Fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) revenues will reach $80 billion in 2009, or 6 percent of total communications spend worldwide, according to a new Pyramid Research report. The report credits converged service revenue growth to value-added services and the migration of digital content from broadcasting networks to new converged networks. Pyramid expects converged services adoption to accelerate only after 2007, as more consumers are migrated to convergent platforms. "Key drivers of FMC include fixed-mobile substitution, industry consolidation, and strong uptake of VoIP services" said Pyramid Research analyst Svetlana Issaeva. End-users in the traditional fixed and Internet access segments will continue to spend less, as competition puts downward pressure on prices and subscribers trickle away to mobile networks. Fixed providers are most keenly aware of these trends as fixed-mobile substitution slowly gains ground. For them, a prompt launch of FMC networks promises to cut CAPEX and OPEX, and offers an arsenal of new value-added services that will improve loyalty and increase revenues.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become the defining force in business technology development, but integrating AI into applications remains a formidable challenge. According to a recent Gartner survey, 77 percent of engineering leaders identify AI integration in apps as a major hurdle for their organizations. As demand for AI-powered solutions accelerates across every industry, understanding the tools, the barriers, and the opportunities is essential for business and technology leaders seeking to evolve. The Gartner survey highlights a key trend: while AI’s potential is widely recognized, the path to useful integration is anything but straightforward. IT leaders cite complexities in embedding AI models into existing software, managing data pipelines, ensuring security, and maintaining compliance as persistent obstacles. These challenges are compounded by a shortage of skilled AI engineers and the rapid evolution of AI technologies, which can outpace organizational readiness and...