A blend of opex and capex business models is tipped to be the order of the day according to research commissioned by Nimans which found that 91% of resellers contacted in the study believe that a hybrid approach will be the de facto trend.
In more results, 97% think hosted will grow significantly over the coming years, and 38% of respondents think that hosted will eventually replace the traditional PBX.
Almost 70% said better commercials and connectivity would help them sell more hosted solutions while 78% stated that the sub-20 user market was crucial to widespread adoption. Two thirds indicated they fully understand the benefits of hosted with three quarters saying they currently sell hosted solutions.
"Clearly the market is beginning to shift," observed Mark Curtis-Wood, Head of Nimans' Network Services. "We know from the huge amount of IP end points leaving our warehouse that the goalposts are beginning to move."
Nimans has launched its own hosted proposition, GS-hosted that offers upfront or recurring revenue opportunities, or a combination of both. GS-hosted includes a free three-year hosted seat licence with every handset purchased.
"Orders and general interest have been phenomenal and clearly demonstrates a large appetite for the service," Curtis-Wood added.