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AT&T, one of the leading worldwide providers of IP-based communications services, is joining OpenStack — a world-wide collaboration of developers and cloud computing experts. OpenStack is focused on producing open-source cloud computing platforms for public and private clouds. The industry group plans to deliver solutions for all kinds of clouds by making the implementation simple, scalable and full of useful features.

Jim Curry, Chief Stacker of OpenStack, was upbeat about the AT&T endorsement at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. OpenStack is dedicated to providing “the same benefits for large-scale cloud computing that the Linux standard provided inside the server,” Curry said.  The AT&T endorsement
would strengthen OpenStack’s importance in the marketplace. AT&T, meanwhile, would be getting another tool to offer a broader range of cloud services to its enterprise customer market.

In line with its association with OpenStack, AT&T has also launched
its Cloud Architect service which would help mobile developers with the design of new cloud services. Cloud Architect will be available in the next few weeks and
developers will be able to create various computing instances for both small- and
medium-sized businesses.

AT&T is one of the leading worldwide providers of IP-based communications services to business enterprises. The company is also America’s fastest mobile broadband network with the widest global coverage of any U.S. wireless carrier. AT&T is already operating data centers, but has been tentative in entering the cloud services market.

OpenStack was put together by Rackspace and NASA in the beginning.
It has become a worldwide community of software developers working together on a standard and scalable open-source cloud operating system. OpenStack’s mission is to make it possible for any organization to design and provide cloud computing services on commonly used hardware.

Verizon has chosen InstallerNet as the professional installer for subscribers to Verizon’s
newly-launched Home Monitoring and Control service.  Verizon is providing options for new customers for the installation of the monitoring and control equipment. Verizon
customers can log online and choose a certified installer through the
InstallCard of InstallerNet. Verizon’s Home Monitoring and Control service
enables subscribers to remotely access, control and monitor doors, thermostats,
and appliances as well as view home-energy use in near real-time, through
devices such as smartphones, PCs, FiOS TVs and connected tablets.

The service creates a “smart” home for customers by giving them the power to access
and control their homes from any location. The innovative service is being
provided for a cost of $9.99 per month. The equipment can be purchased for
$69.99. The various devices connected to the service enable subscribers to
customize the features according to their specific needs. Verizon has
collaborated with ActionTec, Aeon Labs, SerComm Trane and Schlage. Motorola
Mobility/4Home, the application provider, has created the platform which
enables seamless connection of several devices in the home to cloud services.
The InstallCard of InstallerNet is provided along with each home control or
monitoring kit — and this helps the subscriber to hire a trained person for
the installation at a considerable discount over normal rates.

Verizon Wireless provides America’s best known wireless network with a subscriber base
of over 107 million. The New York-based company is a leading global player in
the delivery of broadband and other services to business, government and other
sectors. InstallerNet Inc. based in Andover, Mass., is a major content,
technology, and service organization specializing in the delivery of
intelligent service solutions.

The global cloud computing market is striding ahead on the strength of aggressive Asian and North American operators — who are investing billions of dollars to have an international footprint.

In this cloud rush, Europe is being seriously sidelined due to a cautious investment strategy, according to new research coming from Informa’s Telecom Cloud Monitor. It has been found that Europe accounts for 7% of the investment on cloud computing in 2011, and, out of a total of $13.5 billion, North America and Asia accounted for $12 billion. Camille Mendler, Principal Analyst at Informa Telecoms & Media has stated
that European operators are “being outgunned in cloud infrastructure,” although
they are focusing on stimulating local demand. The slow growth is being
attributed to European security and privacy laws, together with the economic
slowdown in the region. A common legal framework for cloud computing is being
planned by the European Commission this year.

The Informa study has highlighted the basic differences among the 127 cloud providers across the world. The Europeans are interested in local services, while the operators in North America are focusing on client acquisition at home and overseas. The Asians are into a mixed strategy of investment in infrastructure and launch of national and
international services. In Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, there is
more focus on domestic infrastructure development and services. The top five
among telecom cloud investors in 2011 were AT&T, Centurylink, NTT, Telstra,
Verizon and Windstream, while in Europe, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Portugal
Telecom and Telefonica were the leading operators.

One cloud service was launched every other day across the world in 2011 — totaling 170 new services, while 127 telecom operators were involved in cloud services compared to just 80 in 2010. This analysis and report was taken from Informa’s Cloud Monitor, which is an analytical tool that monitors and tracks cloud-based activities of approximately 120 operators across the world.

Informa is a global group headquartered in Switzerland that provides business enterprises and individuals with information and highly specialized skills and services.

More and more employees are leaving the office behind and opting for a mobile work situation, and the trend is expected to continue.

A recent study Worldwide Mobile Worker Population 2011-2015
Forecast by International Data Corporation (IDC) has predicted that the
number of mobile workers will reach 1.3 billion — 37.2% of the entire
workforce — by the year 2015. The most substantial increase would be in the
Asia/Pacific region due to an ongoing, strong economic growth. The United
States, Canada, and Latin America combined will see a slower upward trend. This
slower increase will be due to the continued sluggish economy and unemployment.

Mobility remains a crucial element of the workforce across the world, despite fluctuations in the economy and market turmoil, and there will be significant growth in the next few years.

“Our forecast shows that the worldwide mobile worker population will increase from
just over 1 billion in 2010 to more than 1.3 billion by 2015,” Stacy Crook,
Senior Research Analyst for IDC’s Mobile Enterprise Research program, said. According to the IDC report, the United States, Canada and Latin America combined is likely to see a growth from 182.5 million in 2010 to 212.1 million in 2015. In this region
right now, North America has the highest number of mobile workers, with 75% of
the workforce being mobile in 2010.

In the Asia/Pacific region, the increase is expected to be the highest: 601.7 million
mobile workers in 2010 and 838.7 million in 2015. The numbers are due to the
large populations in both India and China together, with robust economic growth
in both countries. This regional grouping does not include Japan. IDC’s
forecast also predicts that the mobile workforce will see a compound annual
growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% in Europe, Middle East and Africa, with the 2010
figure of 186.2 million increasing to 244.6 million in 2015. There will be a
decline in the CAGR of 0.2% in Japan due to reduced population growth there —
but 64.8% of its workforce will be mobile workers, numbering around 38.6
million by 2015.

International Data Corporation based in Framingham, Mass. is a leading global provider of diverse types of market intelligence, advisory and event services for the IT,
telecommunications and consumer technology markets.

Just when you think video-conferencing technology can’t evolve any further, Sigma Designs steps up with a game-changer.

A world leader in connected media platforms, Sigma Designs has launched a suite of home video-conferencing systems targeted at the consumer electronics market. These systems,
which include an HD camera, a console and remote control, fit into any home
environment.  Sigma showed two of the solutions at the recent Consumer Electronics Show 2012 in Las Vegas.

The device uses Sigma’s PL330 video encoder technology, along with its SMP8670 secure media processor technology, to provide a combination of home-video conferencing and
video-streaming services in a television set-top box. The hardware and software
provided by Sigma will develop user interface to enable seamless switching over
from watching video programs to accessing video messages, managing contact,
video-conferencing calls.  Plus, users will be able to customize the settings. All these functions are activated when connected to an HD television with a broadband connection. Users can also record videos with the integrated HD camera and share those videos on YouTube and Facebook or through email.

Sigma Design has collaborated with two original design manufacturers (ODM) for this innovation. The first is Chicony Electronics Co. Ltd., which is the world’s largest digital and web camera producer.  The second is Microlink Communications Inc., a subsidiary company of Foxlink Group. Microlink specializes in a range of wireless products. Video-conferencing is becoming very popular. People all over the world utilize free applications, such as Skype, to connect with family, friends and professional associates. These applications are now available on mobile devices, computers and televisions. Sigma’s new solutions offer these applications in a consumer-friendly and cost-effective way.

The complete PL330 Video-Conferencing Platform offers a “one-stop” solution for video-conferencing in the comfort of a consumer’s living room, and is now available in sample format for customers.

Sigma Designs, a California-based global leader in connected media platforms, builds
the semiconductor technology which is the core of the major IPTV set-top boxes
and media players.

In efforts to boost productivity and drive innovation, BBVA — one of the largest banking
institutions in the world, is adopting Google Apps, the cloud-based collaboration and communication suite of the global IT giant Google.  Leaders at BBVA announced this decision January 11^th.

BBVA’s employees in Spain, which number in excess of 35,000, will use Google Apps’
productivity tools, such as Google Chat, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Groups, Google Sites and Google Video. In addition, BBVA estimates that 110,000 of its
personnel spread across 26 countries will be using Google Apps by the end of
this year.

The BBVA Group opted for Google Apps to enable its workers at various locations to share and collaborate more simply and easily through any internet-enabled device. Google Apps will transform the new global intranet project of BBVA from a normal business communications and process management site to one where all employees can contribute, share and manage data on a global platform. A social network will also be implemented to enhance communication, and to find new methods of increasing working productivity.

José Olalla, CIO at BBVA, said that the integration of “Google Apps for Business suite with our own tools will allow us to introduce a new way of working where employees have access to all the information they need with just one click, no matter where they are, and can reap the benefits of using advanced collaboration tools.”

BBVA is a global conglomerate which provides a wide range of financial and other products and services. The organization started its operations in Spain over 150 years ago, and is a leader in that market.

Stage 2 Networks, a leading cloud communications provider in the New York area
specializing in hosted voice and data services, has acquired the hosted VoIP
business division of Consolidated Technologies, Inc. (CTI). This takeover of
the VoIP division would enable both companies to focus on their core
competencies, with Stage 2 Networks strengthening its VoIP offerings and CTI
focusing on its system integration business.

With expertise in the fields of voice and data services, Stage 2 Networks is the leading Broadsoft-hosted carrier in the New York metropolitan area. The new customers, added as a result of the acquisition, would now have more options that can be combined with their
current hosted solutions. Q Advisors, an investment banking company based in San Francisco and Denver, was appointed financial advisor to Stage 2 Networks for the acquisition.

Stage 2 Networks is among the pioneers in the cloud communications technology.  This company opened up the possibilities to businesses of all sizes in the New York metropolitan area. The strong network that Stage 2 Networks has enables companies to access a wide range of services in the field of communications. These services include hosted PBX and VoIP, cloud-based unified communications (UC), advanced voice applications and network services for both voice and data. The company specializes in the delivery of customized solutions that enable smooth, easy and streamlined communications capabilities with a high level of customer support, together with lowered capital investment. Stage 2 is a founding member of the Cloud Communications Alliance.

Consolidated Technologies, Inc. is an organization that provides superb products and offers the expertise to create, implement and manage converged communications
solutions for companies all over the United States. CTI has been in the
business since 1997 and is known for its staff, which is comprised of experts
in the field of communications technology.

The ultimate in video viewing has arrived.

Logitech, one of the major players in products that connect people to the digital
experience, has introduced the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920. This webcam enables
capture of full-HD video capability that is quicker, simpler and works well on
most computers. The C920 provides great image quality making the online
interactive experience more rewarding than ever before. The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 is the first webcam to offer 1080p video calling, which is due to the collaboration with Skype™ — the global provider of free and cheap Internet calling and other related services.

The C920 has H.264 advanced compression technology that enables upload of full-HD 1080p video clips or 15MP photographs easily and quickly, and with a single click to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter or to YouTube. The Webcam C920, which captures full-HD 1080p video for connecting with those using Skype™ or in HD 720p for Windows Live™ Messenger and the Logitech Fluid Crystal™ Technology, ensures sharper pictures, richer colors and clarity of sound — even on older computers. The webcam is
equipped with Carl Zeiss optics and a 20-step autofocus, which is the most
efficient webcam that Logitech has ever produced. Since audio quality is as
important as visual splendor, there are two microphones placed on either side
of the webcam that facilitate stereo sound. The Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
would provide a better experience for video-conferencing and unified
communication for business customers.

Logitech is major provider of several digital products — including multiple computing,
communication and entertainment platforms — which improve the digital
experience in music, gaming, social networking and multiple communication
channels on the Internet. The C920 webcam targets both individual and business
customers who are looking for a more colorful and visually vibrant video
experience.

In its latest assessment of vendors within the global unified communications (UC) market,
International Data Corporation (IDC) has positioned two vendors — Cisco and
Avaya — as leaders for the period 2011/12.

Based on that same assessment, IDC recognized several others as major players
including Siemens, IBM, ShoreTel and Microsoft.

The study “IDC Marketscape: Worldwide Unified Communications Voice Infrastructure
2001/2012 Vendor Analysis” is a vendor assessment that utilizes the IDC
MarketScape model and evaluates the quantitative and qualitative
characteristics that interpret and clarify success in this emerging market.

The MarketScape report, equipped with an extensive and accurate scoring system, gives a
detailed analysis and evaluation of the current market position of each vendor
and the strategies and capabilities for future competition.

Though the IDC report is focused on voice infrastructure based on telephony, it also considers the entire UC offerings of each vendor. This marks a major departure from last
year’s IDC MarketScape report, which was concerned only with the
voice/telephony factor.

Meanwhile, Unified communications still faces major hurdles in acceptance from the marketplace. Businesses still find it difficult to justify the implementation of UC systems
and to evaluate the return on investment.

However, the IDC report makes it clear that the industry must focus on development of additional business utilization samples to enhance customer confidence and level of
investment in the unified communications category. Other findings of the report
include the following:

• Customers must be able to find the tools and functionality most suitable for their industries and also identify the providers;
• SIP trunking is gaining real momentum;
• Success cases must be derived from the workflow processes within markets such as  healthcare, education, financials, manufacturing, etc.; and
• A business case for UC has to be comprised of a blend of IT and advantages
  to businesses along with a mix of IT and business benefits.

If you haven’t heard of FreedomPop yet, you will.  Here’s a hint:  it’s not a soft drink or a Popsicle treat.

FreedomPop is the name of a new company that will provide basic wireless solutions for laptops and mobile devices, according to market sources. The service would offer a particular amount of web access — at no cost to users.  However, customer would need to pay for additional service options.

Niklas Zennstrom, co-founder of Skype Technologies SA, is reportedly part of the team behind the launch of this new company. Zennstrom is reportedly an investor and advisor in the Los Angeles, CA. –based company. The product is scheduled to be launched these sources also stated. The news about the innovative service is yet to be officially and widely publicized.

With just a few users in the United States to test market, FreedomPop’s service is already in operation.  The wireless revenue in the United States is estimated at approximately $165 billion, according to the trade association CTIA-The Wireless Association. The FreedomPop initiative would definitely come as a major challenge to companies offering Internet access through designated Wi-Fi hotspots, and others which have depended on the growth of wireless services to increase revenue — as sales of conventional telephone services continue their downward slide.

The venture is bound to shake up the telecommunications scenario, as Skype did when it offered free calls from PC-to-PC between users of the service. Skype and other similar services used Internet Protocol (IP) technology that brought down drastically the cost of telephone communications, especially for long-distance and international calling. FreedomPop, on the other hand, would be making Internet access over wireless free, possibly with a dongle-like device that could be inserted in the laptop or the mobile device. According to market information, FreedomPop plans to keep costs at a minimum so that the service could be provided free or for a minimum fee.

Not everyone is happy working in the clouds.

A recent survey of 5,300 business organizations, conducted by the computer security firm Symantec, reveals a certain amount of disappointment among companies utilizing cloud computing, new technology which enables outsourcing of applications to cloud providers and storage of data to off-site servers hosted by cloud providers.

The switch to cloud computing technology has been very gradual.  Cloud technology has been proven to lead to a cost-savings in infrastructure, as there is no need to install software and hardware on the premises.

But even among those who have adopted it, there is a sense that cloud technology has fallen short of the mark in other ways. The Symantec survey reveals that fewer than one in five organizations have adopted cloud technology, while approximately two-thirds were in the process of early discussions regarding the changeover.

Forrester, an IT research firm, has estimated that the global cloud computing market would grow to $241 billion in 2020 from the current $41 billion. A majority of organizations were looking to shift to the cloud. Three out of four companies adopted cloud solutions for backup, storage and security, but wholesale outsourcing was still an exception.

The primary roadblocks appeared to be concerns about security and a dearth of expertise among IT employees in companies, according to the survey by Symantec — the manufacturer of the well-known Norton anti-virus software. While it is a fact that computing technology changes constantly, these do not entail the total shift of approach that cloud computing demands, the survey also reveals.

Security issues were cited by more than half of the respondents who were considering the move to cloud computing technology. Worries included malware outbreaks, hackers stealing data and insiders sharing sensitive information. Most of the survey respondents, however, felt that security would improve and would not be a hindrance to the adoption of the technology.

According to Symantec, the lack of knowledge and immaturity of the market were major impediments in the acceptance and implementation of cloud computing technology. There was a considerable gap between expectations and the actual results among those who had moved to cloud technologies in areas like IT agility, disaster recovery, efficiency, costs and security.

Symantec conducted the telephone survey between April-June 2011 across 38 countries.

Cutting-edge communications solutions — such as VoIP, conferencing technologies, and integrated voice and data messaging — are quite popular among small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).  These businesses are increasingly showing interest and adopting a wide gamut of communication solutions, according to a recent study by the International Data Corporation (IDC).

But these SMBs are adopting and using these solutions on a piecemeal basis, falling short of a comprehensive end-to-end unified communications system (UC). 

Enhanced connectivity, collaboration and communication capabilities that go beyond the mere sum of their divergent parts are some of the major benefits of UCs.  All of these benefits lead to enhanced productivity, efficiency and overall performance in the workplace.

However, it appears that there is a lack of knowledge, among decision-makers at SMBs, about the advantages of UCs.  This lack of knowledge is probably why more SMBs have not implemented end-to-end UC systems.

Key findings of IDC’s study reveal that SMBs are keenly interested in UC technologies, and 55% of companies plan to add one UC component in this year. VoIP has a solid foothold in the medium-size business segment, and more than 30% of firms with 100-199 employees utilize it in some way or the other. Small enterprises appear reluctant to adopt VoIP due to various factors, primarily lack of knowledge of the benefits and misconceptions about call quality and power outage issues. Service providers should address these concerns to increase the prevalence of these UC solutions.

International Data Corporation is a Massachusetts-based global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications and consumer technology markets.

The younger generation does not give any importance to security issues, and are only concerned with freedom of access to social networking sites, according to a recent Cisco report based on results from its survey of college students and young professionals.

The third installation of Cisco’s “Connected World Technology” report released Dec. 14, 2011 reveals some surprising facts and figures on the attitude and approach of younger employees to IT policies.  For example:  There is a lack of concern about privacy and security, coupled with a carefree attitude about flouting IT policies.

This Cisco study reveals that 61% of young employees felt that corporate IT security was the responsibility of the company or the manufacturer of the device — not their problem. The young employees surveyed consisted of 1,400 college students between 18 and 23 years old, and 1,400 professionals younger than 30.

Out of 10 such employees, seven ignored company IT policies. Also among the employees, 67% of them stated that existing IT policies on social media and device usage were outdated and needed to be modified to meet the current needs of Internet access and enhanced flexibility at work. The expectations and needs were different among the young employees on restrictions at work.  This aspect could become a deciding factor on work choices and preferences, according to Scott Olechowski, Threat Research Manager at Cisco.

These students and professionals had grown up in a computerized environment and were used to unhindered access to the Internet and the free flow of information. They were looking for a more open and unrestricted access to information and social media, stated John Stewart, Chief Security Officer of Cisco.   Given that, IT and security policies must change to enable mobility and productivity, while keeping tabs on security and risk.

Desk phones, long considered a staple for telecommunications, are being replaced by the myriad models of mobile devices now available, from smartphones to tablets of various shapes and sizes.

As these gadgets continue to gain popularity in the work world, the need for more Wi-Fi solutions to boost performance gets stronger. And, with increasing usage of mobiles devices by the workforce, there is a growing need for the integration of advanced Wi-Fi and VoIP technology.

Ruckus Wireless and ShoreTel® are filling that need, particularly for its small- and mid-sized business customers.  The two industry leaders have teamed up to launch a Mobile Unified Communications (UC) Starter Kit that integrates Wi-Fi and Voice over IP (VoIP).

The Mobile UC Starter Kit provides UC and wireless networking solutions which support the voice and data needs in a single, user-friendly and cost-effective package.  The UC Starter Kit is an ideal solution which enables professionals to utilize UC on their mobile phones, regardless of location — and at reduced costs.

“ShoreTel and Ruckus now give organizations a complete turnkey system that takes advantage of the best VoIP and Wi-Fi technologies to easily and securely integrate employee smartphones into their existing network framework,” stated said Denis Maynard, Vice President of worldwide sales for Ruckus Wireless.

Ruckus’ ZoneFlex Smart Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a product verified within the ShoreTel Innovation Network, thereby assuring customers of efficient coordination between the dual platforms for optimum operational excellence.

ShoreTel’s VoIP reach goes far ahead of a wired environment with the Ruckus ZoneFlex Smart Wi-Fi system, enabling business managers and staff to use tablets, other mobile devices, and VoIP telephones in addition to the existing IP solutions.

For organizations looking for trial demonstrations of unified communications, the partners have designed cheaper product packages customized according to customer requirements.

Ruckus Wireless based in Sunnyvale, California is involved in the design, manufacture and marketing of Smart Wi-Fi and Smart Wireless LAN products since 2004. ShoreTel also based in Sunnyvale provides Unified Communications solutions based on their award-winning IP business phone system.

Now it’s even easier to keep up on the latest developments within the burgeoning videoconferencing and telepresence markets, and get data on vendor share for these technologies, thanks to International Data Corporation (IDC).

IDC, the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the IT, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets, has launched a global quarterly review called “Worldwide Enterprise Videoconferencing and Telepresence QView.” 

The videoconferencing and telepresence markets are huge money-makers.  Revenue for this technology sector grew 24.3% year-over-year, and the 3^rd quarter of 2011 shows a continued growth trend. The market is currently $680.4 million.  The single codec telepresence segment of the market shows an increase of 36.6% year-over-year to $379.7 million and now accounts for 55.8% of the total market.

It is only very recently that enterprise networks and videoconferencing technology developed the capability of delivery of collaboration functionality that can initiate a video session, according to Rich Costello, senior analyst, Enterprise Communications Infrastructure, at IDC. This capability has enormous possibilities, as it goes beyond a conference call and is a viable alternative to real-time contact.

The market is also growing at a rapid pace, as video collaboration becomes more popular, and has shown 20% growth in three of the last four quarter of the year. IDC expects a substantial revenue growth in this market to continue over a period of five more years, strengthened by the increasing presence of unified communications, collaboration applications, telepresence systems, and desktop and mobile devices supporting video.

By providing crucial information on technology developments, IDC enables IT professionals, business leaders and managers, and investors to make informed, fact-based decisions on technology purchases and marketing strategies. IDC’s worldwide presence results in the availability of global, regional and local information on technology, diverse industry trends and opportunities in more than 110 countries. This service gives strategic ideas and additional inputs which help companies accomplish their marketing targets.