Infonetics Research releases excerpts from its annual North America Business VoIP Services Leadership Scorecard, which analyzes and ranks the top service providers in the hosted VoIP/UC and IP connectivity markets.

ANALYST NOTE

"In the past 12 to 18 months, there has been a wave of consolidation in the business VoIP space, including M&A activity by 5 of the top 10 hosted VoIP leaders that resulted in some changes to our leader list, with New Global Telecom again coming out on top, due to its expanding installed base of seats and the financial stability of its parent company, Comcast. In the IP connectivity space, Verizon Business continues to lead the pack. The top 10 providers in each category represent a broad mix of providers; however, the most critical factors for success remain financial stability, proven experience, and quality service and support," notes Diane Myers, directing analyst for VoIP and IMS at Infonetics Research.

BUSINESS VOIP SCORECARD HIGHLIGHTS

• Despite continued consolidation in the business VoIP service market, there are still over 100 service providers in North America
• For the third year in a row, Verizon Business is the market leader for IP connectivity •Cbeyond, Comcast, and XO are also among top the IP connectivity providers
• New Global Telecom tops the hosted VoIP and UC services list for the third straight year as well •8x8, Smoothstone, and Verizon Business are also among the top hosted VoIP providers
• 4 providers landed in the top 10 list of hosted VoIP providers for the first time this year due to their merger and acquisition activity, providing them with the necessary scale to maintain services