IP networks in business are increasingly mobile, service provider managed and used for voice according to the latest Optus IP Index released today.
The Optus IP Index is an annual survey of business use of private IP networks, or virtual private networks (IP VPNs), in use by 52.9 per cent of large organisations (either carrier or self-managed), 27.7 per cent of medium organisations and 22.2 per cent of small businesses in Australia, according to IDC.
The Optus IP Index found that almost one third (30 per cent) of IP networks are now used for voice as well as data services, up from 18 per cent in 2002. This convergence is expected to continue, with 56 per cent of those surveyed expected to run voice over IP networks in 2004.
Mobility is a key growth area. One quarter (24 per cent) of private IP networks support roaming users (via the open internet) up from 10 per cent in 2002. One quarter (25 per cent) support wireless access over WiFi, twice the level predicted in 2002.
Organisations are also looking to outsource non-core ICT processes. Almost one third (32 per cent) of private IP networks are now service provider managed, predicted to increase to 73 per cent in 2004.
Optus Business said organisations want to deploy networks that do more, simplify management and reduce direct cost.
"What is evident in this report is that IP networks are providing organisations with the flexibility to rapidly introduce new services, improve and extend access to company information and reduce fixed costs through outsourced network management," Optus said.
OTHER KEY FINDINGS
| Connectivity Solutions | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 Predicted |
| Personal area wireless access (Bluetooth or similar) | 0 | 16% | 67% |
| Local area wireless access (WiFi or similar) | 0 | 25% | 69% |
| Wide area wireless access (GPRS or similar) | 7% | 37% | 77% |
| Handheld or other mobile device | 7% | 46% | 51% |
| International network access/connectivity | n/a | 36% | 42% |
| Performance management and security | |||
| MPLS network management | n/a | 29% | n/a |
| Smartcard security | 13% | 11% | 24% |
| eCommerce | |||
| Transactions processing | n/a | 40% | 57% |
| Online service delivery | n/a | 37% | 57% |
| Collaboration | |||
| Intranet | 81% | 92% | 92% |
| Extranet connectivity (partners, customers, suppliers) | n/a | 30% | 53% |
| SCM/CRM | 37% | 33% | 36% |
| Financial applications | 44% | 72% | 78% |
The Optus IP Index is based on network service data from 140 selected Optus customers and interviews with 37 senior IT decision makers with network responsibility.
Of the organisations surveyed, 5 per cent were less than 50 employees, 49 per cent between 50 to 499 employees, 16 per cent 500 to 999 and 30 per cent with more than 1000.
The first Optus IP Index was conducted in March 2002 and launched in June of that year. This second update is based on information collected during June 2003.
For further information, or to receive a copy of the Optus IP Index please contact:
Luisa Ford
Optus Corporate Affairs
Phone: +61 2 9342 5045