In addition to simple data transport, corporate networks today are expected to include increased intelligence, flexibility, and security, in order to enable the provision of value added services and applications. As both service providers and enterprise networks continue to grow in scale and complexity, network reliability and availability, along with high transmission speeds, are rapidly becoming critical issues. These requirements are key factors driving the need for value added features such as QoS, security and integrated management in network devices. IDC's Japan Communications Networks showcases a comprehensive, in-depth, and detailed analysis of the Japan network equipment market from the perspectives of equipment vendors, distribution channels, and enterprise users. It also includes a competitive analysis of leading equipment vendors, market size and dynamics, user trends and a five-year forecast for the period 2009-2013. This service provides critical and essential guidelines that will help both network equipment vendors and enterprise users to better understand the Japan communications market so that they can make informed decisions for their respective businesses.

This service covers the following segments of the Japan network equipment market:

• Router
• LAN switch
• Enterprise wireless LAN
• Layers 4-7 switch
• IP-PBX, IP phone
• WAN application delivery

Throughout the year, this service will address the following topics:

• Competitive analysis of vendors and vendor shares
• Market dynamics and five-year forecast
• Enterprise user trend

Our research addresses the following issues that are critical to your success:

1. What role should network equipment vendors play in the NGN market in Japan? What are the key factors for success in this market segment?
2. What issues must enterprise users address with regard to their own networks? How can equipment vendors and IT vendors help the enterprise users in this respect?
3. How is the competitive landscape of the application networking market shaping up?
4. What are the demands, requirements and preferences of endusers with regard to network infrastructure in Japan?
5. What are the key factors for success in the maturing network equipment market? What strategies do network equipment vendors need to implement in order to achieve and maintain high growth in the near future in Japan?

IDC's Japan Communications Networks examines how network vendors are positioning themselves to compete in the networking market. This service reviews strategies, market positioning and future direction of several providers, including:

Alaxala Networks, Allied Telesis, Avaya, Blue Coat, Buffalo, Cisco Systems, Citrix, Extreme Networks, F5 Networks, Foundry Networks, Fujitsu, Furukawa, Hitachi, Hitachi Cable, HP ProCurve, H3C, Juniper Networks, NEC, Nortel Networks, Oki, Packeteer, Radware, Redback, Riverbed, and Yamaha

This service focuses on the following core research. In addition to the insight provided in this service, IDC may conduct additional research on specific topics, or emerging market segments, via research offerings that require additional IDC funding and client investment.

This study examines and analyzes the enterprise WLAN equipment market including enterprise access points and WLAN switches. It also provides strategies and trend of enterprise WLAN equipment vendors.

This study provides the 2008 router market analysis and vendor shares and a five-year forecast of the Japan router market in each segment classified by different price bands.

This report provides the 2008 LAN switch market analysis, vendor shares, and a five-year forecast of the Japan LAN switch market in each segment classified by layer, form factor, and by technology.

The survey results provide user trends by company size and vertical market segment. It addresses critical questions about important buying factors for endusers and their planned investments in network related equipment for the near future.

This study examines and analyzes the application networking market including Layer 4-7 switch and WAN application delivery. IDC analyzes the 2008 Layer 4-7 switch market and provides vendor shares and a five-year forecast for the period 2009-2013.

This study provides the 2008 Japan VoIP market review and five-year forecast up to 2013. It also provides vendor shares, strategies, and a competitive analysis of Japanese vendors against their overseas and multinational counterparts.

IDC offers a complete market intelligence solution customized to meet your business requirements. The array of products and services available to you includes:

• The opportunity to have your specific questions answered through personal interaction with industry experts who cover the topics and markets in your service
• Around-the-clock access to our market intelligence on idc.com, IDC's personalized Web experience
• A view of the market's future with 12 months of continuous intelligence about its direction and the reasons behind it, along with actionable advice for taking advantage of existing and emerging opportunities
• Special client discount pricing on purchases of research from other services
• Two complimentary admissions to IDC Japan's annual Directions conference, where you'll hear our latest forecasts and network with IDC analysts and other industry professionals
• Complimentary invitations to monthly executive telebriefings, interactive forums designed to provide you with insights about research and strategies directly from IDC analysts

To find out how our flexible packaging options can meet your specific business needs, please contact your IDC account manager.

As a privately held company, IDC believes that our customers are our primary constituency. A large percentage of every revenue dollar is reinvested back into our products, including more analysts, more geographic coverage, and extensive primary research.

Our steady growth over the past 10-plus years reflects our commitment to investing in our customers.