In a report released today, IDC maintains that even in the current volatile economic environment, opportunities still exist for UC vendors within certain industry verticals, with the highest growth opportunities in education, health and government, as well as retail/wholesale.

IDC forecasts continuation of a steady UC adoption rate this year as organisations look to reduce operational expenditure (OPEX) costs, while at the same time improving productivity and efficiency.

“Growth will continue as a result of the opportunities following the initial migration of IP telephony adoption in Australian businesses since 2001, but strong growth is expected in particular verticals in 2009 due to a much needed technology re-fresh.”

Jason Leung, market analyst, telecommunications with IDC Australia, said UC has become a “fast-growing solution adopted by businesses of all sizes for various reasons including improved productivity and lower OPEX.

“Although UC is considered to be a horizontal product that is applicable to all businesses, there have been adoption time lags by some verticals in the Australian market which we believe will catch up in 2009.”

Leung maintain that, as overall total cost of ownership (TCO) and return on investment (ROI) culminate to favourable prospects for many businesses, the “undeniable conclusion in most instances is a case of not if but when UC should be adopted."