Skypes free telephony software, launched in August 2003, spread through word-of-mouth, with no traditional marketing, to claim over 7 million users in August 2004

(PRWEB) September 2, 2004 -- Research and Markets announces the addition of this new report entitled "Voice Communications: from public service to private application" to its offerings.

The launch of Skypes free telephony software download in August 2003 caught the industrys imagination as it rapidly overtook more established VoIP players to attain subscriber figures never before seen in an over-hyped market segment that had long been plagued with technical problems. The software, initially offered to the users of KaZaAs file sharing network, spread through word-of-mouth, with no traditional marketing, to claim over 7 million users in August 2004. Several copycat services have been launched this year, all offering free on-net calls within their closed user groups and offering optional extras including voicemail, conferencing and termination services to the PSTN. These all have minimal network infrastructure, relying as they do on 'peer-to-peer topologies to support the services. These private VoIP applications (PVAs) highlight the susceptibility of traditional voice service providers, both fixed and mobile, to new business models made possible by widespread broadband access.

This report assesses the potential impact on the voice market of these PVAs. It evaluates the underlying business models and quantifies their short-term impact on the core businesses of both fixed and mobile service providers. The longer-term potential for a 'critical mass effect of PVA users giving rise to a new market structure is also explored and the possible scale of its impact is determined. The report explains how existing service providers can protect their revenues, and evaluates the strategic alternatives available to market participants.

Voice Communications: from public service to private application answers the following key questions:

- What are the existing business models in the market and how are they likely to evolve?

- What are the factors required to trigger a 'critical mass effect?

- How much do traditional operators stand to lose?

- Who could take advantage of the new business models, and how?

Who should read this report?

- Mainstream fixed voice operators: understand the threat posed by the emerging business models, assess the scale of the potential impact and develop counter-strategies to minimise the danger

- Internet Service Providers: understand where the main opportunities lie in terms of market segments, business models and distribution strategies for the launch of voice services

- Specialist VoIP providers: identify the main opportunities and develop longer-term market strategies

Mobile network operators: understand the potential impact on mobile usage and revenues

- Equipment vendors: understand the market drivers and identify new opportunities

For a complete index of this report click on http://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/222424

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