HGC is partnering with six applications companies to deliver subscription-based services ranging from mobile connectivity and voice/video communications to high-speed file sharing, security, backup and recovery and integrated voice response systems.

Role change

HGC is expected to provide support for the new services but is likely to act mainly as a contact point and refer customers to the technology providers themselves. "Since we are not trying to become fully fledged IT experts, we are unlikely to invest in a big support organization," said Chan. "Increasingly the provider role is to link up customers with the technology vendor."

Chan believes that service providers are in an ideal position to optimize networks for such applications and by offering them as services they can relieve many enterprises of the upfront costs and ongoing management burden.

Lee at PCCW has observed an acceleration of a trend towards companies seeking a provider who can help manage their network needs from a single point of contact. "SMEs in particular are keen to work with providers on a one-stop-shop basis and larger firms are looking for opportunities to consolidate vendor relationships," he said.