Emerging Applications in Voice; Video and Data over IP (Technical Insights)

Security Threats Slow Adoption of Video and Data over IP Networks

Addressing the security issues surrounding voice, video and data over Internet protocol (IP) needs to take top priority for greater uptake of the technology. As opposed to conventional telephony that provides 99.99 percent reliability, the Internet is prone to serious security vulnerabilities such as viruses, worms, denial of service, eavesdropping, and hacking. In addition, since several mission critical media contents are transferred over IP networks, reducing security threats has become all the more pertinent. In the long run, better security solutions and superior quality of service (QoS) control are expected to allow media over IP to make a full-fledged transition from its infancy into the mainstream market.

This Frost & Sullivan research service focuses on the very promising areas of next-generation IP capabilities and the future structure of the IP industry. It analyzes the key technology drivers, and evaluates the challenges that must be overcome for each novel IP-enabled application to realize its full potential. Participants can use this research service to identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of the competition, and remain abreast of critical developments.

Consolidation Activities Rampant in the IP Industry

"Possible threats of regulatory changes, the rapid pace of technology advances and huge capital costs involved in various research and development (R&D) efforts have forced many participants in the IP industry to enter consolidation activities," says the analyst of this research. A number of cross-company collaboration efforts are taking place. SBC Communications’ acquisition of AT&T and the Symantec-VERITAS Software deals prove that the IP industry is moving from its current state of numerous fragmented entities to a handful of global giants.

While larger companies can leverage their financial strength to roll out novel features and services, smaller participants have the advantage of a lean organizational structure that supports rapid innovation. In order to take advantage of such complementary capabilities and remain competitive, information and communication technology (ICT) firms are likely to maintain a consolidation mindset in the near future.

Partnership between Industry and Academia to Spur IP Research in Asia Pacific and Latin America

Though there has been widespread research collaboration between the industry and academia in North America and Europe, this trend is yet to catch up in Asia Pacific and Latin America. Universities and educational facilities in these regions have good research proposals and are on the lookout for funding and infrastructure support. Collaborative efforts between industry participants and the academia are likely to support advanced researches in IP capabilities. "Moreover, industry participants can benefit from the low cost of carrying out IP research in Asia Pacific and Latin America, which are also incidentally rich in intellectual capital," concludes the analyst.

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