Research Magic Quadrant for Softswitch Architecture - Genband

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CSPs continue to invest in multivendor solutions, but the number of global vendors has fallen. In turn, the ecosystems built by vendors have created more flexibility and more options. The general approach to system integration and network design is to use one main vendor and to cherry pick best-of-breed solutions. Market Definition/Description The softswitch architecture market comprises softswitch/call control technology and VoIP media gateways. We expect that, for the next 12 to 18 months, most growth in this market will stem from deployments in the mobile environment, and from fixed and converged CSPs in emerging markets. Deployments of VoIP services delivered via IMS using the Call Session Control Function (CSCF) have been increasing, and we expect CSCF to be deployed more widely through 2015. CSCF deployments are likely to exceed IMS-capable deployments in 2012 (see "Forecast: Carrier Network Infrastructure, Worldwide, 2007-2015, 1Q11 Update"). In softswitch architecture the underlying hardware is decoupled from call control, subscriber logic and service creation. A softswitch accesses, enables and applies applications according to predetermined profiles for individual subscribers. An application programming interface forms the link between the call control layer and the application layer, and may be supported by an SDP architecture. Application servers and solutions focused on next-generation SDPs are not considered in this Magic Quadrant, so vendors of these products — such as BroadSoft, Accenture, Wipro, Oracle and HP — do not appear in it. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria To appear in this Magic Quadrant, vendors of softswitch architecture had to have at least six reference customers in 2010 and to have generated at least $40 million in revenue from this market in the same year. Added Genband and Dialogic. Dropped Cedar Point Communications and Nortel have been dropped due to their acquisition by Genband. Veraz Networks has been dropped due to its acquisition by Dialogic. Evaluation Criteria Ability to Execute Product/Service. This refers to core goods and services offered by technology providers that compete in the defined market. It includes current product and service capabilities, quality, feature sets, skills and so on, whether offered natively or through OEM agreements and partnerships. Specifically, it includes the development of ecosystems to support specific CSP requirements, such as IP Centrex, as well as system integration and distribution, and after-sales support in different regions (where applicable). Support for third-party, non- SIP-based applications is critical, as are subscriber databases, profile servers and home subscriber servers. We also evaluate the consistent delivery of QoS, QoE and policy-based functions. Also important is the availability of comprehensive system integration services. Overall Viability (Business Unit, Financial, Strategy and Organization). Viability includes an assessment of the overall organization's financial health, the financial and practical success of Publication Date: 31 May 2011/ID Number: G00213148 Page 8 of 24 © 2011 Gartner, Inc. and/or its Affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
the business unit, and the likelihood that the business unit will continue to invest in the product, offer the product, and advance the state of the art within the organization's portfolio of products. Included is an assessment of financial prudence and the value of the acquisition of companies delivering, for example, applications or SBCs. Marketing Execution. The clarity, quality, creativity and efficacy of programs designed to deliver the organization's message to influence the market, promote the brand and the business, increase awareness of the products, and establish a positive identification with the products, brand and organization in the minds of buyers. This "mind share" can be driven by a combination of publicity, promotional, thought leadership, word-of-mouth and sales activities. Also, the availability of case studies and the support of carrier customers improves a vendor's messages for the Class 4 or Class 5 switching market. Since the softswitch architecture market is diverse in terms of topology and affiliated migration to session control in IMS, we consider the different market shares and mind shares based on equipment deployments, as well as regional credibility among CSPs. Operations. The organization's ability to meet its goals and commitments. Factors include the quality of the organizational structure and the frequency of reorganization, including skills, experiences, programs, systems and other vehicles that enable the organization to operate effectively and efficiently on an ongoing basis. We also consider the transparency of synergies between marketing, services and R&D departments. Table 1. Ability to Execute Evaluation Criteria Evaluation Criteria Product/Service Overall Viability (Business Unit, Financial, Strategy, Organization) Sales Execution/Pricing Market Responsiveness and Track Record Marketing Execution Customer Experience Operations Source: Gartner (May 2011) Weighting standard high no rating no rating standard no rating standard Completeness of Vision Market Understanding. A technology provider's ability to understand buyers' needs and to translate that understanding into products and services. Vendors with the most vision listen to and understand buyers' wants and needs, and can shape or enhance them with their vision. This criterion covers: Understanding of CSPs' requirements for network convergence from TDM to IP, or voice over broadband and true VoIP. Mobile softswitch deployments from Release 4 onward in mobile capacity extension and network rollouts. The balance between short-term switch-based enhancements and full PSTN replacements to overcome capex constraints due to the economic downturn. Publication Date: 31 May 2011/ID Number: G00213148 Page 9 of 24 © 2011 Gartner, Inc. and/or its Affiliates. All Rights Reserved.
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Page 3 and 4: MAGIC QUADRANT Figure 1. Magic Quad
Page 5 and 6: For years, CSPs have been reducing
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Page 15 and 16: Ericsson Strengths Cautions Genband
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Page 19 and 20: network migration (including applic
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Research Magic Quadrant for Softswitch Architecture - Genband

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