>> VoIP is essentially a loss leader
I am thinking there is a different way of viewing VoIP - as a feature of web-centric services, rather than an (unprofitable) product in its own right. I am talking here about 'digital dialtone' rather than the multiple varieties of VoIP in the network - or if you like the convergence of the telephone with web devices. I'm still thinking about who is in the best position to get value from this.
The point here is that once data and voice are flowing over the same connection (and without having any consumer-unfriendly modem handshaking) voice and graphic interfaces can combine in a way that is more powerful and effective than either on its own.
So, the key enablers here are that the connection is (a) digital and (b) always on - broadband is very secondary.
This is not a new idea, but I think the 'killer apps' for this are becoming clearer (and I suspect that those apps will drive the hardware). A few examples, not necessarily the best:
- easy to browse (personal) directories - with one-click dialling
- see voicemail menus rather than having all the options read to you,
then respond (by voice)
- web shopping sites: add sales assistants, or talk with others while browsing
The PC may be one terminal here, perhaps with microphone or head/handset attached. It's also likely to lead adoption, since PCs are currently being used to access the myriad sites that may become voice-enabled.
Other apps may be web extensions of communications applications, rather than vice versa. These applications (very simplified graphical interfaces) may give a new lease of life to the ancient smartphone concept.
Mobile phones are (often) digital already, and because they're mobile there will be a lot of distinctive, communications-centric apps, despite some constraints with the screen and how/when you can look at it.
I'm well aware that this thought is incomplete - as to how the pieces come together, and who makes money from this. Interested in any comments the thread may have. |
