Research and Markets: World Audio Conferencing Bridge Markets

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/679b24/world_audio_confer) has announced the addition of Frost & Sullivan's new report "World Audio Conferencing Bridge Markets" to their offering.

This strategic analysis is part of Frost & Sullivan's continued coverage of the conferencing and collaboration marketplace. Frost & Sullivan identifies industry challenges, market drivers and restraints, and provides an in-depth perspective on competitive issues, revenues, market shares and key market trends in the World audio conferencing bridge market. Based on extensive primary and secondary research and robust analytical tools, this research service provides conferencing and collaboration vendors with market information and strategic insight to assist them in their growth strategies.

State of the Industry: Many of the audio conferencing bridge and media server vendors reported a huge increase in port shipments during 2009. In the service provider segment, demand for voice over IP (VoIP) ports as well as the traditional TDM ports was equally strong. A declining economy forced companies to look at more efficient ways of conducting business meetings without resorting to extensive travel. Increasing comfort with the adoption and use of audio conferencing in mature markets such as Europe and North America and the acknowledgement of the cost benefits of the technology in emerging markets such as Asia-Pacific led to increasing usage. The 2009 North American Audio Conferencing Services Market study by Frost & Sullivan shows that demand for audio conferencing rose in 2009. However, growth in demand was accompanied by a severe pressure on prices, across both reservationless and attended audio conferencing services.

Competition: Mergers & acquisitions (M&A) and consolidation have been an ongoing phenomenon in the industry over the last several years. The acquisitions have been largely aimed at bridging portfolio gaps and targeting new customer segments. Enterprise vendors have, in the past, taken the acquisition route in order to enhance their CSP-focused portfolio. (Ex: Avaya's acquisition of Spectel and the Polycom-Voyant deal). In 2008, Compunetix acquired Sonexis in order to compete better in the enterprise space by leveraging Sonexis existing relationship with IP-telephony channel partners. The audio conferencing bridge market was in a state of flux in 2008, with ThinkEngine filing for bankruptcy and its subsequent acquisition by Telesoft. Polycom's gradual withdrawal from this market also had certain impact on the competitive landscape and the relative vendor positions.

Key Topics Covered:

• 1. Demand for Audio Conferencing Capabilities Surges as Businesses Look to Cut Travel Costs
• Both CSP and Enterprise Markets Driving Demand for Audio Conferencing Bridges
• Analysis of the World Audio Conferencing Bridge Market

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/679b24/world_audio_confer