But, warns Didata's Hart, though integration of voice and data across a single pipe can lead to cost savings, the savings are being compared to an artificial tariff . However, voice and data integration can lead to other services that could generate additional business, adds Lopez. But SA lags in deploying converged networks, Hart says. In many instances, there's more talk than action. He attributes this to the lack of competition in SA's fixed-line telecoms market.
Any competition is a good thing.
We definitely need to get some form of competition in this market. We've seen the potential with the mobile operators. Other trends expected to drive SA's R1,3bn a year networking market include the drive towards Web-based commerce. DDN's Hart notes that equipment manufacturers are no longer using international platforms to pitch their products, but rather to evangelise electronic commerce. IP convergence, and its impact on telecoms carriers will be the primary area of focus going forward.