Om Malik Ask’s: Who Will Make Money In VoIP?

Om Malik had a great post today entitled “Who Will Make Money in VoIP?” it is well worth the read. Here is what I had to say about it.

Product manufacturers and their channel partners (distributors, resellers, integrators, ect.) will be the ones who make the most money from VoIP.

Why?

Because hardware enables VoIP service. No matter what the service is, you will always need some sort of hardware to act as an enabler, transport mechanism, etc. For most product manufacturers, VoIP products are just another “line” and when the next technology comes out the will start another “line” to enable that technology as well.

I agree with Brian, though, that companies can make money in VoIP in the Business sector where true value-added services can be profitable. Services such as consultation, installation, maintenance, and support are highly profitable and if done correctly are services that justify the costs and can be “renewed” year after year.