Gregory we represent two contrasting opinions. My opinion of Octel is based on what information is available publically. And some knowledge of how they market Sierra. I have friends at Octel, though we only share general info. I also went through about a week of intense interviews there several years ago. I declined their offer because I did not like what I saw.
The universal messaging standard is already here (Exchange and NT).
I guarantee you the folks at Octel are very concerned about the AVTC's in this business. In two years, NT will have the scalability to support 1000's of ports (assuming Gates delivers on his promise), and the small NT VM providers will suddenly be able to compete with the large accounts that are owned by Octel, CGRM, BSN, UIS, and others.
VPIM is a threat to Octel. The reality of today, is that if a company is unhappy with Octel, or any of the other major players, and they have a large VM network deployed, they have to replace the entire NW, which is too expensive to be a viable option. VPIM will eliminate that, because every VM provider who supports VPIM with no strings attached, has given their customers a way out. This is a problem for Octel, who has a monoply lock on the Fortune 100 (and most of the Fortune 500). When Sierra supports VPIM, the Fortune 100, for the first time, will be able to entertain VM providers who can present a strategy to gradually replace some or all of the customer's deployed Sierras. I can not believe that the folks at Octel are not aware of this threat. The threat applies to all vm players, but since Octel is the dominant CPE provider, they stand to lose the most. As well, they have the least opportunity with VPIM. However, if they do not have unconditional VPIM support, they will have a tough time marketing Sierra. And I am sorry, but the VPIM to AMIS analog hack that they are demo'ing will not do. It is DOA.
I see Octel in a very defensive mode right now. They are trying to maintain their market share with one of the oldest and most proprietary platforms on the market. With no announcements of IMA release dates (I have not even heard of any beta's), it appears that Sierra will be their bread and butter for a while to come. I do not think that Octel can maintain market share with the Sierra platform. Can you understand why the market has placed such importance on the Sierra upgrade? The SIerra platform is a flatliner. It is dead. If Octel does not understand that, they are dead as well. |
