by Amit Modi
23. October 2009 11:49
The whole Telecom industry is undergoing significant transformation. On one hand the telcos are faced with the tough economic market and on the other hand the internet and web companies (likes of Google, Yahoo, etc) are challenging the traditional models. Telecos are looking at proven Value Added Application providers like Movius to not only protect them from being relegated to dumb pipes but also help them increase revenue, increase market share and reduce churn. We are seeing globalization in its truest form now and especially in our sector where the top 25 operators are engaged in Mergers & Acquisitions around the world. It’s crucial to have a worldwide presence. We cannot restrict ourselves to specific geographies.
Herein lays the challenge for a companies and vendors like us. The industry is seeing commoditization and price erosion of core applications such as Voice Messaging. There is also increased price pressures and demand for applications being bundled as part of much bigger offerings.
For companies, it’s important to not only preserve the existing customer base but also continue innovating and differentiating while maintaining current commitments. We cannot be caught in the innovator’s dilemma of sustaining without addressing the technology advancements and disruptive innovations. The ability to ride the downturn and come out of it strong as a leader and innovator would be our calling.
Companies need to identify synergies (symbiotic relationships) to create new revenue generating solutions and services and bring meaningful and sticky applications for the operators. The times are not about working in silos but being able to create eco-system of alliances. Companies need to brainstorm with the operator community as they are looking for ideas. We are all (vendors, channel partners, technology partners and operators) in this together and each one of us has key part to play. Businesses also need to be very conscious and aware of the socio-economic and local factors driving the economy and market in different parts of the world. This awareness will in turn drive successful sales, product and ultimately business strategies and bring the “stickiness” that operators are looking for.
Do you agree?