8x8 Named Tops in Hosted VoIP, Verizon in IP Connectivity

8×8 has been named the top hosted VoIP vendor in Infonetics’ just-released 2014 North America Business VoIP Service Scorecard, which ranks the top providers in the hosted unified communications (UC) and IP connectivity service markets.

“Always near the top of our hosted VoIP scorecard, 8×8 broke through this year to take the No. 1 spot decisively by building on a solid financial position and continued focus on service enhancements and geographic expansion,” noted Diane Myers, principal analyst for VoIP, UC, and IMS at Infonetics. “While 8×8 still serves predominantly small companies, it’s finding more and more success with larger businesses.”

8×8 was followed on the list by West IP Communications, Comcast and Verizon. West jumped from fourth place a year ago to No. 2, based on strong demand for its Cisco-based solution. Mitel made its debut in the scorecard this year due in part to its merger with Aastra.

Infonetics says competition in hosted VoIP services continues to be impacted by the traditional unified-communications vendors, which is leading to fragmentation in the market.

Meantime, Infonetics named Verizon the market leader in IP connectivity for the sixth year in a row. XO was a close second, with both leading the pack in service development and customer adoption. AT&T and Windstream also were mentioned as leaders in the report.

The IP connectivity market is being driven by SIP trunking, the researcher noted. 

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