Some metro and FTTH news as well as a new data center in the Far East: … [visit site to read more]

This Industry Viewpoint was authored by Ellen Velickovska, Co-Founder & Managing director at telXira

With the development of simple, effective and reliable application-to-person (A2P) SMS messaging services, there is a significant opportunity for enterprises to improve communications with their customers. … [visit site to read more]

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Keep up-to-date with all the latest news, articles, event and product updates posted on Developing Telecoms.
Subscribe to our FREE weekly email newsletters for the latest telecom info in developing and emerging markets globally.

A quick roundup at midweek: … [visit site to read more]

Investor 3i Infrastructure has completed a $512 million investment to acquire a 100% stake in Global Cloud Xchange (GCX), a leading global data communications service provider and owner of the world’s largest private subsea fibre optic networks.

GCX says it provides high-bandwidth connectivity and global managed network services including managed ICT, cyber security, and UCaaS solutions, to a range of blue-chip customers inclusive of hyperscalers, telecommunications operators, new media providers and enterprises throughout the world.

GCX adds that it cover all aspects of cloud-centric connectivity from managed SD-WAN and hybrid networks, to direct cloud connections and 100 Gbps+ waves, providing connectivity throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America via the GCX subsea network.

In fact its 66,000km of cables span 46 countries from North America to Asia, with a particularly strong position on the Europe-Asia and Intra-Asia routes. 3i Infrastructure says it is partnering with GCX’s management team to invest in a leading platform for the sector, with the goal to increase the utilized capacity on GCX’s existing routes as well as to add new routes, services and customers.

3i describes its purpose as to invest responsibly in infrastructure, delivering long-term sustainable returns to shareholders and having a positive impact on its portfolio companies and their stakeholders.

“With 3i Infrastructure’s backing, GCX is well-positioned to support global growth and customer needs in key markets, including connectivity to India, across the Middle East, and enhanced managed services opportunities across Europe,” said Carl Grivner, GCX CEO.

GCX plans for the Middle East were highlighted in March, when GCX enhanced access to its Middle East network through a new point of presence in the Equinix data centre in Muscat, Oman.

The US may have been at the beach for a long weekend, but the rest of the world seems to have kept busy enough.  Here are three bits of news from around the globe, and especially undersea: … [visit site to read more]

Anyone who has taken an introductory course to business most likely learned the 4Ps of marketing. The 4Ps concept was developed over 70 years ago to help companies craft their marketing strategies. It consists of the four key components (product, price, promotion, and place) of marketing. 

As technology advances and marketing methods shift, you will be happy to know the marketing mix is following suit. There are now three more Ps to explore. 

Original Four 

• Product
• Price
• Promotion
• Place

Additional Three

• People
• Process
• Physical Evidence

However, to keep this blog post short and sweet, we will only cover the original four of the marketing mix. 

The goal is to identify each point, so readers in the unified communications industry can work through the Ps, establish the definition of their target market, and use the resources best. Knowledge of the target market is extremely beneficial for any business, especially for unified communication resellers. Since UC services are not tangible products, marketing campaigns look different. Also, whenever your business grows or your product suite changes, you can revisit the four points and adjust accordingly. 

Product

Every business is built off a product or service that solves a user’s problem.
When you think of your offering, ask yourself these questions. 

1. What is it?
2. Who needs this?
3. What features does it have?
4. What problems does it solve?
5. What do you have that competitors do not? 

You will better understand where your company sits in the market by answering these questions. In the UC industry, the solutions you sell are complete product software suites. The solutions are also customizable, so your customers can rebrand as their own and start using them immediately. Understand your product inside and out, so you can better sell it to your customers. 

Price

As we all know, there is no one size fits all solution for UCaaS. Different businesses require different needs, so it is not easy to set a standard price across the board. Since UC packages are customizable, it is best to allow your customers the option to pick and choose what they need or want. 

However, at the end of the day, you are running a business and want it to be successful. You need to make a profit, so your prices must be competitive yet fair. Explore what competitors are pricing and keep in mind any discounts or offers you will give out. 

Consider how you want your business to be perceived in the industry. Are you the luxury option? Or the cost-effective option? 

Remember that your provider will sell you the software licenses at a certain amount. It would be best if you always charged above that to make a profit. Ask your provider for advice and build packages based on your target audience. 

Place

Ah, unified communications, a remote worker’s dream. UC has features like chat, video, screen share, and all the tools users need to work where they most desire. So, if you can work from anywhere in the world using UC, why can’t you sell UC to anyone worldwide? 

This means you are not restricted to one geographical market when selling unified communications solutions. Resellers can tap into a market or unlock an industry that has not yet been utilized. 

Promotion

Last but not least, promotion! How are you going to market your business? Similar to place, it is important to think of location when you look into ways of advertising. There are many options, such as print or social media. However, you then must consider different platforms. 

When selling B2B, chances are you will find more potential customers on LinkedIn vs. Tik Tok. Do not discredit other platforms; they are great for building brand awareness! 

Examples of places to promote: 

• Print in an Ad
• Banner Ad on a Website
• Blog Post
• Social Media Post
• Guest on a Podcast
• Sponsorships

After reading this blog post, how do you feel about your business’s marketing mix? We hope you found this helpful and ideas sparked for future promotion!

Learn why you should be a UCaaS Reseller and be a part of this ever-growing, million-dollar industry by becoming a Bicom Systems partner today. Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we dive into the newer Ps in the marketing mix. 

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