North American Voice over WLAN Markets

Research Overview

Scalable VoWLAN Offers Desktop Functionality to Mobile Workers

Voice over wireless local area network (VoWLAN) is addressing enterprises needs for enhanced communication solutions that can extend mobility and accessibility to their employees. There are growing numbers of mobile workers in North America who can benefit from VoWLAN through cost savings and improved productivity. Further, its significant return on investment (ROI) lends it improved credibility.

This Frost & Sullivan research service provides an in-depth analysis of the VoWLAN single and dual-mode devices market. The current state of the market, drivers and restraints likely to impact the market, and the competitive landscape are some of the areas that are comprehensively covered in this study. In addition, it also includes a section on current and future market and technology trends.

Inclusion of VoWLAN devices in PBX Enterprise Communications Product Portfolio Highlights their Adaptability

"VoWLAN was mostly deployed in the healthcare and retail verticals. However VoWLAN device manufacturers have diversified their indirect sales channels by entering into original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partnerships with IP-PBX vendors that have an established enterprise client base," according to the analysts of this study. "This has widened the reach of VoWLAN among other industry verticals such as education, government, and hospitality."

Besides promoting increased visibility of VoWLAN as a mobile communication solution among enterprises, efforts to make VoWLAN systems interoperable has also increased traction in deployment. The introduction of certification programs by industry participants in the VoWLAN space combined with working groups from wireless standard organizations such as the IEEE and the Wi-Fi Alliance will provide an assurance that all the required elements will work together smoothly. This also helps enterprises in piecing together an effective and functioning end-to-end VoWLAN communication system.

Deployment of Dual-mode Devices Despite their Drawbacks will transform VoWLAN to a Mainstream Mobile Communication Solution

Although the VoWLAN has many advantages, the deterrent to its wide-spread deployment could lie in the quick consumption of battery power due to the wireless radio constantly looking for voice packets even when the device is not being used. Also, the Federal Communication Commissions (FCC) changes in the allocation of available frequency spectrum and reluctance of enterprises to replace their existing WLAN system to support toll-quality voice are two challenges likely to be faced by this market. Nonetheless, the introduction of dual-mode devices that work on cellular and Wi-Fi networks and enable employees to take calls when they are inside and outside the building, is expected to create demand.

"To date VoWLAN deployment was limited to niche verticals, but with the introduction of dual-mode devices, the increased mobility has opened up the VoWLAN market to general office business executives and employees," note the analysts of this study. "Benefits such as increased productivity and customer satisfaction levels resulting from the mobile employee being accessible will convince enterprises of the benefits associated with deployment of this technology thus securing its future."

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Benefits of this Service

Identifies Market Drivers and Industry Challenges for Deployment of VoWLAN in Enterprises

VoWLAN becoming a mainstream mobile communication solution depends on identifying reasons for an enterprise to adopt it and highlight challenges that could prevent wide-scale deployment. This research service comprehensively analyzes the key factors impacting the adoption of VoWLAN by enterprises.

Informs Participants on Future Technological and Market Trends

VoWLAN is susceptible to rapid technological innovations and changing standards. This study aims to give an overview of the technological trends that will have a bearing on the North American VoWLAN markets Also, business developments such as the latest acquisitions and business relationships that are likely to have an impact on this market are discussed in this study.

Provides In-depth Analysis of Device Vendors and their Product Offerings

With the aid of this study, market participants will be able to determine their current market positioning with respect to competitors and develop business strategies that could enhance their market penetration in the coming years. An analysis of major market participants, their competitive strategy, and their product offerings in the North American VoWLAN markets is included in this study for the benefit of the market participants.

Provides Market Share, Unit Shipments, and Revenue Forecasts in Addition to Strategic Recommendations for the VoWLAN Devices Market

VoWLAN device vendors are presently facing technological and business challenges that need to be overcome in order to promote wide-scale deployment of this technology in enterprises. This study provides strategic recommendations to device vendors in overcoming these challenges in addition to market share of device vendors, unit shipments, and revenue forecasts. This is likely to enable device vendor to devise business plans with respect to the progressing market.

Market Sectors

Expert Frost & Sullivan analysts thoroughly examine the following market sectors in this research:

• Single-mode VoWLAN devices
• Dual-mode VoWLAN devices

Technologies

The following technologies are covered in this research:

• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): WLAN consists of a collection of nodes within a local area such as building that transmits data wirelessly using radio waves.
• Voice over Wireless Local Area Network (VoWLAN): VoWLAN enables transmission of voice over the WLAN, which has been traditionally used for data transfer. Voice is digitized and sent over the WLAN in the form of packets, thereby, enabling wireless communication.
• Softphone: A softphone is a software application that simulates a traditional hard-wired phone and runs on computing devices such as desktops, laptops, and personal digital assistant (PDA). The softphone is used in conjunction with a headset connected to the sound card of the computing device.
• Single-mode VoWLAN devices: Any voice enabled device that functions on the 802.11 wireless local area network (WLAN) is considered as a single-mode VoWLAN device. A single-mode VoWLAN device works in conjunction with the enterprises PBX system and the WLAN system to route deskphone calls wirelessly within the enterprise.
• Dual-mode VoWLAN devices: Any device that can be used to make or receive calls on the cellular network or a WLAN is considered as a dual-mode device. A dual mode VoWLAN device in addition to interfacing with an enterprises PBX and WLAN should also work in conjunction with the cellular network to extend mobility outside the enterprise premises.

Whats Included

• Comprehensive insights into the factors impacting the North American voice over WLAN markets such as market drivers and restraints and industry challenges
• In-depth coverage of the VoWLAN device market and technological trends
• Market forecast revenue forecasts, and unit shipment for VoWLAN devices
• Competitor analysis and vendor profiles of VoWLAN device manufacturers
• Strategic recommendations to device vendors for overcoming industry challenges in the VoWLAN devices market