls up numerous brands) and AmericaTel from Platinum Equity. This big move puts a smaller wholesale specialist on the map for competitive retail business and residential services.
|
|
|
Level 3 closed 2012 on a positive note, with gains in enterprise services across all regions and steady progress on its Global Crossing integration. North America and Latin America continue to perform well, despite wholesale revenue declines.
|
|
|
The Bamital botnet takedown comes with a most interesting postscript. Microsoft and Symantec used Bamital’s communication mechanisms to notify users of the infected devices that their machines had been manipulated for nefarious purposes.
|
|
|
Business continuity and disaster recovery services are ’must-haves’ for users but are often neglected due to more immediate and apparent priorities. For organizations the import of these services varies over time -- so do they offer good value?
|
|
|
T-Mobile USA is pushing further into the B2B market with MobileIron’s MDM platform. Along with recent launches for FMC, device financing, and shared business plans, the carrier is entering a more serious stage of managing mobility for enterprises.
|
|
|
The telecom boom hit its peak around 1996-2000; the flurry of that generation's IRUs is starting to expire. Transport gear has cycled, but the fiber in the ground is still serviceable and precious, prompting speculation of carrier conflicts.
|
|
|
Dell is hoping to find stronger footing as a private company beyond the critical eye of Wall Street. What remains to be seen if the deal goes through, is whether Dell emerges as a stronger company or a mere shadow of its former self.
|
|
|
Dell surprised no one when it announced that it is taking the company private. The deal gives Dell a chance to go through the restructuring process to become what will likely be a more services-centric business without Wall Street’s interference.
|
|
|
There is no denying the OpEx-based cloud model is creating some very interesting new options for businesses of all sizes. Now some big changes on the supply side raise questions about the potential impact on choice and delivery.
|
|
|
Disclosures that the networks of The New York Times and other news organizations were likely breached by hackers with political motives reinforce the fact that ideologically and politically minded hackers are changing the threat landscape.
|
|
|
As hosted customer care services mature, service providers are making a play to capture market share based on a variety of vendor offerings. These can be strong alternatives for enterprises seeking an effective customer care solution.
|
|
|
The new BlackBerry 10 UI is impressive, and its management and security are still the best, but if the company can’t convince consumers or businesses that its new devices are better than an iPhone or Galaxy S, the company’s dead.
|
|
|
MegaPath’s new voice services add access options and compelling prices for single-site SMBs and cost-saving features for multi-site enterprises. The enhancements will be attractive to existing customers and expand the pool of potential clients.
|
|
|
Lightpath has added cloud-based Managed Backup as a storage option for its Internet Voice Bundle customers, an easy way to increase the stickiness of its overall bundle while securing some incremental revenue.
|
|
|
Level 3 has launched its revamped partner program, integrating pre-merger channel programs from Global Crossing. The program offers expanded partnering options, and a new Partner Advisory Board gives channel partners a stronger voice at Level 3.
|
|
|
AT&T managed to keep its wireline business services relatively stable overall, with strategic revenue growth keeping pace against the shrinking voice sector. Project Velocity IP looms large as AT&T ramps up infrastructure investment commitments.
|
|
|
Wall Street celebrated IBM earnings once again, with a 6% increase in profits. While services revenues were essentially flat, IBM hailed an 80% increase in year-over-year cloud sales as an indicator of more to come.
|
|
|
Verizon Wireless now offers shared business plans for data. On top of shared consumer plans, it now has shared plans for businesses of any size. These new plans will make an impact, with possible follow-ons by competitors.
|
|
|
Verizon's rosy wireless results more than made up for the tepid financial performance of its net wireline services. In retrospect, the company used 2012 to invest heavily and position itself more strongly for 2013 and beyond.
|
|
|
Symantec is coming out swinging in 2013 with an aggressive strategy concentrating on data protection and security. The emphasis on better exploiting Symantec’s own assets for organic growth is on target but its success all hangs on execution.
|
|
|
T-Mobile adds two new B2B focused offerings - an FMC solution and new financing options. Both target cost-conscious companies looking for ways to optimize telecom spending, and keep the carrier’s promise to focus on the business segment.
|
|
|
Cloud is a marketing buzzword: everyone seems to have a “cloud” service. While some VoIP offers really are do qualify for a cloud label, others are just rebranded hosted VoIP offers, making the evaluation process challenging for enterprises.
|
|
|
In 2012 global operators enhanced managed mobility offers, adding elements for application delivery and management, mobile security, and complementary professional services. UC and cloud initiatives provide additional synergies.
|
|
|
AT&T steps up its long-established relationship with Polycom on several levels: It is adding the vendor's platforms into the AT&T Business Exchange, adding financing for customer CPE, and finally adding Polycom itself as an AT&T services client.
|
|
|
Hybrid trends will continue, joined by opportunities from better informed buyers and appreciation of network quality in cloud services, but competitor overcrowding and professional services resource scarcity will hamper profitability and growth.
|
|
|
In 2012, major competitive carriers continued to invest in Ethernet over copper; in Q4, some stepped up speeds, while others added central offices. The CLECs that operate these services are stretching their colocation investments.
|
|
|
AT&T unveiled a Call Management API with a rich collection of methods for call control and routing, voice processing and call recording. The AT&T Developer Program brings this new power directly to Java/JavaScript, PHP, Ruby and Python developers.
|
|
|
Nokia is allying with IT solutions provider (and Microsoft expert) Avanade to offer packages of Lumia Phone 8 devices and applications. Accenture, a stakeholder in Avanade, will help test and integrate mobile solutions for customer deployments.
|
|
|
AT&T has disclosed more details on its wireless buildout plans for Project Velocity IP. Among other goals, AT&T's ambitious multi-year wireless buildout plans will help extend broadband IP to reach 99% of customers inside its local footprint.
|
|
|
Dell SecureWorks is rolling out a vulnerability management service aimed at its parent company’s cloud clients. The solution could provide considerable value to its target customers but its Dell-centric focus will limit its appeal.
|
|
|
The Consumer Telematics show in Las Vegas on January 7 showcased new applications and user interfaces for the connected car, but keynotes and discussions also point to the challenges ahead.
|
|
|
Is 2013 the year that enterprise mobility and cloud services finally come together? Or, has the cloud already infiltrated mobile deployments in the guise of other technologies and services?
|
|
|
Accenture posted solid gains in revenues, new bookings, and better operating margins versus the same period one year ago. But lower consulting revenues point to weaker demand for management consulting services in Europe and Asia-Pacific.
|
|
|
Hosting’s less glamorous cousin, colocation, is benefitting from growth in cloud services, digital media, and enterprise data center outsourcing. Providers differentiate with carrier diversity, a wide footprint, and a compelling customer ecosystem.
|
|
|
With Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Phone 8 in the market, can we predict Microsoft’s trajectory in the enterprise mobility space? Will Windows Phone 8 go beyond a small slice of the smartphone market as RIM strives to return to former glory?
|
|
|
As 2012 comes to a close, it’s time once again to identify the top ten trends in enterprise mobility this year and make some predictions about where 2013 will take the global market.
|
|
|
The UC market is getting more complex as service providers and vendors expand the services as well as the models to deliver those services. As enterprises look to hosted and managed solutions, service wrap has become more important.
|
|
|
Sprint launched a turnkey solution and platform for in-vehicle communications, upping its integration and value-added services activity. With Chrysler as the inaugural customer, Sprint hopes Velocity can differentiate it in this key M2M vertical.
|
|
|
Current Analysis analysts had a chance to test out AT&T’s new Enhanced Push to Talk service on the 4G LTE Samsung Rugby Galaxy Pro. Here are our overall impressions.
|
|
|
Easynet strengthened its UC range by partnering with UK-based systems integrator Cisilion. Together the partners will offer converged voice, video and messaging to Easynet’s customers. Easynet’s UC portfolio is getting a needed boost.
|
|
|
Cisco HCS and Microsoft Lync are fast becoming the underlying platforms for carriers’ UCaaS offerings. This report looks at how their hosted UC platform strategies compare and which global carriers have deployed services on these platforms.
|