Singapore's CommunicAsia 2005 was definitely the place for solution providers and systems integrators to pace themselves against the fast changing telecom canvas. The event drew at least 60,000 trade visitors. With mobile phones featuring cameras and camcorder functions creating big waves in the market, it is only a matter of time to witness what a user can do with 3G video phones.

The recently concluded Singapore's annual IT mega event– CommunicAsia 2005 had a clear focus towards IP technology. It also laid emphasis on the service provider's tactical approach towards embracing next generation telecom networks and new product launches from handset manufacturers.

With telecom as a key segment for solution providers-one of the biggest IT event of the region showcased some of the newly launched products and solutions. IP-based video telephony solutions or next generation network platform for service providers from different telecom vendors were displayed.

LG and Samsung, leading the strong Korean presence at Communicasia, were among the many to display new phone models, from business PDAs to funky multimedia gadgets to 3G video phones Singapore's imbX 2005 tradeshow incorporated CommunicAsia, Broadcast Asia and EnterpriseIT, with 2,238 exhibitors from 55 countries, and 59,000 attendees(nearly half from overseas)

Living up to its expectations, this year's event drew at least 60,000 trade visitors and the number of exhibitors grew to more than 2,200. Focused telecom equipment manufacturing players like Sonus Networks, Huawei, UTStarcomm, ZTE, Ericsson and Motorola showcased their latest offerings in this segment.

The telecom opportunity!
While almost all the big carriers and service providers in the region are aiming towards upgrading their networks, this presents a big opportunity for solution providers as they are ones doing the actual implementation part, when it comes to upgrading the legacy equipment. "Whether it is Malaysia or Singapore-almost all service providers and carriers are engaged in upgrading their networks.

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Moreover, as customers want more services, there is a trend towards going in for 3G services. All this put together presents a huge potential for regional solution providers which are interested in firmly entrenching themselves in this segment," informed, Kevin Summers, Principal Engineer, Sonus Networks.

The company had showcased its next generation technology introductions and detail how its solutions provide a seamless migration to an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) architecture in its exhibit at CommunicAsia 2005.

Globally, in the Asian region, 3G adoption is driven by the inter-related factors of handsets, pricing and a renewed user experience. The buzz has not only been about low-cost voice, but other services built around the next generation networks. Overall if we see, mobile multimedia revolution is driving most of the 3G adoption in the region.

Trained manpower key to success
When it comes to implementing solutions, manpower holds the key. Mission critical verticals like telecom demand thoroughly trained personnel to put next generation telecom equipment for carriers and other telcos.

"Manpower is one of the most critical issues when it comes to making sure that proper handling of telecom equipment is done. I strongly feel that Indian solution providers should start gathering momentum in this area by acquiring and training talent in this area, said, Micheal Koh CS, Director at Singapore-based Converged Solutions.

Another evident trend at the exhibition was the fact that new technologies have been catching up very fast with the customers. Focusing on cutting edge technologies like 3G, solution providers should gear up to handle network equipment based on next generation switching technologies in a better way. Keeping good manpower is just one bit of the whole game.

Within the Asian region where 3G-based products have already been rolled out like Korea, Japan, Taiwan and even Singapore-interestingly enough, the introduction of handsets with cameras and camcorder features are creating big waves in the market. Imagine what a user can do with 3G video calls!

"Things are really going to be different once the full spectrum of 3G services are rolled out in different regions. Imagine the implementation of a sales automation product with 3G capabilities. Solution providers need to show a bit of innovation and this would certainly help them in moving up the value chain as well," opined Raymond NG, Sales Director, IP Products & Services, Attrix Technology.

ZIA ASKARI

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