AMI Partners releases updated research on VoIP market for small business

Research Company AMI-Partners has released a report predicting growth in the VoIP market among small and medium businesses (SMBs). The research says that more than 30 percent of small businesses (1 – 99 employees) and 50 percent of medium businesses (100-999 employees) determines that VoIP will become basic form of voice communications in their business operations.

AMI’s 2010 report delivers an in-depth analysis of VoIP implementing by U.S. small and medium businesses. AMI considers that the market for IP-based voice communications, i.e. VoIP, IP PBX, will merge finally. However, last several years have been under the tensions of a tough recession and many small and medium sized companies put serious technology decisions on stand by mode. Nevertheless, the migration of voice and data will continue, the assets to leverage data networks with voice communications will get the boost, and the boarders for greater market penetration of IP solutions among the small business community remains wide open. Karen Nielsen, senior consultant with AMI, foresee that the facts and findings will be good news for the industry. “Most SMBs have limited IT resources; they will rely heavily on channel partners for VoIP installation and turnover, and to help with the crossover from analog to digital," Nielsen said. "The moment of conversion from analog to digital voice is the single biggest pain point for SMBs. Suppliers and channel partners should be prepared to make this switchover seamless. Partners should also understand and be able to prove that economic benefits stem not only from lower ongoing costs but also from a lower TCO." “From a supplier perspective, it is still early," AMI said in a prepared statement. The players are not fully known. The architectures are not completely defined. The markets are not structured. But AMI believes that down the road, the same things that are important to analog/TDM users will be important to digital/IP users: reliability, security, and quality. The winners will be those providers who can provide not only a reliable service, but an alternate back up, as well as the channel expertise to serve SMBs from soup to nuts if needed."

FeatureTel makes it into Top 100 NC Small Businesses

North Carolina’s VoIP business solutions company FeatureTel, has been distinguished as a Top 100 North Carolina Small Business for 2010 by Business Leader magazine, a leading business magazine centered upon the companies, trends and leaders in the Triangle business community.

FeatureTel was honored on June 24 at an awards dinner in Raleigh, North Carolina. In delivering his speech to the audience, FeatureTel Founder and CEO Paul Levering, said -
“We are pleased to have been recognized with this award for our business achievements, but we are especially proud of our community involvement and what we do to give back” As an active supporter of educational concerns, Mr. Levering personally took part as a panelist at the North Carolina School of Science and Math Alumni Forum & Lecture Series previous year.

Among many FeatureTel’s honored accomplishments were the establishment of its Channel Partner program, its implementation of a new telephone service with upgraded feature set for the City of Durham, and its community service. FeatureTel caters free telephone service to the Triangle Autism Society and has sponsored activities for Hospice of Wake County profit, Habitat for Humanity and breast cancer research.

Business Leader's list of Top 100 North Carolina Small Businesses is made up of companies with no more then 100 workers that mainly do their business in North Carolina. During the section process, each company’s one-year and five-year revenue growth, enterprise accomplishments and community participation were evaluated.

FeatureTel is a fully managed and Hosted VoIP, voice and data communications service provider, offering businesses throughout both Carolinas with a cost-efficient, rich in functionality substitute to conventional voice communication solutions.

Digium’s Charlie Wilson Recognized as Young Professional of the Year at Small Business Awards Ceremony

admin September 1st, 2010

In honor of the heroes of small business in the surrounding area, the Chamber of Commerce of Huntsville/Madison County held its annual tribute to the area’s small businesses on Aug. 31, while also honoring non-profit organizations, young professionals and outstanding local businesses.

Digium is proud to announce that Charlie Wilson was the recipient of the prestigious Young Professional of the Year award. Both Charlie and Timo Sandritter were nominated in this category, giving Digium the distinction of the only business with two nominees for the honor. This award recognizes those who have made outstanding achievements in both business and the community. Olly Orton, the winner of last year’s Young Professional award and the presenter for the 2010 recipient recognized many other young professionals in his opening remarks.  Notably, he highlighted the achievements of business leaders who have achieved great things at a young age, including Thomas Jefferson, who authored the Declaration of Independence at age 33, Wernher Von Braun who was in his 20s when he came to America and in his 30s when he led the rocket teams at Marshall Space Flight Center. Orton also noted the accomplishments of Digium’s Mark Spencer, who was only 22 when he created Asterisk.

Charlie was recognized for his leadership, business accomplishments, and commitment to family and community. In his acceptance remarks, he acknowledged the support of his wife and family, as well as his co-workers and fellow community leaders who have continued to encourage innovation and create opportunities for young professionals.

There were 98 contenders, a record, for awards in six categories; 18 were finalists.

“The success of small businesses in the community is the foundation for a healthy economy,” said Don Nalley, the Chamber’s board chair. “The vital signs of any community’s economic health are intrinsically tied to the overall success of our small business community. More than 95 percent of this Chamber’s member organizations employ 350 or less workers.”

Digium has been a past nominee for the Small Business of the Year award as well, joining other innovative technology companies in the Huntsville community.

The 2010 winners and finalists in other categories included:
Government Services: Winner – Sigmatech. Finalists – Aranea Solutions and Kaya Associates.
Professional Services: Winner – Appleton Learning Center. Finalists – Cyn Shea’s Complete Catering and Terrame Day Spa & Salon.
Technology Services: Winner – deciBel Research. Finalists – Bevilacqua Research Corporation and GATR Technologies.
Non-Profit: Winner – Huntsville Madison County Botanical Garden. Finalists – Choose Life of North Alabama and Junior Achievement of North Alabama.
Young Professional of the Year: Winner – Charlie Wilson of Digium. Finalists – Beth Martin of Worthington Federal Bank and Glenn Clayton of Appleton Learning.