Business Solutions magazine

September 7, 2007

I recently had the opportunity to ask Jay McCall, VoIP and Wireless Editor with Business Solutions magazine, about the evolution of SIP-based communications, the future of the market and more.

Business Solutions magazine is a publication geared toward executives of IT channel companies such as VARs, integrators, and solution providers.

To learn more about the publication, read this article published on TMCnet from earlier this year.

RT: How is IP communications changing your company’s strategy?

We are currently evaluating an Asterisk-based IP system at one of our branch facilities.

RT: What pains does your company solve for customers?

Business Solutions magazine helps our customers increase awareness in the channel.

RT: How has SIP changed communications?

It has changed very little so far, but will likely change how we communicate within the next 12 to 24 months.

RT: How do you think the future of the market looks?

SIP and VoIP are the future.

RT: How does the growth rate in the U.S. compare to the rest of the world?

Because of the U.S. has a reliable traditional telephone infrastructure we have been slower to adopt wireless and VoIP technologies compared with Japan, China, and other countries.

RT: What do you think of Google and Apple entering the telecom market?

The more players, the better it is for businesses and consumers. Competition brings the price down and the features and functions up.

RT: How about Microsoft?

We are very curious how this will affect current partners such as Objectworld.

RT: How will open source technologies change our market?

We’re looking into it right now.

RT: What are your thoughts regarding hosted solutions?

There are mixed feeling about hosted solutions. We have spoken with a number of VARs and vendors that are passionate about either one side or the other. Hosted will definitely have its niche, most likely with small businesses with fewer than 25 employees per office.

RT: How will communications evolve over the next five years?

Voice peering will increase and we will see advertisements appear on phone displays. Companies will allow this in exchange for reduced/free calling plans.

RT: What will the industry see at your booth at ITEXPO?

The industry will see examples of VARs that are successful selling VoIP technologies by providing total solutions and services.

RT: Why is your booth a “Can’t Miss?”

VARs, integrators, and other channel companies interested in learning about what their peers are doing to grow their businesses will want to see our booth.

RT: What do you want the industry to know about your company?

We have been serving the channel since our inception 17 years ago, and we continue to keep a pulse on the technologies and services that help true VARs distinguish themselves from box movers.

RT: What’s next for communications?

Peer-to-peer calling and video over IP.