If you think the computer industry moves fast, try
keeping pace with the telecommunications business. Markets change
swiftly and dramatically. Technology alters the economics.
Competition is cutthroat. What’s a Penguin to do in such a
hazardous world? As it turns out, a lot. Learn why Linux is
enjoying remarkable success keeping the world connected.
If you think the computer business is fast-paced, spend some time in the telecommunications industry. New technology, the demand for mobility, the collapse of the former fiefdoms of voice, data, and video, reduced margins, and cutthroat competition are just a few of the challenges “telcos” are currently confronted with. Worse, none of these issues can be tackled in isolation. For example, telcos must deliver new products and services faster than ever before, even while profits erode. Hence, for more and more companies in the industry, it’s no longer feasible to build and maintain entirely proprietary solutions.
But rapid change is nothing new to telcos, and increasingly, vendors are moving to Linux and open source to maintain tactical and strategic advantages. From embedded solutions, to Web applications, Linux is rapidly replacing generations and legions of special-purpose hardware and software. Telcos have found the Linux religion. Hallejulah!
In the 1990s, Voice over IP (VoIP), the convergence of voice, data, and video, downward price pressures, and the entrance of new competitors such as cable companies forever altered the competitive landscape for telecommunications products and services. Indeed, many of the market and technology forces triggered a decade ago still affect the industry:
*The need for IP-based communications that can handle converged voice and data;
*Time to market pressures for new products and services desired by consumers and businesses; and
*The need for telcos to continuously reduce costs while simultaneously speeding products to market.
“The market drivers on telcos…
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