Chapter 13 - Data Communications: Adaptation 1979-1986
13.17 The Yankee Group
In July 1984, a report on modems and multiplexers titled “Building Blocks” read:
The multiplexer was first introduced as a network product in order to better utilize and consolidate modem resources. As digital facilities have become more prevalent (private microwave, satellite, and TDS [Terrestrial Digital Services] services from AT&T) the multiplexer’s role has shifted to become a gateway to the wideband digital world. The Yankee Group believes that the multiplexer market will grow to $305 million in 1984. The most significant growth will come in the T-1 multiplexer market segment, which will grow 75% to $68 million in 1984.16
In December 1985, a report based on actual case histories titled “Private Network Strategies” identified some of the reasons corporations were beginning to build their own wide area communication networks:
The Yankee Group observed specific trends in the area of communications management:
- Many users are just beginning to use communications strategically;
- Planned growth of data communications needs far exceeds that for voice communications;
- The integration of voice and data, on both a facilities and managerial level, is a top priority among many users;
- Vendor dissatisfaction is growing.17
As for the vendor dissatisfaction, the report further writes:
- Vendors should interact, not react;
- Vendors should provide a single point of contact for the user;
- Vendor contacts should be accessible.
That same month, from another report titled “Network Switching:”
The Yankee Group believes network switches are the key to network communications and control and, hence, are the key to network equipment vendor dominance. In short, whoever controls the network switches, controls the network… The T-1 multiplexer market will be the fastest growing segment of the network switch market… Factors contributing to this growth are:
- The divestiture of AT&T;
- The emergence of information as a strategic and operational resource;
- The growth of electronic data interchange;
- The PC explosion, and
- Improved microprocessor technology.18