Vendor Landscape Plus: IP Telephony Vendors Info-Tech Research Group

Introduction Selecting an IP Telephony vendor is a complex IT decision with infrastructure, business and user impact. Given the size and scope of the investment, vendor evaluation must remain objective and focused. Leading vendors have expanded beyond core voice and messaging features and adopted a software-centric approach. Maximize the value of the IT investment and evaluate vendors in the context of a broader collaboration strategy. This solution set will help you: Understand the Market Evaluate Leading IP Telephony Vendors Select the Best Fit Vendor Info-Tech Research Group

Industry Leaders Dominate Market Share But Are Not Necessarily the Right Choice for Every Enterprise N = 71 However, industry rivals solidly compete in many key customer scenarios: Small and mid-sized environments (e.g. Mitel, ShoreTel) Vertical deployments (e.g. NEC Unified, 3Com) Global markets (e.g. Alcatel-Lucent, Siemens Enterprise) Info-Tech Research Group

1 2 3 Leading Players Have a Handle on Standard PBX Features; Save Time and Focus on Key Differentiators 1 2 3 Collaboration Portfolio Video, conferencing, presence, IM, and mobility are increasingly important to business collaboration. 72% of implementers chose a vendor in line with enterprise UC strategy Flexibility and Fit Tighter integration with existing IT environment and core business applications increases value of investment. 62% of implementers selected a vendor based on unique features and capabilities Segment/Vertical Expertise Vendors with proven success in similar environments are best prepared to meet needs. 65% of implementers chose their vendor based on an existing relationship Info-Tech Research Group

In a Highly Competitive IP Telephony Market Don’t Confuse Brand Name with Best Fit Market share leaders rate highly overall, but your unique business requirements must drive the selection process. Read Info-Tech’s Enterprise IP Telephony Vendor Landscape to identify vendor strengths and reach your best fit shortlist. Vendor Value Core Features Extended Portfolio Flexibility & Fit Strength & Vision Channel Support Rank Cisco Med High Leader Avaya Mitel Competitor Siemens Low NEC ShoreTel Alcatel-Lucent 3Com Follower Info-Tech Research Group

Use a Consistent Scoring Method to Isolate Vendors that Best Meet Requirements A clear and objective scoring method will help you quickly arrive at a defensible shortlist. Simplify the ranking process and use the Info-Tech IP Telephony Selection Tool to compare: Three competitive solutions side-by-side Key selection criteria for these three solutions Overall rankings based on reseller and integrator factors, vendor factors, and product factors. Info-Tech Research Group

Save Time with the Info-Tech IP Telephony RFP Template Organizations requiring a more formal approach to vendor selection should leverage Info-Tech’s IP Telephony RFP Template to assemble key information. This modifiable template covers the following sections: Statement of work Background information Proposal preparation instructions Scope of work, specifications and requirements Vendor qualifications and references Budget and estimated pricing Info-Tech Research Group

Conclusion Key market and technology developments have changed the dynamic of business telephony. Select an IP Telephony vendor and solution that will best fit the long term enterprise communications and collaboration strategy. Consider factors beyond market share and identify vendors that best meet your unique business requirements. Use a clear and consistent scoring and ranking methodology to drive a fair and transparent selection process that can be supported by decision makers and senior management. Info-Tech Research Group

Appendix Understand the Market IP Telephony Vendor Selection Strategy Evaluate Leading IP Telephony Vendors Enterprise IP Telephony Vendor Landscape Enterprise IP Telephony Vendors: 3Com Enterprise IP Telephony Vendors: Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise IP Telephony Vendors: Avaya Enterprise IP Telephony Vendors: Cisco Enterprise IP Telephony Vendors: Mitel Enterprise IP Telephony Vendors: NEC Enterprise IP Telephony Vendors: ShoreTel Enterprise IP Telephony Vendors: Siemens Enterprise Select the Best Fit Vendor IP Telephony Selection Tool IP Telephony RFP Template Partner with the Right IP Telephony VAR IP Telephony Selection: Fight Bias with Transparency Info-Tech Research Group

Additional Tools and Insight Included in Complete Report Understand how vendor consolidation and a shift to software-based collaboration have transformed the telephony market Learn how to prevent internal team biases from affecting your vendor evaluations. Info-Tech Research Group

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