According to IDC, Web talk applications leverage the browsers, portals, and network structures already in place on the Internet. They became a reality because of improved Internet performance and the declining cost of bandwidth.
Service providers are eager to take advantage of the opportunities generated by Web talk.
Last year, more than 25 Web talk service providers launched commercial offerings. Through 2004, revenues from hosted services and advertising will increase the fastest, however. IDC believes Web talk service providers' current objective is to increase their user base quickly. Word of mouth, which in this case can be literally applied, will help these providers grow quickly in the beginning, but later more aggressive marketing techniques will have to be used. Overall, IDC believes Web talk will be a huge success.