Charles Williams, Head of Distribution Channels at Yealink UK argues that increased competition has reduced entry cost just as international events highlighted to businesses the benefits of the technology.
“Cost was up until now a major obstacle with resellers having to convince small businesses to invest maybe £600-£1,000 in acquiring a videophone, a sum many simply could not afford” he commented. “There’s a new momentum now with cost driven down to less than £300 at just the time that the fragility our air transport infrastructure was revealed. A much smaller investment which can yield daily efficiency benefits, and provide some reassurance regarding future business continuity, makes a much more compelling argument.”
Williams reports strong early sales for the new Yealink VP2009 SIP videophone which was introduced to resellers at Convergence Summit North. A suggested retail price of just £283.50 (ex VAT) coupled with a specification which compares favourably to existing and significantly higher priced models has won firm favour – and orders. “Interest among Summit delegates was strong and quickly translated into orders,” he reports. “There was recognition that such a highly specified touch-screen model being offered at such an affordable price could have a seismic effect on the market, creating great opportunities for resellers. The subsequent impact of the Icelandic volcano also created a further seismic intervention which highlighted the potential business benefits the technology offers!”
Yealink claims the VP2009 is the lowest priced touch-screen videophone on the market, costing around half the price of a comparable rival. Featuring a powerful TI Da Vinci chipset it supports H.264 video codes to ensure superior transmission.
Williams argues the VP2009’s market positioning is an example of how the IP sector needs to to move forward: “SMEs are increasingly aware of the benefits IP technology can bring so the real battle is to make products accessible, which means affordable. They need alsoto satisfy varying market need, which means offering more basic, entry level solutions as well as whistles and bells options. Yealink will shortly be extending its SIP telephony range precisely to meet such need.”