In 2006, SA's unified messaging (UM) and unified communications (UC) market generated between $30 million and $35 million, and these figures are set to double by 2013.
This is according to Frost & Sullivan's latest research findings. Other industry players have confirmed the growth consulting firm's conclusions.
Frost & Sullivan research analyst Letticia Nkumbula says the UM and UC market domestically "offers significant potential for growth".
"Increased workforce productivity, cost optimisation and important workforce mobility are the key benefits that encourage organisations and individuals to adopt UC solutions."
However, Nkumbula identifies the lack of skills as a key restraint to UC growth in SA, as "the complexity of UC solutions requires the combined expertise of IT and telecommunications skills and the gap is difficult to fill".
Winners and losers
BMI-TechKnowledge senior analyst Richard Hurst agrees skills are a major issue at the moment, but says the problem is surmountable.
"Given the forecast period, in the next five years or so, I believe we'll be able to address this," he says.
While Hurst agrees with the figures provided by Frost & Sullivan, he points out that this growth will come at a price for some.
"It will take away from the more traditional forms of communication", such as the circuit switched environment.
"UC is a big growth area because it is offering businesses an opportunity to simplify communications and cost."
Customer interest
Cyril Belikoff, business group executive for Microsoft SA's Information Worker division, says the Frost & Sullivan findings are in line with what Microsoft is experiencing.
"UC is a big opportunity and, since releasing a UC product offering last year, we have seen lots of interest from customers," says Belikoff.
He quotes Forrester statistics that indicate up to a 500% return on investment on Microsoft's UC offering, with 20% to 30% savings for customers.
"This [the Forrester statistics] shows in what we are seeing with our customers on the ground."
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