23 Mar Experience

STATFlash  Real World Research

Vertical Systems Group released its first syndicated research study in 1988. The T1 Multiplexer Industry Analysis was a  226 page report that covered the dynamics of why and how large enterprises were building private T1 networks. Research content included market segmentation, projections and profiles of thirty-eight multiplexer vendors.

Credibility

A top selling feature of the report was a detailed matrix of product capabilities for the leading T1 multiplexer vendors. In the pre-Internet era, this was a very valuable resource for our clients. We thoroughly vetted the availability of each capability as of a specific cutoff date (March 15). The analysis was based on our independent technical evaluations of each product, but more importantly, our discussions with paying customers who could verify that the capabilities functioned as described.

Noteworthy

A related article was published in August of that year as the ‘Mux Shack’ cover story in Data Communications magazine. Co-authored by Rosemary Cochran, the article was titled, Is a Private T1 network the right business decision?

Here’s an excerpt – “Competitive business demands have created a trend toward T1 networks that enable companies to strategically leverage communications for their businesses. These networks enable companies to respond quickly to competitive pressures and customer needs.”

Thought-Provoking

Sound familiar? Substitute T1 with Frame Relay or ATM services, or Carrier Ethernet, or Dedicated IP VPN, or Cloud – and the analysis is as relevant today as it was then. It’s the solutions that have radically changed.

During the years since then, private T1 multiplexer networks have migrated to other technologies at least once, and in most cases twice or more. Vertical Systems Group continues to track each of these enterprises (or its acquired/merged successor) and their networks in our ENS research base.