Summary
Private networks with NOC and multiple PoPs are long in practice for voice and data plus used extensively by service providers / enterprises and eventually evolving into voice and data peering exchanges with hubs at key locations. Now we see video conferencing solution and service provider like Glowpoint engineering / customizing their private global IP/MPLS network for video calls and providing dedicated service platform (SIP based?) with QoS and multiple standards / codec support and getting support from major solution provider like Polycom - eventually these network model will also evolve into interoperable exchange / peering. It is welcome move to see established vendor like Polycom joining the multi PoP Glowpoint video-centric network video exchange. It shall add value to their hardware and existing video conferencing suite e.g. Real Presence HD solution.
Analysis
Video Conferencing is the flavor of the year and enterprises are actively encouraging it due to economic reasons. The service catches on as IMS is actively pushed by CIOs (owing to benefits like increased interaction value and frequency, reduced travel expenses/time, increased virtual teamwork) though Integration with/between legacy/existing applications is still an issue and ROI is generally questionable (unless it is for contact centre).
It is welcome move to see established vendor like Polycom joining the multi PoP Glowpoint video-centric network video exchange. It shall add value to their hardware and existing video conferencing suite e.g. Real Presence HD solution.
Such private networks with NOC and multiple PoPs are long in practice for voice and data and used extensively by service providers and enterprises. They have also evolved into voice and data peering exchanges locate at key locations (Hubs).
Now we see video conferencing solution and service provider like Glowpoint engineering / customizing their private global IP/MPLS network for video calls and providing dedicated service platform (SIP based?) with QoS and multiple standards / codec support and along with solution provider like Polycom evolving toward interoperable exchange / peering.
Generic MPLS VPNs with QoS are offered by most of the major network providers but what is attractive in Glowpoint is network engineered for video conferencing, low cost bridging service, interoperability between network protocols / video systems and an established client base of enterprises, service providers and SOHOs. I also find domestic / international dial plan rates quite attractive e.g. domestic call at $0.09/minute per 64Kb channel along with availability of pre-paid plans.
Video conferencing is very bandwidth intensive and outsourcing such services to hosted and managed services providers with innovative business model e.g. PPU makes both economic and administrative sense for enterprises and small service providers.
Video call / conferencing / broadcast is certainly high ARPU service but collaboration between vendor, service providers (getting more of them onboard) and enterprises with built-in interoperability is the first step toward wider footprint and popularity or I may say adoption. What shall be contentious is the revenue sharing between parties and last mile access provision/handling.
