IP phone revenues forecast to reach $6bn by 2012

These predictions are from Dell’Oro Group, the source of in-depth, objective research and analysis that enables component manufacturers, equipment vendors, and investment firms to make fact-based, strategic decisions.

Alan Weckel, Senior Analyst at Dell'Oro Group, estimates that most of the strong future growth in IP phones will continue to come from IP desk phones that will begin incorporating more features and functionality. These could include larger, colour displays, touch screens, and video capabilities. As the cost to add these features declines, users will begin to expect their desk phones to have a feature set similar to their cell phones.

"Fortunately for the IP phone market, most LAN switch deployments will be voice ready during the next five years, eliminating the concern for enterprises deploying voice. By 2012, there will be enough infrastructure in place to support VoIP to every enterprise desktop," Alan Weckel said.

According to the recent report by Dell'Oro, IP lines will grow from slightly less than 20% of total lines installed in 2007 to over 50% in 2012.

The Dell'Oro Group 5-Year Forecast Report offers a complete overview of the IP telephony enterprise industry with tables covering manufacturers' revenue, average selling prices, line (analog/digital and IP) shipments for IP PBX, Hybrid IP/TDM PBX, traditional PBX, traditional key systems, and IP telephones.