Research Agenda and Key Issues for Converged Infrastructure, 2006

Transcription

1 Research Publication Date: 20 July 2006 ID Number: G Research Agenda and Key Issues for Converged Infrastructure, 2006 Sylvain Fabre Gartner's research will cover fixed-mobile convergence, the IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), next-generation network switching, Multiprotocol Label Switching, voice over IP, intelligent networks (IN) and mobile broadband. Reproduction and distribution of this publication in any form without prior written permission is forbidden. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Gartner disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although Gartner's research may discuss legal issues related to the information technology business, Gartner does not provide legal advice or services and its research should not be construed or used as such. Gartner shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for interpretations thereof. The opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.

2 ANALYSIS Mobile and fixed network infrastructures are evolving, and some common functionalities, such as the core network, are converging. On the mobile side, the radio network keeps evolving to everhigher data rates and lower latencies and many radio technologies are competing to be the mobile broadband standard of choice. The following Key Issues are being explored in our research agenda for 2006, with examples given of deliverables that address these issues. Please note that documents are listed as examples of how a given issue is addressed; the same document may support more than one issue. It should also be noted that the documents for planned research are listed for reference only. Gartner may modify the research focus at any time based on changing market conditions, to constantly maintain the highest topical relevance for the agenda. Key Issue 1: What technologies and services offer the best opportunities for vendors? Where the market is actually going may differ from the vendors' own hype. We explore the real trends that are actually visible in the market. Operators need this independent analysis and advice to make appropriate strategic investment decisions, while vendors need to know how best to address the market. Most technologies in this industry end up being pushed by vendors, rather than driven by market demand. "Mobile Network Infrastructure Contracts, Worldwide, 3Q06" "ENUM: Principles and Main Applications" "IMS in Latin America: Business Models and Outlook" "Power Line C Report: Synergy With the Energy Vertical" ATM Market Statistics Frame Relay Market Statistics Key Issue 2: How will technologies and markets evolve over the next three to five years? Networks are converging in the core, and competing technologies are active on the radio interface. We look at the industry road map, and how it will affect carriers and vendors. We also examine what key trends are visible for the main markets. We look at where infrastructure revenue will be generated in the coming years, which regions are growing and which are seeing revenue decline. By looking at how key technologies are evolving Publication Date: 20 July 2006/ID Number: G Page 2 of 5

3 in their test markets, and the insights that we can derive from these existing deployments, we can predict outcomes for other markets, as well as reflect learnings from legacy technologies. "Forecast: Mobile Network Infrastructure, Worldwide, " "Forecast: Mobile Network Infrastructure, North America, " "Forecast: Mobile Network Infrastructure, Western Europe, " "Forecast: Mobile Network Infrastructure, Asia/Pacific, " "Forecast: Mobile Network Infrastructure, Africa, " "Forecast: Mobile Network Infrastructure, Eastern Europe, " "Future of Wireless Technologies 4G" "Forecast: Next-Generation IN Switching, Worldwide, " "Forecast: Next-Generation Network Switching, Worldwide, " "Mobile TV in Korea" "Mobile Connections in Korea, to 2010" "Forecast: Softswitch Architecture, Worldwide, " Access Market Statistics Key Issue 3: What is the optimal vendor positioning? We examine how vendors should best align their offerings, as well as business models, to successfully address the opportunity presented by converging networks. We repeatedly see vendors not necessarily positioning themselves fully on their strengths, or occasionally pushing a technology to the wrong audience. We explore this issue with best-inclass examples of what is working, analyses of vendor strategies and specific opportunities that are worth addressing from a marketing standpoint. "Vendor Rating Update: Motorola" "Mobile Infrastructure Market Status in Latin America" "Carrier Approach to FMC Migration, Top Five Carriers" "ENUM: Evolution and Challenges" "Vendor Rating Update: Ericsson" "MPLS IP Convergence" "Vendor Directory (M&A, Rollout and Regional Breakout)" Publication Date: 20 July 2006/ID Number: G Page 3 of 5

4 "WiMAX/WiBro in Latin America" "Focus on WiBro Commercial Service" "WCDMA vs. EV-DO Evolution Until All-IP" "High-Quality QOS VoIP From MPLS" Key Issue 4: How should the best vendors compete in this market? We examine which factors will determine vendors success both in terms of product offerings and overall go-to-market profile. In specific markets, a given technology may be offering specific opportunities and challenges. Conversely, the impact of a given technology evolution onto part of the infrastructure might be worth considering on its own. "Forecast: Next-Generation Network Switching, Latin America, " "Cable Infrastructure in Latin America" "Application Server Vendors (Similar to Session Border Controllers)" "SIP: Principles and Applications" "IMS in the Transport Layer" "Wireless Market and Technology Road Map, " "Mobile 3G Market in Korea" "Mobile Network Infrastructure Contracts, Worldwide, 3Q06" Transport Network Market Statistics Circuit-Switching Market Statistics Examples of research already published for these key issues: "Directory of Carrier Network Infrastructure Suppliers, 2005" "Fixed-Mobile Convergence Gives Network Vendors an IMS Opening" "Forecast: Media Gateways, Worldwide, " "Forecast: Softswitch Architecture, North America, (Executive Summary)" "Hidden Costs and Performance Issues in HSDPA May Surprise Mobile Operators" "IMS Isn't Yet Essential for Converged Telecom Services" "Mobile Network Infrastructure Contracts, Worldwide, 1Q06" "Next-Generation Carrier Networks Demand New Security Measures" "Trends in the Development of VoIP Services in Japan" Publication Date: 20 July 2006/ID Number: G Page 4 of 5

5 "VoIP Security Demands Session Border Controllers" "Forecast: Next-Generation Network Switching, North America, " REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS Corporate Headquarters 56 Top Gallant Road Stamford, CT U.S.A European Headquarters Tamesis The Glanty Egham Surrey, TW20 9AW UNITED KINGDOM Asia/Pacific Headquarters Gartner Australasia Pty. Ltd. Level 9, 141 Walker Street North Sydney New South Wales 2060 AUSTRALIA Japan Headquarters Gartner Japan Ltd. Aobadai Hills, 6F 7-7, Aobadai, 4-chome Meguro-ku, Tokyo JAPAN Latin America Headquarters Gartner do Brazil Av. das Nações Unidas, andar World Trade Center São Paulo SP BRAZIL Publication Date: 20 July 2006/ID Number: G Page 5 of 5