Jun. 13--Alcatel of France is gearing up to promote emerging Internet protocol-based network technology, known as enterprise triple-play, in an attempt to lead the market. The IP-based convergence network enables interactive TV services, video telephony and conferences over broadband Internet, permanent connection to the Internet and corporate telephony services via WiFi-supported mobile phones, which can all be carried out simultaneously. "The network support for voice, Internet and multimedia is likely to mean a new wave of convergence technology platforms," said Suchat Benjapornkulpong, the general manager for enterprise solutions at Alcatel (Thailand) Co.

By Srisamorn Phoosuphanusorn, Bangkok Post, Thailand

Jun. 13--Alcatel of France is gearing up to promote emerging Internet protocol-based network technology, known as enterprise triple-play, in an attempt to lead the market.

Enterprise triple-play technology is currently popular as it can cut costs, increase revenue and improve productivity and efficiency for businesses.

The IP-based convergence network enables interactive TV services, video telephony and conferences over broadband Internet, permanent connection to the Internet and corporate telephony services via WiFi-supported mobile phones, which can all be carried out simultaneously.

"The network support for voice, Internet and multimedia is likely to mean a new wave of convergence technology platforms," said Suchat Benjapornkulpong, the general manager for enterprise solutions at Alcatel (Thailand) Co.

The technology was also set to replace closed-circuit TV and automatic call-handling PABX boxes in the near future, he added.

Enterprise triple-play is being implemented by some corporate users in banking, hospitality and state enterprises for productivity enhancement.

He noted that banking sectors tended to lead in terms of IT adoption across all sectors.

"Mobility, collaboration and video distribution are the three key factors in driving interests among corporate users towards triple-play services," Mr Suchat said.

Alcatel is introducing IP-based communications solutions for the enterprise sector including IP networking, IP telephony and applications to cash in on growing demand.

Fifty million baht worth of triple-play products have already been sold to some government agencies, banks, universities and premium apartments.

"We expect revenue of 800 million baht from enterprise solutions this year, including 400 million baht from IP products," Mr Suchat said.

Alcatel executives said they expected to see major growth performance for the enterprise sector over the next few years.

"Given the growing network convergence of voice and data technology and increasing demand for mobility from corporate users, the Internet-based protocol market in Thailand is expected to grow by 30 percent this year," Mr Suchat said.

But he said Thailand was only in its first phase of growth for the sector. There would be a natural adoption rate, but it would take a few years to reach the forefront, as in Australia or Japan.

Mr Suchat said Alcatel was focusing on enterprise triple-play solutions as the first wave of a drive into IPTV (Internet protocol TV broadcasting) services.

IPTV was part of the group's triple-play solutions business, a service to let users view satellite-based TV, order real-time video-on-demand over broadband Internet, and make telephone calls.

But the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has not issued WiMax licences to private operators yet, so a commercial IPTV service will take some time to become viable.

He said major challenges for IPTV -- the next-generation solution for the media and television sectors -- included the broadcast licence from NTC, the deployment of full infrastructure, the shortage of content providers and the raising of security standards.

Mr Suchat said that Alcatel had developed the IPTV technology and would be ready to jump quickly to the front of the household Internet-based TV broadcasting market.

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