Study: The Digital Challenge | Page 28

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Initial examples of B2B partnerships show how they can pave the way for telcos with respect to new lines of business . Telco / OTT partnerships are particularly popular in the field of entertainment ( video and music ), 7 ) where partnerships with OTTs currently predominate . Add to this partnerships like Google ’ s for its Rich Communication Services ( RCS ) with telcos such as Deutsche Telekom or America Movil .

Particularly with respect to the Internet of Things , telcos are already working intensively with technology providers in order to make solutions available to customers through intelligent devices , connectivity , and the associated apps . Partners are available along the entire value-added chain here – from connectivity management ( e . g . Ericsson , Cisco ), to data & device management ( e . g . HPE ), to application management ( e . g . Cumulocity or PTC ).

5.3 . FROM PARTNERSHIP TO PLATFORM

As the examples already show , B2B platforms are considered particularly promising possibilities for efficiently implementing partnerships , especially wherever the expertise and services of several entities must be brought together to create a value-added solution for customers .

A B2B platform creates value by facilitating exchanges of services / products between two or more companies . In the telco sector , new B2B platform services leverage telco ’ s voice , messaging , and data connectivity assets to help other organizations to interact more effectively and efficiently in the following areas : Identity , Authentication and Security , Marketing and Advertising , Digital Content Distribution , Offline Logistics , Transactions ( billing and payments ), Customer Care .

93 % of the study participants agreed : For them , B2B platforms will play an important to very important role in their own company ’ s positioning in the market . This points to an enormous surge in importance in the near future . This is because currently a mere 56 % of the study participants already assign a role to platforms that is at least important ( values of at least 8 on a scale of 1 to 10 , with 1 = unimportant and 10 = very important ):

INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF B2B PLATFORMS

TODAY

“ On a scale of 1 to 10 : How important are platforms as a new business model for your company today ? 1 means not important and 10 means very important .”

FUTURE

“ What role will platforms play for the market positioning of your company in the next five years ?"

7 ) Ovum ( 2017 ). Tighter operator – OTT partnerships bring monetization opportunities . Retrieved from https :// www . ovum . com / tighter-operator-ott-partnerships-bring-monetization-opportunities /