South African IP/PBX Market Benefits from Move to Next-generation Converged Technology

CAPE TOWN � 19 November, 2008� IP-based technology offers businesses increased competitiveness by providing enhanced capabilities. While the high cost of IP-based infrastructure constrains growth in the South African market, the ongoing investment in telecommunications infrastructure will foster development in the IP PBX market in South Africa.

New analysis fromFrost & Sullivan(http://www.enterprise.frost.com),

href="http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/report-homepage.pag?repid=M0B4-01-00-00-00">Update on the South African IP/PBX Market, estimates that the market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 21.6 per cent between 2008 to 2014.

�The global move to next-generation converged technology is pushing the adoption of IP services in South Africa,� notesFrost & SullivanResearch Analyst Mpho Moyo. �Large corporations with multiple-branches nationally or internationally are adopting IP technology in order to leverage their business operations and focus on core competencies.�

However, costly investments in legacy equipment are limiting the adoption of pure IP services. Thus, hybrid IP PBXs are more prominent in the market. The growth of the IP PBX market has been further constrained by the limited availability of broadband and personnel with a combination of IT and telecommunication skills to implement the systems.

�As competition escalates, factors such pricing, the uniqueness of services offered and the availability of skilled personnel become crucial,� remarks Moyo. �Customers demand high-quality products that are well priced and accompanied by adequate support.�

Early entrants in the market providing a unique offering can gain significant market share. The provision of customer-oriented solutions and establishing strong relationships within the value chain will also strengthen customer loyalty.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users and other industry participants with an overview of the

href="http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/report-homepage.pag?repid=M0B4-01-00-00-00">update on the South African IP/PBX market, then send an e-mail to Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, atpatrick.cairns@frost.comwith your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

href="http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/report-homepage.pag?repid=M0B4-01-00-00-00">Update on the South African IP/PBX Marketis part of the

href="http://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/subscription-homepage.pag?svcid=9712-C3">Enterprise CommunicationsGrowth Partnership Services Programme, which also includes research in the following markets: Analysis of African Fixed Telecommunications Service Providers' Capital Expenditure, Unified Messaging and Communications Market in South Africa and Strategic Overview of the South African Open Source Market. All research included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.