Unified Communications Featured Article

Infonetics' Hosted UC Scorecard with 8x8 ranked #1; Verizon, XO, AT&T tops in IP connectivity

By Peter Bernstein
Senior Editor

Let’s face it, we all like watching the scoreboard. This is true not just in sports, but when it comes to the business of business the interest in who is up or down is equally as intense. In fact, the parallels in that in both sports and business you can make wagers on winners and losers. The distinct difference is that, note to research firms, in business I have yet to see a betting pool set up on the rankings when market studies and market updates are released. 

Internationally recognized technology research firm, Campbell, CA-based Infonetics Research (News - Alert) is out with excerpts from its 2014 North America Business VoIP Service Scorecard, which analyzes and ranks the top providers in the hosted unified communications (UC) and IP connectivity service markets. If there is actually a forum for betting on such matters, including establishing odds, if you had 8x8 as 31 in hosted UC and Verizon (News - Alert) #1 in connectivity you probably got a nice return on your wager.

The chart from the report, which details both markets extensively, provides the top companies in each category.

Commenting on the report, Diane Myers, principal analyst for VoIP, UC, and IMS at Infonetics Research explained that, “Always near the top of our hosted VoIP scorecard, 8x8 (News - Alert) broke through this year to take the number-1 spot decisively by building on a solid financial position and continued focus on service enhancements and geographic expansion…While 8x8 still serves predominantly small companies, it’s finding more and more success with larger businesses.”

Myers added, “Meanwhile, Verizon is the market leader for IP connectivity for a sixth consecutive year, followed closely by XO. These two are mainstays in this market, leading in service development and customer adoption.”