BT today announced it has strengthened its position as a 'leader' in the IDC MarketScape: Asia Pacific Next-Generation Telecom Services 2012 - 2013 Vendor Analysis (Doc#AP3053306U), September 2012.

This latest IDC MarketScape vendor analysis provides in-depth quantitative and qualitative technology market assessments of vendors in the next-generation telecom services market. Key vendors in this market are assessed on their current capabilities and longer-term strategies. To be included in this study, service providers must have a strong regional network footprint with an extensive ICT portfolio and they must demonstrate that they have an installed base of multinational corporations, midsize to large enterprises, and government clients with international ICT requirements.

The assessment is delivered in a full-length research report, and summarised in an easy-to-read graphical depiction, providing the critical information necessary for corporations to make important technology decisions.

BT is highlighted by IDC in select areas for very strong capabilities, including:

• Strong focus on key industry sectors. 'BT continues to focus on tailored, industry-specific solutions and has launched a number of new solutions in each of its four main verticals.'

• Global and regional commitment to innovation. 'BT continues to be a big advocate of innovation. Within Asia-Pacific, BT has a research center in China, as well as a number of collaboration programs with universities, governments, and technology partners in the region.'

• Presence in the key Asia-Pacific markets, including China. 'Within China, BT has provisioned MPLS services to a Chinese government policy bank, the provision of LAN and wireless LAN equipment to the new offices of a global pharmaceutical R&D company, and the provision of the "retail-in-the-box" solution in China for a global luxury retail company.'

• Investments to increase network capabilities. 'Besides the network services enhancements, it will also be building regional NNI partnerships to deepen domestic coverage in emerging countries such as Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines in order to deliver services to these countries.'

According to Sherlin Pang, Senior Research Manager at IDC Asia/Pacific: 'BT has executed well on its investment plan in Asia-Pacific, which it set for the region about two years ago, including the hiring of close to 300 new people, comprising business consultants, sales, and professional services specialists as well as country leads in Japan and China. It has also launched 20 new services, six new customer technology showcases, and a bid response center, among others. Moving forward, the provider will be investing in Japan, targeting the financial sector in the country. The provider has also launched a number of vertical specific solutions targeting retail sectors, life science research, and the financial industry.'

Kevin Taylor, President, BT Asia Pacific said, 'This is a magnificent result and we are pleased that IDC continues to recognise our achievements as we strengthen our leadership position in the Asia Pacific region. We are improving our capabilities and launching innovative services to help our customers gain competitive advantages. By offering innovative technology, world class expertise and great service, we are determined to help them succeed in a changing world.'

Over the past few months, BT has announced plans to increase its focus on the rapidly growing health IT market in the Asia Pacific region. It has launched BT One Voice anywhere, its next generation voice application service, and a 'Retail in a Box' solution aimed at addressing the rapid expansion and service needs of global retailers in China.

Field services in Singapore, Hong Kong and India have been launched as it completes an end-to-end service offering and aligns its investments to the growth plans of its multi-national customers as they expand across Asia Pacific and other high growth regions.

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About IDC MarketScape
IDC MarketScape vendor analysis model is designed to provide an overview of the competitive fitness of ICT (information and communications technology) suppliers in a given market. The research methodology utilizes a rigorous scoring methodology based on both qualitative and quantitative criteria that results in a single graphical illustration of each vendor's position within a given market. IDC MarketScape provides a clear framework in which the product and service offerings, capabilities and strategies, and current and future market success factors of IT and telecommunications vendors can be meaningfully compared. The framework also provides technology buyers with a 360-degree assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of current and prospective vendors.

Source: IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific Next-Generation Telecom Services 2012–2013 (Doc#AP3053306U), September 2012