VC market set to grow over the next five years
Report predicts positive times ahead for videoconferencing as channel players talk of increased demand
(VC) market grew in value by nine per cent last year and is set to grow by 33 per cent over the next five years, according to market watcher Market & Business Development (MBD).
MBD’s UK Videoconferencing Market Development Report revealed that the value of the market reached £202.1m in 2005 and that annual growth levels are expected to remain strong between 2006 and 2010, with sales reaching an estimated £268.6m (at 2005 prices) by 2010.
While private-sector investment is likely to continue to be under some pressure, the benefits of VC are set to ensure growth, and public sector growth will remain strong, MBD said.
Installation revenue is expected to increase by 81 per cent by 2010 taking the value of the sector to £38.7m.
Tony Heyworth, director of EMEA marketing at VC vendor Polycom, said: “More companies are deploying VC than ever and it is not just large global companies. Time, travel costs, inconvenience, speed of decision making and competitive advantage are all reasons for the use of VC at meetings. There is hardly a potential client that does not agree that VC can help improve their business.”
Kevin Wilson, managing director of Polycom partner AuDeo, said: “VC technology will be a must have in business, rather than a nice to have, and this means mass market adoption.”
Craig Malloy, chief executive of VC distributor LifeSize, told CRN: “The feedback we get from our UK resellers and customers confirms increased demand for our high definition VC products. Our VARs are being approached for demonstrations on a frequent basis.”
Giles Adams, director of reseller Niad Communications, said: “We’ve been a VC reseller for eight years and partner with Polycom, Tandberg, and LifeSize. The overall market is growing at a fairly steady rate.”