Enterprise FMC: A Lot of Activity, But Lagging Demand for Now

SUMMARY

Fixed mobile convergence (FMC) covers a wide array of solutions that merge the capabilities of mobile and fixed voice networks and devices. While transparent hand-off of active voice calls between cellular and Wi-Fi networks with the use of a dual-mode phone is the generally accepted definition of FMC, simultaneous ringing of cellular and wireline phones, network twinning and mobile PBX extensions and applications are among the growing number of solutions in the FMC family. This analysis discusses current and planned adoption of various FMC solutions and discusses how industry market leaders will not be dissuaded by lagging felt need for FMC solutions on the part of the business community, and will aim to develop compelling solutions that, once experienced, will lead to viral adoption over the next several years. A forecast of cellular/Wi-Fi dual-mode telephone shipments and business subscribers is provided

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• VoIP and Unified Communications Lead FMC
• Introduction
  • Data Collection
• FMC Defined
  • Cisco's Collaboration With Agito is a Significant Step
  • Femtocells are the Wild Card in FMC Planning
• Survey Results
  • Wi-Fi is Common Among Businesses of All Sizes
  • Dual-Mode Cellular/Wi-Fi Handsets Generate Limited Interest
  • Seamless Roaming Is Gaining Interest, But Remains Limited
  • Other Issues That Must Be Tackled
  • Implications

List of Tables

• Table 1. Current Use of Wi-Fi
• Table 2. Wi-Fi Used for Voice Communications
• Table 3. Plans to Use Wi-Fi for Voice in the Next 12 Months
• Table 4. Interest in Dual-Mode Cellular/Wi-Fi Handset Capabilities
• Table 5. Worldwide Cellular/Wi-Fi Phone Shipment Forecasts
• Table 6. Importance of Seamless Roaming Between Cellular and IP Networks
• Table 7. Willingness to Pay for Seamless Roaming Between Cellular and IP Networks
• Table 8. Current Ability to Access PBX or Centrex Calling Features From Mobile Phones
• Table 9. Mobile Users are Able to Access VoIP with Their Cellular Phones
• Table 10. Use of Unified Communications Functions With Mobile Devices
• Table 11. Ability to Access Unified Communications Functions Using Mobile Devices

List of Figures

• Figure 1. Worldwide Business FMC Subscribers (in Thousands), 2007 - 2012
• Figure 2. Cisco and Agito FMC Collaborative Solution
• Figure 3. Interest in Dual-Mode Cellular/Wi-Fi Handset Capabilities 2007 vs. 2008
• Figure 4. Importance of Seamless Roaming Between Cellular and IP Networks 2007 vs. 2008