AUSTIN, TX--(Marketwired - Jul 30, 2014) - Rich Communications Services (RCS) was originally created by the GSM Association (GSMA) and is intended to provide mobile operators with new extensions of IMS-like communications. The RCS development effort is being driven by consumers' desire for enhanced service experiences on their smartphones and tablets.
Customers want a better way to share photos, multimedia functionality, contacts, status updates, and multiparty video and audio conferences. RCS provides the capability for sharing of multimedia content during the course of a single phone call or data connection. During the course of a multimedia call, participants have the access to the same applications. With RCS the presence capability includes a profile of the applications on all phones participating on a call, and the phone book capability enables direct communications to other individuals in the contact list.
RCS is being sold to mobile operators as a standardized, real-time communications capability across text, video and audio that can be offered on multiple types of new and existing network devices. However, as is often the case with a new service like RCS, there are myriad compatibility problems that need to be overcome.
"Today's smartphone and tablet users demand a wide range of functionality that the mobile networks have typically been unable to provide," said Iain Gillott, president and founder of iGR, a market research consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile industry. "As a result, device OEMs and Over The Top (OTT) service providers have stepped in and filled the void. The mobile operators have the opportunity to play catch-up with RCS, but it will be a challenge."
iGR's new market study, The Outlook for Rich Communications Services (RCS): Coexisting with OTT, provides an introduction to RCS, discusses the outlook for the platform, discusses the impact of Over The Top (OTT) services, and provides a global market forecast of potential RCS uptake. Profiles of the major RCS and IMS vendors are also included.
The following key questions are answered in the new market study:
- What are Rich Communications Services and what is the relationship with IMS?
- What are the standards relating to RCS?
- What is joyn?
- What is the status of RCS in the market?
- How does RCS help the mobile operators combat the rise of OTT services? Can RCS and OTT coexist? Does offering RCS provide an operator any significant advantages compared to OTT?
- Which operators are offering RCS?
- How will RCS impact current technology?
- What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of RCS?
- What is the market forecast for RCS?
The information in this report will be valuable for:
- Mobile operators
- Mobile device vendors and OEMs
- RCS, IMS and VoLTE solution vendors
- OTT Services Providers
- Financial analysts and investors.
The new report can be purchased and downloaded directly from iGR's website at www.iGR-inc.com. Alternatively, contact Iain Gillott at (512) 263-5682 or at Iain@iGR-inc.com for additional details.
About iGR
iGR is a market strategy consultancy focused on the wireless and mobile communications industry. Founded by Iain Gillott, one of the wireless industry's leading analysts, in late 2000 as iGillottResearch, iGR is now in its fourteenth year of operation. iGR continuously researches emerging and existent technologies, technology industries, and consumer markets. We use our detailed research to offer a range of services to help companies improve their position in the marketplace, clearly define their future direction, and ultimately improve their bottom line.
iGR researches a range of wireless and mobile products and technologies, including: smartphones; tablets; mobile wearable devices; connected cars; mobile applications; bandwidth demand and use; small cell and het-net architectures; mobile EPC and RAN virtualization; DAS; LTE; VoLTE; IMS; NFC; GSM/GPRS/UMTS/HSPA; CDMA 1x/EV-DO; iDEN; SIP; macro-, pico- and femtocells; mobile backhaul; WiFi and WiFi offload; and SIM and UICC.
A more complete profile of the company can be found at www.igr-inc.com.
Contact Information:
Contact iGR
Iain Gillott
(512) 263-5682