IT Connection Supplier Assessment reports provide up-to-date analysis to assist buyers in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of key suppliers. Each report also includes specific recommended actions for end-users considering a purchase of a product from that supplier. Click here to view sample reports.
Aastra, known for acquisitions in the communications space, now wants to be known for innovations. The BluStar video end point is a good start, but will need to be followed up with further proof points. (2/6/2012)
A new product architecture should help Alcatel-Lucent leverage its various enterprise voice, data and contact center assets. But uncertainties about the enterprise group’s future could mar strategic and sales initiatives. (7/27/2011)
Aspect enhanced its competitive positioning with an update of the Unified IP 7 contact center suite and expanded UC professional services offerings, but close ties with Microsoft and ongoing debt may cause some concerns. (1/12/2012)
Avaya’s pending plan for a $1 billion IPO, the recent release of Avaya Aura Contact Center 6.2, and the continued progress in melding together disparate product lines provide momentum for strong market positioning going forward. (1/26/2012)
Cisco’s VDI initiative helps the company stay ahead of competitors, most of which still focus their virtualization strategy on server software. However, changes in SMB portfolio could prove difficult for partners. (1/13/2012)
Plans for a new product architecture could eventually increase Digium’s presence in the enterprise market. However, the new Asterisk framework general availability will not occur until later in 2012. (1/17/2012)
IBM continues to execute on a UC product strategy centered around Sametime and Sametime Unified Telephony while tying these solutions more closely to its enterprise social software strategy. (1/26/2012)
Interactive Intelligence’s latest contact center software release provides a strong foundation for continued market growth. Long-term success will be dependent upon its ability to continue product innovation and expand global channels. (1/13/2012)
Microsoft has improved its UC product set with a mobile client and cloud-based service, as well as expanded its customer base. However, competition with service providers remains a concern. (1/13/2012)
Mitel’s product development continues apace, with the company announcing PBX and ACD scalability enhancements. Mitel now needs to raise awareness of the company among enterprises and stabilize its financial position. (1/27/2012)
After streamlining its organization and products, NEC needs to develop momentum with more unified branding and marketing efforts in the unified communications and contact center markets to better meet regional competitive threats. (1/30/2012)
ShoreTel’s UC and contact center enhancements doubled its UC scalability to 20,000 users and improved its contact center offering, enabling the company to target larger enterprises and more complex contact centers with its products. (1/19/2012)
Siemens Enterprise Communications’ UC and contact center solution offerings are now better positioned to drive sales in potential high-growth areas, including SMB solutions, cloud services and session border controllers. (1/27/2012)
Company Description
Up-to-date look at what markets the company competes in and what it brings to those markets. Coverage includes: main product lines, important partnerships, key clients, recent sales wins.
Current Perspective
Our analysts give their assessment on whether or not the company has the technology, products & services and management team needed to compete in its markets.
Company Market/Sales Strategy
What are the company’s value proposition and key differentiators. How it positions itself in the market, and against its competitors. And what are its target audiences.
Company Strengths and Weaknesses
Unique tactical competitive analysis based on the specific tactics that a company is using, and in-depth analysis of its products and capabilities.
Recommended Competitor Actions
Who are the company's main competitors, and what actions we can expect from each competitor or the market at large.
Recommended End User/Customer Actions
How customers (either end users or purchasers of this product for resale/bundling) should view the company. Should customers consider purchasing products/services from this company? What specific actions or questions should the customer pursue during negotiation phase?
Publication date: Supplier Assessment reports are updated every four months
Overall company assessment relative to competitors across all markets in which they compete.
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Very Positive: Company has strong position now, or on way to certain success if continue to execute as planned. Leader in multiple areas (e.g., product quality, market share, distribution channels, lower cost)
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Positive: Positive opinion on firm, technology, products/services and/or management team. Well-positioned now and could be strong competitor in the near future.
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Neutral: No strong opinions regarding the company. Can occupy niche or segment that is relatively stable.
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Negative: Losing ground in multiple areas, must take corrective actions immediately in order to prevent total failure (e.g., bankruptcy).
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Very Negative: Decreasing sales, slipping market share, delayed product or services cycles. Can’t overcome current problems within the next 12 months.
Tier
Relative position of the competitor against other competitors.
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Tier 1: Market leaders, at or near the top of market share, shape the direction of the market.
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Tier 2: Challengers to the top tier; those that have the ability to get to the top tier if they execute properly but lack market share at this time to be considered a dominating vendor.
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Tier 3: Smaller competitors that are either at the bottom of the market share pool and/or are considered niche players only.
Status
How long (relative to other competitors and to the life of the market) the competitor has been active.
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Mature: In business long enough to have legacy product/ service base, and stable customer base.
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Established: Stable product and/or service base – and stable customer base – can survive market turmoil.
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Emerging: Delivering actual product but still a relatively small player in the market.
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Startup: Pre-product or service.
Momentum
General direction of the company relative to others in the industry.
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Very Positive: Quickly establishing a market-leading position in both sales and industry-buzz.
Neutral: Holding steady, no real gain or decline in market movement.
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Negative: Beginning to lose market share and market leadership (perceived or actual).
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Very Negative: Steep decline in market share or industry leadership (perceived or actual).
Future Vision
How well the company understands the direction of the market, including customer requirements, business and social changes and innovation.
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Very Positive: When company talks, market listens carefully. Offers innovations consistently and management team respected for ability to shape markets.
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Positive: Clearly communicates overall vision and plans for the market, occasionally offers ground-breaking direction to the overall market.
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Neutral: Neither market leader nor follower, company’s communication of vision is uninspiring.
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Negative: Poor communication and/or execution of strategic vision. Changes “vision story” frequently, appears indecisive on how to approach market(s).
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Very Negative: Consistently follows the market leaders, fails to communicate strategic vision, very little understanding of customer and market requirements.
Available Supplier Assessments
