FierceVoIP Leaders: John Lazar, President & COO, MetaSwitch

FierceVoIP: Let's talk a little about MetaSwitch's recent deal with Embarq. 

John Lazar: We think the Embarq project is very interesting for two big reasons. Number 1, it is an obvious validation of our strategy to extend our reach. Embarq has more than 700 customers from Tier 1 ones down the chain. Secondly, Embarq allows us to offer cutting edge services, because they understand that subscribers are accessing content through many platforms and devices. Together, we offer broad and coherent access across devices. Embarq's web-based features for end-users are also quite attractive, and its web portal is also very good. 

FierceVoIP: Does MetaSwitch have any acquisition plans in the near future, either buying another company in the space or perhaps merging with another one? 

Lazar: No, we have no plans of that sort at the time. It's not part of our growth strategy at this time. Of course, we never say never, and if the right company came along that we thought would really add value, we might consider something. But what I want to stress, is that we are growing strongly, we have a great revenue stream, and we're not looking to become part of a larger company right now. 

FierceVoIP: Are there any plans for MetaSwitch to expand into other markets? 

Lazar: We are focused on our already substantial Tier 1 offerings and making sure they are the best they can be. But we are also looking at gradual expansion upwards and outwards to new markets. We have the beginnings of an operation in the Caribbean and Latin America, and we're excited about the possibility of substantial revenue uptick in this region in the next few years. We are also looking at conscious expansion into Asia and mainland Europe, but not immediately on either. 

FierceVoIP: Can we expect any significant new product or service rollouts from MetaSwitch soon? 

Lazar: We have a fantastic range of revenue-driving applications we can offer clients right now, and we will continue to add meaningful ones to that package. We have a range of developing products; we're looking at set-top boxes and next-generation mobile devices, and we think there are some really interesting revenue opportunities in mobile and TV. 

FierceVoIP: What does the next year to two years hold for Metaswitch? 

Lazar: Well, we see some very interesting vertical opportunities in enterprise, opportunities to refine our offerings and provide new applications and services. Also, we are in the process of working with universities for deployments there. I can't comment on any specifics yet, but definitely watch that space. 

In a broader sense, we're proud of what we've achieved here. We've gone from zero customers to 300 customers in eight years, we're close to $100 million in annual revenue. We've seen some competitors in the space go by the wayside. The reception we continue to receive from our customers is fantastic. They note, as key values of our products, the reliability, service and customer support, quality engineering and innovation. 

FierceVoIP: Do you think the current shaky economic conditions will negatively affect any of MetaSwitch's plans or revenue streams? 

Lazar: Even with the current economic climate, we've seen no slow down yet and are hoping that will continue. I think the next two to three years will be very exciting and quite unpredictable. To survive, I think we'll have to innovate very fast in a rapidly changing environment. As always, we're excited for the challenge.