According to analyst predictions, the unified messaging and communications market in South Africa is expected to reach projected revenues of $63 million by 2013. Louis Helmbold, Axiz Business Development Manager: HP Networking, says the potential for South Africa`s unified messaging and communications market is being stunted by limitations that are hindering organisations deploying unified communication strategies.
The considerable benefits of unified communications, from increased workforce productivity, cost optimisation and improved workforce mobility, are leading to considerable growth in this area. Helmbold says there is, however, a real concern that limited benefits are being experienced as many unified communications features cannot be implemented due to bandwidth restrictions.
He does not believe Telkom Mobile is the answer, as he believes the operator will not play a major role in increasing availability and bandwidth. "These limitations are influencing the adoption of unified communication solutions, which directly affects the growth potential."
Organisations continue to use the Internet as a primary business tool and when considering voice and data convergence, Helmbold says bandwidth costs and limitations are affecting adoption rates of video. Companies are tending to utilise additional bandwidth for the increase of data flow between their offices and the Internet.
"Regardless of hindrances, in the future we will begin to see more organisations implementing unified communications strategies as they weigh up the existing benefits and advantages. This new approach will lead to the conventional office-bound workforce being replaced with a combination of tele-workers and the Internet," says Helmbold. Lower operating costs will be a direct result, as office space requirements decline; an increased service offering and enhanced customer experience owing to a more highly skilled workforce are only some of the benefits for adopters.
Helmbold says as the unified communications market evolves, the biggest challenge that will face South African organisations is whether the workforce is ready for this revolutionary working process. "A high skilled and self-disciplined workforce is required for unified communications to be successful. Never mind a dynamic management team that is receptive to a new working style," concludes Helmbold.
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