IDC recently published a MarketScape report titled IDC Telecom MarketScape for Next-Generation Service Providers 2016-17, which evaluates the leading regional and global telecommunications service providers (SPs) in Asia-Pacific. According to the report, AT&T, BT, Orange, and Singtel were identified as “Leaders” of the next-generation telecom service providers in the region along with plenty of challengers in the market.
These service providers demonstrated a strong regional network presence, comprehensive suite of enterprise cloud and managed ICT service offerings, diverse portfolio of services in areas such as Internet of Things (IoT) and collaboration in the region, as well as a large base of mid and large-sized enterprises, multinational corporations (MNCs), and government clients across Asia Pacific.
This group of “Leaders” is closely followed by "Major Players" in the market which includes regional service providers, such as Telstra and NTT Coms, along with global service providers including Vodafone, Verizon, and Tata Communications. GCX is classified under the “Contenders” group.
"The telco landscape is being reshaped by enterprise demand for this transformation to digital platforms. The impact of key 3rd Platform technologies and accelerators, and the enterprise desire to leverage on these technologies for differentiation in a crowded marketplace is clearly visible,” said Nikhil Batra, Senior Research Manager for Telecom Practice, IDC Asia/Pacific.
"In the short term, SD-WAN and enterprise cloud connect will be important, followed by 5G, software-defined networks, and virtual network services (VNS), with a distinct focus on customer experience throughout. Most of the SPs today have responded to these enterprise requirements by expanding into adjacent areas and providing not just the technology, but the business expertise along with it. However, they continue to differentiate themselves based on their focus and key strategic capabilities," added Batra.
IDC enumerates some key differentiators to be successful in this market:
• A well-rounded portfolio of cloud services powered by secure cloud connect offerings
• Leveraging software-defined networking and virtual network services for internal and external efficiencies
• Comprehensive suite of managed security offerings
• Wide range of enterprise mobility, M2M, Big Data, and Analytics solutions
• Network partnerships beyond standard NNI agreements
