Despite the uncertainty regarding its long-term future, however, IDC forecasts strong growth for the technology during the next few years. Widespread broadband adoption is likely to seriously limit the need for Internet call waiting services in the next few years. However, according to IDC, equipment and service providers may be able to breathe continued life into Internet call waiting by integrating the technology into their next-generation communications platforms. For now, the ILECs are not giving up on Internet call waiting services, with most moving forward with plans to expand the service throughout their regions.
Service providers view Internet call waiting as a part of their migration strategy.
The most important reason they should continue to offer it is because it generates revenue. Besides the monthly subscription fees, Internet call waiting generates more revenue for a telco by allowing a higher percentage of calls to be completed. IDC defines enterprise ASP services as those that consist of managed or extended services around enterprise resource management, industry-specific, customer relationship management, and ecommerce applications. Spending on enterprise applications in the United States exceeded expectations. Additionally, end-user awareness of the ASP business model is up, revealing the payoff of a year's worth of educational efforts from ASPs, industry associations, IT vendors, and the media in general.