Based on its interview with a number of global wireless operators and UC platform providers, Ovum reported many operators are well aware of the opportunity on UC, but most are holding back from launching services.

Ovum estimates over 16 million enterprise-owned mobile devices will be connected to UC platforms by 2014. The firm said many fixed telecom operators, IT services providers, UC technology vendors and specialists are all eager to take a share.

And based on enterprise feedback, Ovum identified a gap in service provision which should be filled by mobile network operators (MNOs) where they can influence and earn.

Evan Kirchheimer, principal analyst from Ovum, said connecting enterprise mobile devices to a UC platform may be undertaken by enterprise IP telephony vendors. By large, they can be SIs, local IT-oriented VARs, device manufacturers, or by small independent middleware vendors which enable fixed-mobile convergence, he said.

Kirchheimer believes the key for hesitant mobile operators is to focus on SMEs. MNOs have a natural advantage in their strong relationships with SMEs. In contrast, larger businesses most often have complex and varied fixed Private Branch Exchange (PBX) estates, and PBX vendors and large SIs will be in a more natural position to extend UC functionality to mobile devices via the PBX than will MNOs.