Verizon seems to be a follower, not a leader in my book. First the come out with a “me too” VoIP product called VoiceWing and now they are taking the same path with unified messaging with the name IOBI, which at least is a more original name.
The service, which on paper resembles Webley, is currently in trials in Boston. Webley has been quietly developing an all IP version of thier state of the art unified messaging platform, one that is battel tested and proven by road warriors and virtual office executives.
The landscape is dotted with attempts of unified products that have not worked or sold well. General Magic, Wildfire which even if they are still alive, rarely get any attention, nor do they deserve any.
Once again, Verizon plays follower, not leader.
It’ll never work! (From a business model perspective, anyway.)