RESEARCH REPORTS BY PRACTICE

Mobile Services (53)
Mobile Networks (33)
Mobile Devices (37)
Wireless Connectivity (49)
RFID (17)
Digital Home (104)
Telematics & Navigation (36)
Semiconductors (20)

Research Reports

Research Reports provide in-depth strategic and quantitative analysis of specific industry sectors. Based on extensive primary research, including numerous interviews with key players across the value chain, ABI Research’s analysts prepare reports that include comprehensive assessments of market dynamics, competitive landscapes, business models, technology developments, and drivers of customer demand.

Some Research Reports include an Executive Summary PowerPoint file that provides a brief synopsis of the report's primary findings.

[top]Mobile Services

First Responder Wireless Communications

Public Safety Communications Technologies, Market Drivers, and Forecasts

Police, fire, and EMS members have become accustomed to reliable and secure communications systems with analog radio technologies. Now they want to increase efficient use of radio frequency spectrum and create interoperability between agencies and jurisdictions.

This study describes the emergence of digital wireless communications networks for first responder agencies. It outlines the challenges faced by public safety personnel seeking to communicate effectively under pressure with other mission-critical organizations, and explains the initiatives of TIA and ETSI to develop standard air protocols and interfaces that satisfy current and future market requirements. The report examines the regulation established by the United States FCC to allocate broadband wireless spectrum for public safety applications and the resulting availability of products and applications. The research further explains some of the salient technology features of P25, TETRA, and broadband wireless networks, and it looks at the groups' evolutionary roadmaps for increased data performance. Finally the study describes the different market trends for first responder wireless networks, such as regulatory, investment, and adoption, and forecasts the size of these markets to 2013.

Mobile Device Management for Business

Device Management Platforms, Procurement and Asset Management Services, Billing and Support Services, and Enhanced Services

This study analyzies the market for mobility and device management services and associated platforms An update on the market drivers along with relevant services forecast data sets the stage for the growth ABI Research expects. The research lays out the complexity of the needs and solution sets and presents a review of future competitive scenarios and recommendations to value chain players. Finally, forecasts for device management services are presented for worldwide markets as well as forecast distribution in North America by industry vertical.

Enterprise Fixed Mobile Convergence

Wi-Fi, Femtocells, and Picocells for SOHO, Small, Medium, and Large Businesses

Enterprise fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) can mean mobilizing desktop applications or the convergence of networks, devices and applications. The definition which determined the analysis in this report was voice and data services access using cellular and Wi-Fi access points connected to fixed line broadband networks. Enterprises which adopted Wi-Fi FMC several years ago enjoyed the benefits of in-building wireless coverage, lowered cellular services costs, and leverage of existing assets. Presently, lower cellular services costs and the deployment of cellular DAS systems are mitigating the benefits of Wi-Fi FMC. Cellular FMC using picocells and femtocells is new to the enterprise market and will target primarily SOHO and small businesses. But Wi-Fi FMC is getting a boost from growth of dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi smartphones. These devices will have 90% of the smartphone market by 2014.

This study presents analysis of both Wi-Fi and cellular FMC technologies focusing on the value of these solutions to SOHO, small, medium and large size businesses in commercial buildings of different sizes.

Tier Two Handset Vendor Analysis

Kyocera, ZTE, Huawei, Pantech, Ningbo Bird, NEC, Panasonic, Sagem, and Alcatel

Tier Two handset vendors are well-established companies with histories of moderate success in the mobile handset market. While these companies do not carry significant market share compared to Tier One manufacturers, they have developed significant expertise in creating handsets for the markets that they serve. Tier Two vendors have developed relationships with many global Tier One wireless operators through ODM and carrier infrastructure channels. Today these smaller vendors are seeking to expand their reach and influence in the global handset market through niche, regional, and value segment-expanding portfolio strategies.

This study investigates the historical qualities that have led to the unique strengths of nine key Tier Two handset vendors. The report analyzes the unique positions of these vendors based upon their handset portfolios, key markets of focus, and the value segments targeted by each organization.

In-Building Wireless and Femtocells in Asia-Pacific

Mobile Network Extension Solutions for Consumers and Enterprises

The Asia-Pacific region comprises a mixture of developed and developing countries with diverse market landscapes and mobile ecosystems, which give rise to different needs for in-building wireless solutions in both consumer and enterprise markets. In recent years, femtocells have been a hot topic in the mobile industry, globally and in Asian markets. Some Asian operators are already involved in trials, and some are preparing for service launches in 2008. Yet some Asian countries are still struggling with their 3G and WiMAX licensing; and civil unrest in some countries could also hamper any infrastructure development. Hence, carriers in different countries are showing mixed reactions. Some may not be ready for home based in-building wireless solutions but will concentrate on enterprise level in-building wireless system that target public places and offices, while others may find more lucrative markets through rural expansion by investing in outdoor macro networks instead. This study examines the mobile landscapes of various countries in the region, identifies the current status of in-building wireless deployments, and provides strategic analysis of opportunities and challenges for such deployments in those countries. Country and regional level forecasts are given for femtocell shipments, various in building wireless systems shipments, and potential revenue. The report also provides an overview of the systems under discussion and profiles the industry players involved.

Mobile Business Applications and Services

Communications, Information Access, Computing, and Business Process Solutions

This study defines the five primary categories of mobile applications and services used on a handset for the business customer, and quantifies the market forecasts for customers, revenues and ARPUs in each category. The categories are: communications, information access, computing, integrated information access/computing and business process solutions. The communications category includes real-time communications and messaging. In addition to a discussion of the mobile applications and services, their technical enablers and key value chain participants, this report also assesses the value of mobile applications for standard business work tasks. This valuation helps readers understand better where mobile applications improve business processes, and establishes a baseline view of these applications and services for future evaluation at industry and functional levels.

Mobile Messaging Services

SMS, MMS, Mobile Email, and Mobile IM

Mobile messaging is growing at an explosive pace and is set to continue to do so. Both established players and start-ups are providing applications delivering new mobile messaging formats and services - further blurring distinctions between traditional mobile messaging applications.

This study examines the technologies, the players and the applications that are driving change in the mobile messaging market. It also provides forecasts for market subscriptions, services and revenues over the next five years.

Mobile Device Security

Software, Services, and Hardware to Protect Smartphones

Smartphone security is becoming increasingly important, as business information and personal information moves from the PC onto handheld storage. Anti-virus client applications are available for most high level operating systems today, and mobile device management services are offering comprehensive services with remote lock/wipe functions, firewalls, virus protection, and backup. Mobile security services revenue growth exceeded 40% in 2009, driven by enterprise IT managers looking to safeguard corporate data, and regulatory requirements to protect sensitive personal and financial information.

This study offers a comprehensive overview of the market for security software and services, with a comparison of the security ecosystems supporting various smartphone operating systems. Revenue and trends are forecast for client application software sold to end users, and for device management security services. Fingerprint sensors are also highlighted as a growing feature in security and navigation for handsets.

Mobile Video Communication Services

Video Messaging, Video Telephony, and Video Sharing on the Mobile Handset

This study examines the market for mobile video services in eight different regions of the world. The primary focus is video messaging and telephony services; however video broadcast market forecasts are also included. The report provides a comprehensive view of the forces that impact uptake of these services, including the technical enablers, the demand drivers and inhibitors, and value chain participant activity, all with a focus on these forces’ regional differences. Forecast analysis includes video phone penetration and shipments, as well as video services uptake by customer, customer type, revenues and penetration for eight world regions.

Ruggedized Mobile Devices

Global Analysis of Air Interfaces, Vertical Markets, and OS Trends for Handsets, Notebooks, PDAs, and Tablet PCs

Until now, the ruggedized mobile computing device market—based on a class of device that can withstand specific harsh environments without suffering failure—has been fragmented among a large number of manufacturers who produce specialized solutions for vertical enterprise markets. Device manufacturers range from multi-billion dollar international conglomerates to small startups with less than $10 million in annual revenue. Further consolidation among equipment vendors is expected as vendors look to strike the right balance between cost and durability.

This study analyzes the demand drivers for ruggedized mobile computing devices in light of price constraints and feature sets embodied in ruggedized mobile phones, PDAs, handhelds, laptops, notebooks and more. It includes forecasts segmented by form factor, region, vertical market, air interface and market share, and presents profiles of all the leading vendors in this market.

The Mobile SMB and Wi-Fi

Penetration, Market Sizing, Forecasts, and Segmentation

SMBs (small-medium businesses) are surprisingly mobile and will provide major revenue opportunities for smartphone, WLAN equipment and laptop manufacturers as well as managed service providers, through 2014. The next five years will see a concerted effort by vendors to capture this market by developing customized SMB product and services solutions.

This study is the first to segment the global SMB market by employee size while also providing vertical market segmentation and actionable suggestions on how to attack specific segments of this market. It examines which SMB market segments are most likely to grow the fastest in specific regions of the world and offers channel-specific advice. The report leverages two key primary research surveys which ABI conducted, as well as interviews with leading vendors.

Wi-Fi Capable Handsets

Residential and Enterprise Markets for Wi-Fi and Dual-Mode Handsets

This study examines the market opportunities for Wi-Fi from a handset-based perspective, focusing on drivers, barriers, and competing technologies. It includes a major set of forecasts for both pure Wi-Fi handsets and dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handsets (Wi-Fi-enabled cellular handsets).

Other forecasts include segmentation by region, Wi-Fi protocols, consumer and vertical markets, UMA and SIP, cellular handset class, and other technology distinctions. Also included is data for 2008 through 2014 for pure Wi-Fi handsets, and for dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handsets. The study concludes with profiles of significant vendors involved in the Wi-Fi market.

Enterprise Mobile Cloud Computing

Cloud Services, Mobile Devices, and the IT Supply Chain Analysis

The limited processing and memory capabilities of mobile devices have always required some use of the "cloud" for delivery of mobile applications and services. However, the challenges inherent in application development as well as the desire to enhance applications with location, presence, and other value-added services are driving greater use of the cloud for creating advanced mobile applications. The enterprise will be the primary beneficiary of cloud services as mobilizing enterprise data and enhancing existing mobile applications and services will tremendously enhance productivity. The benefits of enterprise cloud services will be available not only to large enterprises but also to the SMB customer segment.

This study provides a detailed view of the drivers and inhibitors for cloud services used across all mobile device platforms. Particular attention is given to cloud services providers including Amazon, Google, and Microsoft for facilitating greater mobile applications development, mobilizing enterprise data and merging the IT and telecommunications supply chains. The report includes an in-depth review of the enteprise IT and mobile supply chains and how each is leveraging networks and cloud services to support a growing mobile worker base.

Forecasts are provided for traditional mobile cloud applications, new mobile cloud applications and for hosted mobile services. Subscriber and revenue estimates are included for North America, Western Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of World. The report is rounded out with recommendations to mobile and IT suppliers, helping them to capitalize on the opportunities provided by enterprise cloud services.

Enterprise Netbooks, Smartbooks, and MIDs

Extending Business Productivity beyond Handsets and Laptops

Netbooks, smartbooks and MIDs are relatively new devices in the UMD category, with screen sizes that sit between the smartphone and the laptop. Currently, most of the attention given to these devices is on consumer adoption. However their low cost, Wi-Fi and 3G network access options, browser, and large screen size will make them appealing to the business segment. Likely initial users include technicians, social service workers, and real estate agents. Initially, these devices will not find favor with enterprise IT since the majority don't use the Microsoft OS. Lack of 3G networks will limit uptake by business users in emerging markets. However, smaller businesses in industrialized markets will not be deterred by these issues, and in time many hurdles will be overcome through by cloud services for application access.

This study examines the drivers and inhibitors for business adoption of netbooks, smartbooks and MIDs. Survey data as well as competitive factors contribute to the review of this topic. Forecasts are provided for each form factor. They include device shipments, installed base and employment penetration across seven world regions. Also included are regional estimates for SMB and Enterprise shipments and installed base. Finally worldwide shipment and penetration forecasts are provided across seven industry verticals for each platform and include:
- Information
- Finance and Insurance
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
- Educational Services
- Healthcare and Social Assistance
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Public Administration

US Mobile Operator Traffic Profiles

Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile

In 2009, AT&T's mobile network experienced a huge surge in mobile data traffic. iPhone data usage was the primary contributor to the traffic surge that year causing AT&T to carry more data traffic than any other operator. This study provides a step-by-step analysis of the factors driving mobile data network traffic for Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and the combination of all other US carriers. Factors quantified as contributing to mobile operator data traffic levels include total data devices by operator, total data-activated devices by operator, and total data consumption by device type by operator.

Devices analyzed include:

Handsets: smartphones, enhanced phones, low-end phones, ultra-low end phones;
External modems: PC Cards, USB modems, 3G/Wi-Fi routers;
Computing devices: laptops, netbooks, MIDs, smartbooks
Consumer electronics: mobile gaming consoles, mobile media players, mobile digital still cameras, mobile digital camcorders, connected navigation devices, other (mostly mobile e-readers).

The report also quantifies the mobile network data traffic levels for the business and consumer segments by operator, including each segment's activated data device distribution. Also included in this analysis is a deeper examination of the factors that caused AT&T's network issues in 2009, the significant trends driving mobile data network traffic, and operator recommendations.

Contactless Payment Markets in Japan and South Korea

Secure Payment Chips, Cards, Mobile Devices, and Readers

Vendors and consumers in Japan and South Korea lead the world in adopting contactless payment solutions. Both countries have implemented nationwide services on a commercial scale. In Japan, FeliCa has created innovative businesses such as Suica and Edy through which credit card and financial service, transportation and mobile service companies have aggressively adopted FeliCa-based mobile phone and smartcard payment solutions. With the contactless transit card called T-money, South Korean card issuers designed a contactless payment system that includes USIM mobile payment solutions. Visa Wave and MasterCard PayPass began implementing contactless payment services in the South Korean retail sector early in 2006.

This study assesses the Japanese and South Korean contactless payment market landscapes. It examines business models, tracks merchant uptakes, and gauges card issuers’ and consumers’ expectations in both markets. The report includes forecasts of shipments and revenues for chip, reader, and contactless payment solution-enabled devices to 2012.

Mobile Banking and Funds Transfer

Untethered Banking, Bill Pay, Domestic and International Person-to-Person Payments

Financial institutions are seizing the opportunity to tap a vast market of unbanked consumers and create stickiness with their current banking customers worldwide by offering personal financial services through mobile phones. In addition to traditional banking services, these offerings include bold new services such as international and domestic person-to-person payments. In addition to banks, MNOs, money transfer organizations, bank software vendors and mobile application service providers are all potential players in providing these services.

This study examines the ways these services will be used, the players within the space, who’s hot and who’s not, winners and losers, and what MNOs and financial services providers can do to take advantage of these opportunities. It includes forecasts for mobile banking, domestic person-to-person money transfers and international remittances.

Mobile Commerce

Mobile Online Shopping and Mobile Payments for Virtual Goods Enter the Mainstream

In ABI Research's view, mobile commerce is defined as the use of a mobile phone to purchase services, or physical or digital goods. This study focuses on two emerging developments in mobile commerce: mobile online shopping and mobile payments for virtual goods. The report includes global forecasts for e-commerce, mobile online shopping (viewed as a subset of e-commerce), virtual goods, and mobile payments for virtual goods.

Near Field Communications (NFC)

Embedded and Aftermarket Contactless Applications for Mobile Devices and Other Consumer Products

ABI Research has been producing regular NFC research reports since the inception of the technology. This latest edition concentrates the developments for the technology that have taken place over the past 18 months. As NFC remains a technology-in-waiting, at first glance little might appear to have taken place during this time period. But the market has not stood still and despite inertia in relation to broad-scale NFC rollouts, there has been growing interest in the potential for NFC in other devices and in its delivery to existing and new handsets without embedding in new NFC handsets.

This report also examines the development of alternative NFC devices and peripherals for mobile handsets as well as computing and consumer electronic devices. There are also guidelines for next steps for major players in the development of the NFC value system.

Near Field Communication Semiconductors

Silicon Solutions for Wireless Handset Contactless Technology

This study describes the increasing demand for Near Field Communication and the integrated circuits that drive this emerging technology in the cellular and wireless handset marketplace. The report provides a detailed examination of the NFC chipset and modem. It explains the requirements for competitive architectures, including essential product capabilities, and analyzes critical market constraints. The research identifies the wireless handset devices targeted by the NFC chipsets, explains the contactless payment hierarchy that currently exists (such as mobile commerce, banking, and security infrastructure), and examines both short- and long-term market implications. Key vendor profiles are included. The study concludes with an in-depth market forecast that numerically tracks the trends of both positive and negative market forces.

3G Mobile Market Trends

Worldwide Subscriber Dynamics, Operator Strategies, Network Infrastructure, Mobile Devices, and 3G/4G Technology Evolution

While the 3G market may be definitely gaining traction, we are rapidly approaching a crossroads in 3G+ access technologies, where the needs of different market segments can vary substantially, and the potential rewards (and losses) for the different technology vendors and mobile communications operators could be substantial. The “3G+ future” is offering operators and end-users more choice than there has been in the market for some time. This study examines the rapid evolution of 3G access technologies and the market conditions for their adoption, as well as the parallel 3G developments in mobile devices, infrastructure, value added services and operator strategy. The analysis is rounded off with 3G subscriber, mobile device, base-station deployment and capital expenditure forecasts.

Downloadable and Streaming Content in the Asia-Pacific Region

Market Conditions, Regulatory Environments, Influencing Factors, and Business Opportunities

The Internet era has created a whole new world of usage experience for the younger and more tech-savvy populations of the Asia-Pacific region. These consumers are exploring the possibilities offered by the virtual world. Within APAC, the number of users blogging, chatting online, sharing files, listening to the radio, and even watching video content has grown significantly in recent years. This study examines why online media activities in six key APAC countries (Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and India) are demonstrating different rates of growth. Topical discussions also include strategic analysis of the markets and the business opportunities in each of the markets, as well as the strategies of different stakeholders and how they are shaping the industry. The report also investigates those confusing issues that elicit both positive and negative reactions from the media industry.

3G and Beyond in China and Hong Kong

Mobile Operator and Vendor Positioning in the Evolving Mobile Markets

China and Hong Kong are one country but with different administrative and legislative systems, as well as diverse telecommunications landscapes. Ten years after the handover, China’s influence on Hong Kong’s telecommunication future is beginning to show, with the first CDMA2000 spectrum auction in October 2007. The Chinese 3G landscape contains many uncertainties due to government intervention in the telecommunication industry. How will restructuring take place? What lies ahead for China in 4G?

This study examines the regulations, technologies, handset and infrastructure vendors’ challenges, and operators’ competitive landscape in both China and Hong Kong and provides forecasts of the performance benchmarks of both regions

Fixed-Mobile Convergence

Business Models, Operator Strategies, Key Industry Players, Market Dynamics, and Forecasts

Fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) has the potential to offer benefits to both operators and consumers. The key benefits of deploying FMC networks are expected to include: * A single device for users to make and receive calls on mobile networks or via fixed-broadband networks, with the ability to make voice or data calls on either network. * Reduced voice call and other service charges by using the fixed network in place of the mobile network for calls made inside the home or office. * Higher data rates for multimedia services using WLAN or low power mobile cells when indoors. * VoIP calls over broadband access with some free calls to other VoIP users. * Free on-site calls using WLAN telephony in vertical markets such as healthcare, retail, hospitality, and logistics. * The opportunity for fixed-network operators (FNO) to slow and perhaps reverse the trend of falling voice-call revenues. * The opportunity for mobile network operators (MNO) to improve in-building coverage and to offer hotspot services. This study is ABI Research’s review of the market for fixed-mobile convergence (FMC). It includes a forecast for the potential FMC market to 2012 and an assessment of operator business cases for enterprise and consumer applications. It also provides an overview of FMC network technology and examines the features that make it attractive to operators, while evaluating vendor strategies for introducing FMC and examining some service provider approaches.

In-flight Mobile and Wi-Fi Services

Market Potential and Challenges

1.17 billion airline passengers traveled on 13,700 aircraft in 2005. Due to rapid growth in the Chinese and Indian economies and rebounding North American and European airline markets, the number of passengers is expected to grow to 1.63 billion by 2014 on 19,600 aircraft. And yet, until 2004 neither mobile communications nor Wi-Fi was permitted on board aircraft. That is starting to change. Wi-Fi has been installed on aircraft by Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Austrian Airlines. Legislative reviews of inflight mobile communications are taking place in 2006 which are likely to permit mobile communications on aircraft. This study provides a comprehensive review and assessment of this complex but potentially lucrative market’s promise.

Mobile TV Services

Mobile Broadcast and Cellular TV Services

The mobile TV market continues to be a rapidly evolving convergence of the media, mobile communications, Internet services and consumer electronics industries. It consists of a global ecosystem of content providers and aggregators, retailers and service providers, network and device software solution providers, and network and device OEMs. In short, the mobile TV ecosystem collectively provides an end-to-end information and entertainment ("infotainment") service that is extended from traditional fixed and broadband networks over broadband wireless networks to users of mobile devices in mobile environments.

The focus of this study is on regional mobile TV services that are provided by various service providers to mobile TV users over mobile broadband cellular TV and mobile broadcast TV networks.

Mobile Cloud Applications

Widgets and the Apps Dilemma for Smartphones, Netbooks, Media Tablets, and Connected Mobile Devices

The mobile application market is about to change radically, from suppliers' standpoint and from the consumer access standpoint due to the emergence of widgets, the most compelling of mobile cloud applications. Much has been made of the mobile app phenomenon popularized by Apple’s iconic iPhone. Forecasts involving mobile app stores, app downloads and revenues have been consistently optimistic, with no end in site to the growth of mobile apps. Yet under the sunny surface a different story is taking shape -- a story that features discontent and frustration by large and small app developers and a growing number of consumers alike. Mobile apps as we know them today are really the domain of smartphone users. The rest of the mobile subscriber world has generally had to stand by and watch, since their phones are not powerful or fast enough to handle mobile apps. App developers are becoming increasingly frustrated with the limited reach and growing cost of launching and maintaining mobile apps. Smartphone apps are typically custom built for particular smartphone platforms in advanced programming languages, limiting the available pool of developers and driving up costs. Increasingly, the answer to these problems is coming from the cloud in the form of widgets. Widgets will exponentially expand the market for mobile applications, introducing complex, rich user experiences to a new and much larger mobile consumer audience.

This report examines the drivers and barriers to the growth of markets for mobile widgets, the type of devices, geographic regions and distribution channels which will favor them, key players within the mobile widget ecosystem, and the business models employed. Forecasts include mobile widget downloads and revenue by region and device type (smartphone, feature phone, connected mobile devices, etc.)

Mobile Browsers

Advanced Processors, WebKit, and HTML 5

The mobile browser market is undergoing significant change as the mobile Web makes the transition from what some would call a "poor man’s Internet" to a full-fledged Web experience. Mobile browsers have been developed that can render many Web pages without the need for proxy server-based content adaptation. Such browsers have the potential to create an experience that overcomes some of the inherent Web access shortcomings of mobile devices relative to desktop computers.

But full Internet browsing is not the whole story for mobile browsing. It is becoming clear that specific use cases exist for three distinct categories of mobile browsers: Full Internet Browsers (FIBs), Proxy-Based Browsers (PBBs) and WAP Browsers. Mobile browsers are key enablers of a broad range of mobile services, from mobile video and TV and other media streaming to web browsing, mobile widgets and other web-based applications. They will become nearly ubiquitous and will be included in every mobile handset segment (ULCHs, Low Cost Handsets, Enhanced Handsets and Smartphones), as well as a broad range of other mobile devices: media tablets, MIDs, personal media players, personal navigation devices, gaming devices, and eBook readers.

This study identifies the drivers and barriers for the mobile browser market. It details how mobile browsers have evolved and how they are being positioned in terms of devices, markets and capabilities; it outlines the competitive landscape and breaks down the market strategies of key players; and finally, it provides detailed global and regional forecasts and forecast analysis by browser type and device type.

Mobile DRM Market Analysis and Forecasts

The Future of OMA, Proprietary and Microsoft DRMs in the Mobile Industry

This study focuses on emerging mobile rich media services, specifically with respect to digital rights management. It explores the steps the content industry, mobile operators and DRM vendors are taking to build this marketplace, and contains detailed analysis of OMA DRM and the ability of proprietary DRM vendors to succeed. Future inflection points, challenges for the convergence of content services between the PC, the STB and the mobile handset are also discussed, as well as their likely impact over the next five years on leading vendors such as Apple, Microsoft, NDS, BeepScience, CoreMedia and SDC, among others. Detailed market forecasts for that same period are provided for mobile DRM and mobile broadcast CAS. A vendor analysis compares all the leading mobile DRM vendors and ranks them relative to their peers.

Mobile Marketing and Advertising

Mobile Continues Its Climb While Print and Online Falter

Mobile marketing and advertising are coming of age. Seen as the most personal means of communication with consumers, mobile advertising is rallying to overcome the stigma of larger advertising markets – print, TV, radio and online. Despite scrutiny over advertising spending in an economic decline, mobile advertising has remained flat year-over-year and in some areas made minor gains. SMS and messaging continue to dominate as the vehicles able to interact with the largest portion of the installed base for mobile phones. Mobile games used to represent the total sum of in-application advertising, but not any more. The surge in smartphone applications broadens the appeal for marketing messages inserted during program runtime. Location is the mobile marketer’s best friend as it quickly becomes an integral component for precision audience targeting.

This study examines the expansion and growth of the mobile segment. The report defines mobile marketing, describes major ecosystem players and delves into a range of popular and emerging technology channels used to communicate directly with the mobile consumer, including: messaging, search, web, video and applications. The study also describes the role that Proximity Marketing and Location-Based Services have in reaching the actively shopping consumer.

Mobile Application Storefronts

The Rise and Decline of Mobile’s Hottest Application Distribution Channel

Mobile applications for smartphones are the hottest topic in the mobile industry today. Spurred by Apple's storybook success with the App Store -- more than 3 billion iPhone apps downloaded between July 2008 and the present, from a library of more than 150,000 -- a broad variety of industry players from device manufacturers and MNOs to platform vendors and thousands of content developers have scrambled to catch the mobile app store wave. Dozens of mobile app stores have sprung up to sell and distribute mobile applications for smartphones. Yet success in distributing mobile apps is not guaranteed, and the mobile application storefront business model faces formidable challenges.

This study explores those challenges in detail, outlines potential solutions to overcoming them, and describes emerging alternative distribution channels and delivery mechanisms for mobile apps and content. Forecasts include total downloads by smartphone OS and by region, market share percentages of downloads by smartphone OS and by region, retail value of paid apps sold by smartphone OS and by region.

Mobile Marketing and Advertising in Japan and South Korea

Business Issues, Ad Methods, Case Studies, and Forecasting

In Japan and South Korea, mobile marketing has been developed by mobile operators looking for new ways to monetize services and develop new sources of revenue. Marketers and brand managers believe mobile advertising allows highly targeted campaigns that reach specific segments of interest to advertisers. High speed access over 3G and high-end mobile handsets has expanded the base for mobile advertising, and new methods and advertising models are being introduced. This study examines market structures, business issues, specific mobile advertising methods, and real case studies. It highlights both conventional and newly developed advertising tools, covering SMS, MMS, mobile coupons, idle screen-based advertising, ringback tone ads, hot codes and hot numbers, vehicle navigation-based ads, mobile search for ads, mobile games, and more. The report includes forecasts for spending and market values segmented by advertising tool.

Mobile Social Networking

Gold Rush, Goldmine, or Minefield?

The mobile social networking market is best described as emerging. With a very large number of startups and unformed business models shaped loosely around Internet-based equivalents, the mobile social networking industry has a long way to go before it reaches maturity and mass adoption. Nonetheless, mobile social networks are garnering a great deal of interest from mobile operators, hardware vendors, ISPs, and major brands, as a means of connecting users, reducing churn, enabling advertising revenues, and facilitating access to other forms of mobile content. This report aims to demystify some of the key issues around mobile social networking, through a combination of up-to-the-minute analysis of the major stakeholders in the mobile social networking value chain, interviews with providers of social networking and mobile operators, an in-depth survey of end-users’ perceptions of mobile social networking, and forecasting of mobile social networking uptake in terms of subscribers and revenues.

Subscriber Data Management

Driving Revenues and Loyalty with Networks, Analytics, Billing, and Rating Systems

Challenged to find growth, protect their customer bases and compete against swift Internet companies, MNOs are exploring ways to leverage their assets, primarily subscriber information, to create highly personalized mobile services.

In this study, ABI Research outlines the key elements MNOs must utilize to develop successful personalized services. The report describes ways to navigate the barriers that can obstruct services; it identifies the services that are and will be successful today and in the future, and includes profiles and critiques of 23 vendors which provide solutions for personalized services. Forecasts include MNO service revenue from personalized services, personalized services subscribers, and vendor revenue from the sale of service personalization equipment, software and services.

Mobile Music Services

Full Tracks, Ringtones, and Ringback Tones - What Mobile Music Downloads Will Mean to the Music Industry

This report examines the current mobile landscape and the role of music as a mobile service. Specific topics addressed include digital music downloads, ringtones, streaming music services, digital music codecs and DRM. Market forecasts for overall mobile digital music downloads, mobile music downloads, and ringtone (monophonic, polyphonic, master-tracks/real-tone, and ring-back tones) downloads are also included and encompass numbers of files of each type downloaded by region, and revenue forecasts for each region by ringtone type.

Triple-Play Network Hardware and Systems

Softswitches, Media Gateways, OSS, BSS and Policy Control: Technology Enablers for the Voice-Video-Data Service Bundle

This study provides an overview of the technologies that enable triple-play and quadruple-play services. It is divided into two sections: hardware and software. The hardware section analyzes the market demand for softswitches, media gateways, and IMS solutions. The software section provides an overview of business system support solutions, element-management solutions, and control policy/monitoring solutions.

In addition to analysis of the markets for these solutions, the report addresses issues that are driving the adoption of triple-play and quadruple-play services, including subscriber growth rates, emerging technologies, Quality of Service considerations, and the role of mobile services. The market is broken into four types of service provider: CATV operators, telecom companies, satellite, and terrestrial operators.

The Worldwide SIP Services Market

SIP and Its Impact on VoIP, Instant Messaging, Combinational Services and the Evolution to IMS

This study is ABI Research’s review of the market for SIP services. It includes a forecast for the market potential for SIP Services to 2012, including service revenue and capital expenditure. It also provides an overview of the technology of SIP networks and examines what makes it attractive to operators, as well as its benefits for users. The key benefits to be derived from SIP networks are: a single IP network for voice and data services including VoIP; migration to IMS; new revenue-generating services such as IM, video sharing, conferencing, and location services in fixed and mobile networks used by consumers and businesses The research also evaluates vendors’ approaches for SIP and the development of new standards and regulatory regimes, and discusses migration from softswitch implementation to IMS.

Global Wireless Spectrum Issues: Market Opportunities and Implications

Digital Dividend, Frequency Harmonization, 2.6GHz, Mobile Liberalization, and 700MHz Spectrum in the US

This study provides a global perspective on all of the major spectrum initiatives currently under way, and their implications for vendors, regulators and operators. The report also addresses spectrum trading, mobile liberalization, technology neutrality and the latest developments in the satellite bands. It focuses on the UHF band which includes the 700MHz auction in the US and Digital Dividend in Europe, as well as the implications of collocating digital TV services and mobile broadband in Europe and the potential for new mobile operators to enter the US mobile broadband market. The research also examines 3G spectrum activities in India and China, as well as proposed WiMAX bands in Europe. The report covers the two major regions with major activities in the UHF band, the United States and Europe, and details the proposed usage of the UHF band, profiling key players and analyzing potential issues.

Mobile Data Traffic Analysis

The Impact of Subscribers, Devices, and Wireless Protocols on Mobile Data Generation and Consumption

As cellular voice minutes and related revenues peak in developed markets, network operators have sought the next major growth opportunities. The addition of data services over mobile networks has blossomed from that revenue growth strategy into its own market. This study examines the non-voice, non-SMS/MMS messaging traffic transferred over mobile data networks.

This report describes the growth of traffic transferred over mobile data networks. It defines the market and technology issues, with particular emphasis on subscribers, devices and wireless protocols. In addition, it details the salient market trends and forecasts both regional and global traffic levels through 2014.

Mobile Operator Capital Expenditures Analysis

Historical and Projected CAPEX Based on Regions, Network Components, Services, and Mobile Technologies

CAPEX investment represents 20%—30% of total cost of ownership for mobile operators, yet this crucial cost function directly affects 70%—80% of the OPEX. This highlights how important it is for operators to understand the state-of-the-art of the next generation network, so as to make intelligent infrastructure investment decisions. Meanwhile, network infrastructure vendors need to understand the spending behavior of their customers (operators) if they are to produce solutions that add value. This study highlights the critical market drivers and the latest trends influencing capital expenditure investments by mobile operators worldwide. It examines the key elements of a mobile network that require CAPEX investment, and analyzes the differences in priorities based on the mobile industry’s development in different regions. The report also assesses the technological aspects of each mobile network component by examining vendors’ state-of-the-art innovations, so as to offer the reader a clear picture of the steps required to make the transition from one evolution to the next. ABI Research has examined the historical trends in mobile operators’ CAPEX investments, and breaks down the long-term forecasts for mobile CAPEX by geographical region, as well as by technologies based on services, mobile technologies and components.

Mobile WiMAX in Asia-Pacific

Market Overview, Implementation and Case Studies, Services and Subscribers, Devices and Forecasts

WiMAX is an ideal service for developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region to bridge the “digital gap” in rural areas. The more developed countries also have strong potential for advanced services such as FMC (Fixed-Mobile Convergence). As the market for mobile WiMAX expands, manufacturers are targeting new customer segments, and there will be huge opportunity in APAC regions.

Because the WiMAX market has shifted focus from 802.16d (fixed) to 802.16e (mobile), the study discusses mobile WiMAX issues in APAC, including current market conditions in each country; business issues in Japan, Taiwan, China, and South Korea; terminal and modem chip trends; and regulatory issues focusing on spectrum bidding. The report also provides a SWOT analysis for APAC mobile WiMAX, and a case study based on the commercial service of Korea Telecom’s WiBro. It forecasts mobile WiMAX’s business potential in nine selected APAC countries. The forecast contains subscribers and market values, ARPU, terminal shipments, and market share by device type:CPE, USB modem and PCMCIA, handsets, consumer electronics, laptops, and UMPCs.

Mobile Data Device and Service Retail Trends

Cellular Modems, Netbooks, MIDs, Portable Media Players, Personal Navigation Devices

As 3G networks expand, the number and type of mobile connected devices is growing. Soon consumers will be able to purchase and connect not only mobile handsets and cellular modems, but netbooks, e-readers, portable navigation devices, mobile media players, mobile gaming devices, digital cameras, and more. This diverse range of new connected devices present challenges for mobile network operators in terms of provisioning new devices, payment models and service models. MNOs will seek to sell network services wholesale to a new breed of service providers -- OEM and Retail MVNOs -- who will provide front line service to consumers for a significant percentage of these new connected devices over the next five years.

This study provides in-depth forecasts of the type and number of devices OEM and Retail MVNOs will connect, segmented by region, over the next five years, as well as the amount those MVNOs will bill by type and by region.

World Financial Crisis and the Mobile Services Market

Economic Recovery Analysis for Mobile Voice, Messaging and Internet Services

In mid-2009, the positive signs of economic recovery continue to be countered by negative signs. The common demographic variable defining the world financial crisis is unemployment and expectations are for it to continue to rise into 2010 for some world regions. The mobile services industry has up to this point been recession proof and a rise in unemployment will not by itself change mobile services consumption. However, the longer that economic recovery is suppressed, as measured by elevated unemployment rates, the more it will impact growth of the mobile services market.

In this study, mobile services forecasts are presented for three economic scenarios defined by the region’s elevated unemployment level and its duration. Forecasts are provided for mobile voice, SMS and internet services in the areas of subscriptions, customers, usage, pricing and revenues. Forecasts are provided for seven world regions.

Mobile Services for Emerging Markets

Voice, Messaging, and Mobile Data Services in Brazil, Russia, India, China and other Emerging Markets

Emerging markets present both challenges and opportunities for the mobile suppliers serving them. The opportunity is that mobile is in many cases the only viable means of communications and information access for emerging markets. In addition there are still many markets where penetrations are less than 50%. While brisk subscriber growth will continue, income levels in many markets will not rise substantially to support greater use and adoption of mobile services. With competition relatively strong in most markets, the result is that average revenues decline as the lowest income customers adopt these services.

This study analyzes the economic and telecommunications demographics of emerging markets and the relationships of these demographics to mobile voice, messaging and data forecasts. It examines the mobile operator and supplier activities as well as consumer trends driving mobile services adoption and revenues. Finally, it considers the effect a prolonged world economic crisis could have on the mobile services industry in emerging markets. Analysis is segmented by five different emerging market regions and the BRIC countries.

Augmented Reality

Adding Information to Our View of the World

Augmented Reality (the overlay of graphics onto a video stream or a heads-up display) has existed as a diverse market for more than 15 years, with customized applications in industrial automation, theme parks, sports television, military displays, and online marketing. Recently, an entirely new mass market has opened up in mobile handsets, due to the availability of video cameras, processors, GPS data, compasses, and accelerometers on handset platforms.

This study forecasts that new handheld platforms will transform the Augmented Reality ecosystem, with revenue associated with Augmented Reality growing through 2014. Mobile advertising revenue will begin slowly but will represent a large portion of revenue growth in the 2013-2014 timeframe, with advertisers placing tags onto the navigation information displayed.

4G Mobile Consumer Services

Internet Access, Location, Multimedia, Media Broadcast, and Gaming

This ABI Research study examines the emerging 4G mobile consumer services market. It focuses on the suite of mobile consumer services that will be branded and provided by mobile broadband network operators to their subscribers over 4G broadband data networks. These services will be internally developed or externally licensed from third parties and monetized with recurring subscription fees. The report provides a definition of the market as well as a market development update, mobile consumer services descriptions, and selected ecosystem participant profiles. Market forecasts are also provided for device subscriptions and revenue, broken down by device and service segments.

Mobile Video Services

Video Telephony, Messaging, Mail, Chatting, Streaming, Downloads, Sharing, and Blogging

Mobile Network Operator-branded mobile video services are now available or will be launched in most major developed countries over the next few years. They will provide MNOs with a variety of premium and bundled communications, networking and entertainment services that will not only allow them to acquire subscribers and differentiate their overall mobile services, but also to drive the adoption of a variety of mobile devices including smartphones, media tablets and auto infotainment systems. Some mobile video services will leverage the momentum of Web 2.0 services and the broadband capabilities of all IP-based, 4G networks; will others will be challenged with a number of technical, business, regulatory and cultural barriers. Still, the mobile video services will collectively meet the promise of being a 4G "killer service".

The focus of this study is on regional mobile video services that are branded or co-branded by MNOs and provided to mobile consumers for a periodic subscription fee or a per unit transaction fee. The market service segments include: mobile video communications (video telephony and video messaging); mobile video networking (P2P and Web 2.0 video sharing); and mobile video entertainment (VoD streaming and downloading). Other mobile video services that are available on a limited basis or emerging over the next few years in selected regions include video voice mail, chatting, ringtones, dating, etc.

Mobile HD Voice

Wideband, High-quality Audio Connections

More than 900 million VoIP users enjoy the clear audio quality of wideband voice processing on Skype and other Internet telecom applications, and pressure is building on mobile operators to upgrade their services to utilize wideband codecs. France Telecom/Orange have launched voice services in Europe using the AMR-WB codec, and other operators are expected to follow suit in other regions in coming years. Technology barriers will slow adoption in some regions, but Mobile HD Voice technology will accelerate quickly in key regions, resulting in more than 400 million mobile users by 2015.

This study explores the market drivers and end-user demand for wideband voice processing, as well as the technical barriers and issues surrounding the interoperability of Mobile HD Voice and VoIP solutions. Details of the technology upgrades required in multiple areas are highlighted, including infrastructure upgrades, codecs, microphones, speakers, and signal processing in handsets, and speech recognition technology. The study describes the impact of mobile VOIP applications, as well as the impact of cable operators and wireline operator adoption of wideband voice technology. In particular, the impact of Mobile HD Voice on ARPU is forecast in detail as a part of a comprehensive five-year outlook.

Wireless Telehealth

Embedded Cellular Technology in Healthcare Applications

This study assesses the market opportunity for embedded cellular connectivity - cellular modules built into end-use medical devices - in healthcare applications that use a telecommunications link to connect an individual with a remotely-located caregiver. The report refers to these types of applications collectively as "telehealth." Its focus on embedded cellular connectivity for telehealth applications centers on its (most common) use in remote patient monitoring (RPM) applications. A related application called ambient assisted living (AAL) - monitoring the well-being of elderly or at-risk people - is also often included under the telehealth definition and is likewise covered.

However this report expands on the commonly understood scope of the telehealth definition to include personal emergency response systems (PERS): emergency call alarms that enable elderly or at-risk people to summon remotely-located medical aid. It also addresses the nascent market for mobile personal monitoring (MPM) – both the mobile monitoring of patient clinical data and consumer health and fitness data, and the tracking of at-risk people such as Alzheimer’s patients. In short, this research segments our assessment of the embedded cellular telehealth market into: 1) a short discussion of the traditional PERS market, and 2) a longer analysis of the RPM, AAL, and MPM markets, which we refer to collectively as "home healthcare."

The Current State of Global Healthcare Wi-Fi

Market Size, Segmentation, and Forecasts

Despite the recession of 2009-2010, healthcare represents the most attractive market for Wi-Fi equipment vendors with the exception of the US federal government. This market segment historically has been the earliest of early adopters of new Wi-Fi technology, and that pattern continues today.

This study examines the size of the market including horizontal market segmentation based on size of establishments. It looks at several key components of this market including Wi-Fi RTLS hardware and software, access points, managed services, and pure Wi-Fi and dual-band handsets. The report assesses the technology challenges this market presents as well as the potential rewards. It provides in-depth profiles of leading vendors that highlight their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities.

Wearable Wireless Sensors

Body Area Networks Using Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, and Proprietary Technologies

Multiple social factors are putting strain on existing healthcare operations, but a new wave of interest and investment in wireless body sensors can help extend the ability of healthcare providers to cut costs and still provide better treatment. Key to these benefits is the development of wireless sensors with the ability to communicate and deliver data to remote systems.

This study examines the factors fuelling demand for wearable wireless sensors as well as the short range wireless technologies that may be used by them. It also identifies the key players in the market, describes the regulatory and industry environment, and assesses the dynamics of patient care that will affect market development. The report examines the potential market in three broad categories: health and fitness, at-home health monitoring, and professional healthcare telemedicine. It includes forecasts for the growth for wireless sensors by market type, by region, and by technology protocol.

Sport and Fitness GPS Devices and Applications

GPS Watches, Cycling Computers, Golf Rangefinders, and Smartphone Applications

While GPS sport and fitness solutions remain a vertical niche segment, it is one of the fastest growing ones both in terms of dedicated hardware solutions such as Garmin’s and Suunto’s GPS watches, cycling computers, GPS golf rangefinders and a growing number of smartphone applications such as Trimble Outdoors’ AllSportGPS, Nokia’s Sports Tracker and Fullpower’s MotionX-GPS.

This study provides insight into the main fitness and sports features and form factors. It includes a SWOT analysis and describes the major vendors and their solutions. The report includes shipments and revenue forecasts per type and region, market drivers and barriers, as well as recommendations for the different types of players.

Wireless in Extended Medical Monitoring

The Emerging Market for Disease Management

This study focuses on the development and adoption of wireless communication technologies supporting a new market for more accurate monitoring and treatment of patients with long-term diseases. A key part of this market: the wearable wireless sensors that enable patients to be monitored in comfort wherever they are, making monitoring unobtrusive. In addition, the connectivity of such devices to the wider network and systems allows for nearly real-time monitoring and greater observation and medical compliance. Systems have been available for more than thirty years but these have tended to be in the fitness market. While ABI research has delivered detailed studies of all the potential markets for wearable wireless sensors, this report focuses entirely on those that fall within the disease management domain. A growing number of industry efforts, alliances, and partnerships have begun to provide a foundation for a disease management domain to emerge, and the first products are already available. Even so, there are a number of questions regarding the directions that the market will take and the technology choices that will be adapted adopted and deployed.

This study explores the market drivers and end-user demand for wireless disease management equipment related to remote healthcare management and monitoring. The emphasis of this report is on those key hardware devices that will be wireless-enabled: wearable sensors, wireless to WAN gateways, and M2M connectivity within devices and gateways.

Social, economic and market dynamics are all leading to new methods of long-term chronic disease management and increasing the potential for wireless to impact the healthcare market.

Detailed forecasts are provided to illustrate the growth trends across device types and across wireless interfaces both standard and proprietary,

[top]Mobile Networks

Enterprise Fixed Mobile Convergence

Wi-Fi, Femtocells, and Picocells for SOHO, Small, Medium, and Large Businesses

Femtocell Business Models

Exploring Effective Go-to-Market Strategies

At a time when the biggest question surrounding femtocells is, “What is the best go-to-market strategy?” this study provides a credible third-party perspective on potential revenue streams and costs. The report includes a dynamic, user definable, Excel-based user model that incorporates 28 different input variables, from the breakdown of costs to uptake and user traffic. It profiles an exhaustive list of output data on costs, revenues and provides 144 different margin analyses accounting for every potential outcome derived from the mix of variables.

Femtocells 2010

Operator, Access Point and Chipset Market Analysis

The year 2010 has seen high-profile operators such as Vodafone and AT&T launch femtocell services. There are more than 13 commercial femtocell services on offer across the world with many more operator commitments in place. The technology itself has been standardized with femtocell specifications for UMTS, CDMA, WIMAX and LTE. Interoperability plugfests have also taken place to drive a more open plug-and-play vendor environment. The value chain for femtocells is maturing, with established well-known vendors and newcomers all trying to grab a share of a growing market.

So while the market moves forward with improved momentum, the question is 'where do we go from here' and what is the outlook for the femtocell market for the next five years? This study covers the key hot topics associated with femtocells in 2010 including Wi-Fi vs. femto; consumer, enterprise and metro femtocells; network offload; LTE femtocells; the shifting nature of the value chain, and the hurdles for mass-market femto. The report profiles femtocell access point vendors, operators and chipset providers that are associated with this marketplace and provides a 'scenario-driven' market forecast for the technology.

In-Building Wireless Systems

Passive and Active DAS, Repeaters, Picocells, and Femtocells

The in-building wireless (IBW) market is showing signs of maturing as vendors and integrators start to customize their products and services around specific verticals such as healthcare, office/multi-tenant buildings, hospitality, universities, stadiums, and airports. In addition, traditional wireless vendors such as Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson are beginning to pay more attention to IBW as operators and building owners start to change their attitudes towards indoor coverage. Although the economic downturn has caused operators in North America and Europe to slow overall capital spending, IBW is expected to recover sooner than other segments because of the urgent need for indoor coverage, not just for voice but for data too. IBW vendors are furiously debating the cost-effectiveness of using MIMO indoors. The role of femtocells with DAS systems is becoming clearer. In short, the IBW market is a hotbed of activity.

This study examines the types of In-building systems including Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), repeaters, picocells and femtocells. While the report focuses mainly on DAS systems, it also explores how DAS can being used in conjunction with other IBW technologies such as repeaters, picocells and femtocells. The research includes a regional breakdown of the In-building market by verticals (Commercial, Education and Government). The study’s scope also extends to the various trends in the market including the impact of the economic crisis, impact of LTE and MIMO on IBW systems, innovations in IBW systems, complimentary usage of DAS and femtocells, IBW managed services, RF planning tools and green building regulations. It also provides company profiles for equipment vendors, carriers and system integrators, as well as market share estimates for Active and Passive DAS equipment vendors.

In-Building Wireless and Femtocells in Asia-Pacific

Mobile Network Extension Solutions for Consumers and Enterprises

4G Intellectual Property and Royalties

An Analysis of LTE, WiMAX and UMB

IP is fast becoming an important differentiating factor that enables a company to pick and choose where to play, and the lack of a strong portfolio significantly limits any company’s options and prospects for profit. While some have pointed to excess patenting as stifling innovation, major market participants’ recognition of the need for a strong IP portfolio has acted to spur R&D levels and innovation. This report provides in-depth analysis of the IP landscape for 4G technologies with particular focus on LTE, WiMAX and UMB, along with an analysis of the foundation technologies such as beamforming, fast power control, hybrid ARQ, MIMO, OFDM, OFDMA, SC-FDMA and SDMA. The report includes an analysis of the potential royalty scenarios associated with 4G terminals.

RF Power Amplifiers

Equipment and RF Power Device Analysis for Cellular and Mobile Wireless Infrastructure Markets

RF power amplifiers are integral parts of all base stations for cellular and mobile wireless infrastructure. They represent one of the most expensive component sub-assemblies in modern wireless infrastructure equipment, and both their performance and cost are important drivers in base station design. Efficiency, physical size, linearity and reliability are among the principal concerns. As price pressures become fiercer, new and innovative techniques and materials must be used to reduce the cost of this important component part while still maintaining performance. The RF power semiconductors used in these power amplifiers are the linchpin for their cost and capability, and they must keep pace with both the economic and technical realities facing designers and users of these RF power amplifiers.

This study examines all of the above topics and illuminates the interdependent relationship of RF power semiconductors to RF power amplifiers. Quantitative forecasts are presented through 2014 for both segments.

Huawei: On the Road to Becoming a Leading International Equipment Supplier

Analysis of the Company’s History, Strategy, Product line, Operational Performance and Future Prospects

Established in 1988, Huawei is currently the largest telecommunications supplier in China. In 2004, Huawei declared contract sales of US$5.6 billion, 41% of which were from overseas markets. What is driving this company that began as a switch distributor to become a wired and wireless telecom equipment giant in just 17 years? To help readers understand Huawei’s growth trajectory, this report analyzes the company’s business line, its culture, and its major strategies.

From 1988 to 2005, Huawei has experienced continuous expansion. How is Huawei adjusting its management system and strategy to keep up with the expansion? In this study we analyze the company’s principal products, business focus and target markets at different stages. In 2005, the company also disclosed its financial data for the first time, and this information is also included in the report.

ATCA and the 3G Market

How ATCA Modularity Will Improve Business Efficiencies in the 3G Market

This report reviews the technology considerations for the AdvancedTCA standard and the benefits that it presents to system vendors, component manufacturers and service providers. It specifically focuses on the impact that AdvancedTCA will have on the equipment market for 3G and provides a forecast for shipments, pricing and market value of 3G equipment that is based on AdvancedTCA standards.

Providing aggregate worldwide market data, the report looks at the development of AdvancedTCA standards, including complementary standards such as MicroTCA. The impact of ATCA on telecom vendors’ and service providers’ business models is discussed, as are the dimensional specifications for various ATCA iterations. The use of ATCA in equipment markets for 3G base stations and non-base station equipment is explored, with forecasts spanning 2005 to 2010.

3G and Beyond in China and Hong Kong

Mobile Operator and Vendor Positioning in the Evolving Mobile Markets

Software Radio and Dynamic Spectrum Access

Software-Defined Radio, Cognitive Radio, Real-Time Spectrum Trading, Regulatory Reform, White Space Spectrum, Digital Dividend, and License-Exempt Spectrum

The key benefits from DSA networks are: * An end to command and control spectrum allocation * More efficient spectrum sharing including real-time spectrum trading * Increased competition and more services * Improved communications in time of natural and man made disasters This study is ABI Research’s review of the market for Dynamic Spectrum Access. It includes a forecast for the market potential of DSA to 2014, including base station upgrades and capital expenditure. It also provides an overview of the technology of DSA networks and examines what makes it attractive to regulators, as well as detailing the benefits for operators. Migration from fixed spectrum allocations to DSA is also discussed. The research also evaluates vendor approaches for DSA and the development of new standards and regulatory regimes.

The Impact of the Economic Crisis on Wireless Infrastructure Spending

Optimistic, Moderate, and Pessimistic Scenarios

The economic crisis of 2009 spreads to all sectors of the global economy and wireless infrastructure spending is bound to be affected. Operators across the globe are revisiting their CAPEX budgets and are beginning to prioritize areas of spending. Operators are in a difficult position – they need to remain competitive by continuing to upgrade network infrastructure to keep up with the demand for improved services, while at the same time maintaining control of their expenses.

This study provides a scenario-based approach for each world region. A detailed breakdown of CAPEX spending is used to determine the possible impact of the economic crisis on wireless infrastructure spending through 2014.

Fixed-Mobile Convergence

Business Models, Operator Strategies, Key Industry Players, Market Dynamics, and Forecasts

Mobile Networks Go Green

Minimizing Power Consumption and Leveraging Renewable Energy

Environmental consumerism and ethical investing do add weight to the drive towards more energy efficient networks, but take a back seat to economics and the need to bring communications to remote areas. When looking at the carrier community it is clear to see that there is huge pressure on the total cost of ownership of their networks. Power consumption represents one of the top five economic OPEX considerations and is steadily becoming a major concern for carriers due to fast-rising electricity and diesel costs. This study examines the mechanisms being put into place by carriers and OEMs to reduce power consumption, ranging from network optimization to hardware integration, power amplifier efficiency, and software-based dynamic asset dimensioning. The report also considers the opportunity to integrate renewable energy sources into the primary power sources for cell sites, focusing on solar, wind, and hybrid solutions combining renewable cells, grid-based electricity, diesel generation, and battery banks.

IMS Core Networks: A Dynamic Service-Based Architecture

Beyond VoIP, Push to X, Convergence, Unified Messaging, and Unified Address Books

IMS is not new and it is not an application, it is the foundation for service creation architecture. IMS enables operators to quickly develop and deploy new services. Operators can no longer compete on bandwidth and are now offering unlimited voice packages both in wireless and wire-line networks. As a result, they have to devise new means of generating revenue. In 2008, large operators such as Verizon will deploy IMS networks as a means of providing unified services across their disparate access networks. Cable companies will deploy IMS to migrate their non-resilient legacy architecture to a more flexible, service-oriented architecture. This will present a huge opportunity for vendors with strong professional or managed services organization. IMS is challenging to integrate and operators are looking to partner with vendors who can easily meet this challenge. This study provides a comprehensive look at the IMS activities in wireline and wireless access networks. It offers insight into how operators are using IMS, and its role in future network migration. The report also provides market data to help operators and vendors assess the true value of IMS and to quantify the market opportunity.

LTE – GSM Long Term Evolution

Global Market Analysis of Subscribers, Services, Devices, Infrastructure, and Chipsets

This study provides an update on the latest developments in LTE. A 3GPP Release 8 standards update is included, as is information on the next two iterations of 3GPP standards, Releases 9 and 10. The report discusses primary components of LTE such as the enodeB and the evolved packet core. Various architectural configurations are also addressed, along with the pros and cons of each.

The research provides insight into a number of operators’ strategies, vendor solutions, frequency bands used and latest development in the IPR analysis. A list of all operators with defined LTE plans is also included, along with potential CAPEX spending. The report also includes multiple forecasts including: LTE subscribers, enodeb, gateways, modems, and handsets.

Mobile Backhaul - Global Market Analysis and Forecast

CAPEX and Lease Revenue Opportunities for Carrier Ethernet, Microwave, MPLS-TE, PBB-TE, TDM, and Cable Backhaul Solutions

Ethernet is the layer 2 technology choice for backhaul whether it is delivered over microwave, fiber, or copper. Efforts by organizations such as the Metro Ethernet Forum strengthen operators’ confidence in Ethernet as a carrier class backhaul technology. By 2014, microwave backhaul penetration will increase in several markets but operators will switch from PDH microwave to high capacity Ethernet microwave solutions. Ethernet over fiber will gain significant traction in developed markets such as North America and some Asian countries, as operators upgrade their backhaul networks to meet the capacity demands of 3G and 4G traffic. Growing mobile capacity demands, reliability, and low-cost solutions are key factors for mobile backhaul evolution.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the global mobile backhaul market and provides insight into the opportunities and trends it presents. Market segmented data is provided to show the similarities and differences by region and technologies. ABI Research data shows that T1/E1 is still the dominant backhaul technology in markets such as Latin America, North America, and Eastern Europe. However by 2014, the use of T1/E1 for backhaul will disappear in most markets and will be significantly reduced in the rest.

Mobile Networks

RAN, Backhaul, and Core Network Wireless Infrastructure Market Overview

2009 was something of a watershed year for mobile network infrastructure, with 3G technology shipments overtaking 2G shipments and the data capacity crunch making its presence felt across networks in the developed world. The financial crisis and the gloomy economic environment in 2009 did make a dent in the growth of mobile networks, with operators cutting spending in many parts of the world. At the same time developing markets like China and India kept most of the spending afloat during 2009. This was also a time for the wireless marketplace to reflect and chart a course of action for dealing with a new set of devices, applications and services, and to prepare for the 4G revolution.

This study examines the overall wireless infrastructure market in 2009, providing a snapshot of the key areas under scrutiny by ABI Research. It covers the overall market for GSM, WCDMA, CDMA, WiMAX, and LTE technologies, spanning radio access, backhaul, and core network infrastructure. In addition, it offers an overview of femtocells and in-building coverage, managed services, and global spectrum status.

Mobile Network Vendor SWOT Analysis

The Leaders in Mobile Network Infrastructure

This study provides an overview of mobile infrastructure vendors’ products and services. It presents an analysis of the companies’ financial results, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. The report covers the companies’ investments in research and development, product line diversity, geographic sales distribution, and long term strategies. It concludes with a summary of the analysis, vendor recommendations and an overall rank for each vendor based on a number of criteria in the research.

Managed Services for Mobile Operators

IT and Radio Network Managed Services Market Forecast

Today managed services revenue represents only a subset of the total services opportunity. Operators need help lowering their operational expenditure which totals over $330 billion globally. Managed services providers in the IT and network segments can reduce this expense through a global staff of technical experts, and by economies of scale.

This study addresses the global market for managed services and provides regional breakdowns of each market. It provides details about the services gaining the most traction in each market. The key players in managed services are highlighted, with detailed description of service offerings, core competence, and analysis of their overall strengths and weaknesses. The research also includes global data, market share data and regional managed services data.

Next Generation Service Delivery Platforms

Service Delivery Frameworks and Platforms for Fixed and Mobile Networks

Since ABI Research’s 2006 report on the market for service delivery platforms (SDP), there have been changes in the nature of SDP deployments, the standards work involved, and in the marketplace as a whole. With the extensive involvement of industry leaders in standards work, ABI Research anticipates increased activities and deployments of SDPs and related frameworks over the next 12-18 months, with continued growth throughout the forecast timeline.

This study captures the impacts of those changes from both a qualitative and quantitative perspective. It provides a concise view of the leading vendors, the technologies utilized, their position in the market, and overviews of SDP-based applications being deployed. In addition, vendors are ranked, based on a weighted scoring system that captures their overall position in the SDP market. Forecasts have been expanded to capture operator investment in SDP frameworks and environments, including applications and professional services from 2008 through 2013.

Software Defined Multi-standard Base Stations

Baseband and RF Technologies for Software Defined Radio

Multistandard base stations allow operators to combine multiple access technologies such as 2G, 3G, and 4G onto a single base station platform. Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology has been one of the key enablers for multistandard base stations with reconfigurable baseband and radio heads allowing for flexibility and ease of upgrade. The advantages of multistandard base stations go beyond simply upgrading a base station platform, adding OPEX efficiencies such as integrated backhaul, as well as reduced power consumption and site rental costs. There are additional performance benefits with multistandard base stations using state of the art components.

One of the key benefits of multistandard base stations is their ability to operate on multiple technologies within a given spectrum band. Refarmed spectrum is seen as an important driver for multistandard base stations as operators moving from 2G to 3G to 4G look to take advantage of unused spectrum assets. 900 MHz GSM/UMTS is the best example of where multistandard base stations have been used.

This study covers the key vendors in this marketplace, their technology portfolios, drivers and constraints, the technical advancements and challenges, and the market opportunity for multistandard base stations.

The Worldwide SIP Services Market

SIP and Its Impact on VoIP, Instant Messaging, Combinational Services and the Evolution to IMS

Global Wireless Spectrum Issues: Market Opportunities and Implications

Digital Dividend, Frequency Harmonization, 2.6GHz, Mobile Liberalization, and 700MHz Spectrum in the US

Tower Mounted Amplifiers for Mobile Wireless and Cellular Base Stations

Market Challenges and Opportunities from Remote Radio Heads, LTE and the Modern Operating Environment

Tower mounted amplifiers represent one of the best values for improved base station performance for service providers. Balancing the system link budget equation can now be easily accomplished at nominal cost. The tower mounted amplifier holds an almost unique spot in the base station RF hardware chain. It can be a portion of a complete system from the outset of an installation or can be added later as needed.

There are new hardware technologies, however; namely remote radio heads, which will represent a threat to TMA market growth.

This report details tower mounted amplifier revenue and shipments by air interface, frequency and configuration. Total revenue, shipments and ASP trends are presented for the period 2010-2015. In addition, the study reports vendor market share for 2010 and standalone vs. system-based tower mounted revenue as well as AISG vs. proprietary monitoring for the years 2010 and 2015.

Cellular Base Station and Site Leasing Markets

Antennas, Cabinets, Batteries

This study provides an overview of the global market for cell towers, cabinets, and antennae. Analysis of each segment provides insight into the market shares of the primary players and discussion of their products. The cell tower segment includes a business case analysis and discussion of regulatory impacts on the cell tower business. Drivers and inhibitors are also explained, along with an assessment of the total addressable market.

Mobile Operator Capital Expenditures Analysis

Historical and Projected CAPEX Based on Regions, Network Components, Services, and Mobile Technologies

Mobile WiMAX in Asia-Pacific

Market Overview, Implementation and Case Studies, Services and Subscribers, Devices and Forecasts

The WiMAX Chipset Market

Vendors, Market Issues, and Forecasts

The market for WiMAX chipsets is moving quickly with single-chip solutions appearing on the market and prices for baseband and RF ICs dropping fast. WiMAX chipset vendors are taking a variety of approaches to target base stations, CPE, laptops, and/or mobile devices with 2-chip, single-chip, 1X2, and 2X2 solutions. This study examines chipset vendors’ activities and products. It describes how rapid price declines will coincide with WiMAX chipsets being embedded into a wide variety of devices. Forecasts include shipments and revenue by a variety of segmentations including device CPE, mobile devices by type, region, main frequency band, and 802.16e/16m. ASP forecasts are broken down by baseband and radio frequency.

Wireless Network Infrastructure in Emerging Markets

Brazil, Russia, India, China, Eastern Europe, Developing Asia Pacific, Developing Middle East & Africa, Latin America & Caribbean

The emerging market economies are looked upon as the next engines for growth in the wireless infrastructure sector. With developed regions of North America, Western Europe and East Asia maturing as 3G networks move towards 4G, the emerging market economies are playing catch-up, improving existing 2G coverage and in some cases beginning to deploy 3G networks. 4G technologies such as LTE and WiMAX could have a bigger role to play than expected in these emerging markets, as wired broadband infrastructure finds it difficult to compete. Wireless vendors see emerging markets as a top priority, jostling for contract wins.

This study covers base station deployment trends, base station spending and contract activity of wireless infrastructure vendors in key emerging market countries and regions across the world.

IP Transformation

All IP Architectures, IMS, Mobile Backhaul, Mobile Softswitch, Session Border Controllers, Core Gateways

IP Transformation started in fixed-line networks over five years ago and is evolving to wireless networks. As these evolve to offer mobile broadband services, operators are faced with the same bandwidth constraint that wire-line operators once faced. They are moving their mobile networks to IP to simplify the architecture, reduce latency, lower costs and improve network performance.

Operators migrating their networks to all-IP are in different phases of the transformation process. This study addresses the network elements impacted by this transformation and provides analysis and forecasts for each element, including supported technologies. The report also discusses the impact of various technologies on the migration. Key areas of discussion include LTE Evolved Core, IMS, Session Border Controllers and Media Gateways.

Remote Radio Heads

How They Will Change Mobile Wireless and Cellular Infrastructure

Remote radio heads have become one of the most important subsystems of today's new distributed base stations. The remote radio head contains the base station's RF circuitry plus analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog converters and up/down converters. RRHs also have operation and management processing capabilities and a standardized optical interface to connect to the rest of the base station. This will be especially true as LTE and WiMAX deploy. Remote radio heads make MIMO operation easier and they increase a BTS's efficiency and facilitate easier physical location for gap coverage problems. RRHs will use the latest RF component technology including GaN RF power devices and envelope tracking technology within the RRH RFPA.

This study examines the ways in which radio heads will capture an increasing share within the BTS marketplace. It includes shipments and revenue forecasts for 2009-2014 segmented by air interface, as well as ASP and vendor market share data.

Mobile Network Optimization

Performance Monitoring and Optimization for 3G and 4G Networks

The incredible growth of mobile data has overwhelmed some mobile networks with data and signaling traffic. Mobile operators can find themselves unable to resolve some problems associated with such rapid growth, because the diagnostic tools currently installed for multi-vendor, multi-generational networks are inadequate for providing key performance monitoring data. As a result, operators are moving quickly to implement monitoring probes, protocol analyzers, deep packet inspection, and other tools to improve their monitoring capability.

This study explores the market drivers and end-user demand for monitoring and optimization equipment related to 3G and 4G networks. The emphasis of this report is on live networks, and emerging techniques and equipment for monitoring, troubleshooting, and modifying network parameters in order to improve network quality and efficiency. Market dynamics leading to new operator business strategies are highlighted, and detailed forecasts are provided to illustrate the growth trends in key monitoring/optimization segments.

[top]Mobile Devices

First Responder Wireless Communications

Public Safety Communications Technologies, Market Drivers, and Forecasts

3G Chipset Architectures for Video, Music, Gaming, and Television

Market Trends, Applications, Operators, and Semiconductor Vendors

This study describes the increasing traction of third generation cellular in the marketplace, in terms of the number of subscribers and the number of global operator deployments. The report provides a detailed examination of the services and applications that can be provided optimally only via 3G cellular services, such as mobile video, music, advanced gaming, imaging, videoconferencing and television. It explains the requirements for baseband chipset architectures that support the 3G cellular modem and its associated functions, and details 11 different baseband chipset vendors, comparing their solutions side-by-side in terms of modem performance, applications functions and features. Finally, the study outlines these vendors' technology roadmaps going forward from 3G to HSDPA and HSUPA.

4G Intellectual Property and Royalties

An Analysis of LTE, WiMAX and UMB

MEMS Accelerometers

Motion Sensors in the Wireless Handset and Consumer Electronics Markets

This study analyzes the increasing demand for MEMS accelerometers in the wireless handset and consumer electronics marketplaces. The research provides a detailed examination of critical market factors, from motion sensing applications to wireless handsets and the consumer electronic devices targeted by MEMS accelerometer manufacturers. Key market determinants are analyzed and grouped into market enabler and market barrier categories. The report provides a detailed examination of MEMS accelerometer technology and the requirements for competitive solutions, including essential product capabilities. It includes an in-depth market forecast that numerically tracks both positive and negative market forces. The study concludes with profiles of key manufacturers and early-adopting handset/CE vendors.

3G and Beyond in China and Hong Kong

Mobile Operator and Vendor Positioning in the Evolving Mobile Markets

Mobile Devices Annual Market Overview

Mobile Phones, UMDs, Cellular Modems, Consumer Electronics, and Emerging Mobile Services

As mobile devices continue to converge with consumer electronics, vendors find themselves (and their devices) locked in a battle over similar market segments, similar buyer demographics and similar product concepts. Mobile users have a wide choice of capable device types to fulfill their mobile communication and computing needs. This has made product differentiation as important across device class segments as it has always been within those segments.

This study highlights key device segment trends and market considerations across many mobile device categories including mobile handsets and handset accessories, Ultra Mobile PCs, Netbooks, Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), cellular modems, WiMAX devices and consumer electronics. Since wireless connectivity continues to be incorporated into new device segments, the impact of emerging services and technologies is explored in relation to their market potential in mobile devices.

DSP in the Mobile Handset

Chipsets, Technologies, Market Drivers and Forecasts

This comprehensive study reviews the history of digital signal processing in the cellular handset, the evolution of DSP over the last decade, and the directions it will take in the next few years. It examines the trends that will affect DSP: cellular protocols, advanced multimedia, software-defined architectures, replacement of analog functions by digital, incorporation of multiple connective technologies such as Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, Ultrawideband, and WiMAX in the handset, and continued efforts to improve network link margins and voice quality.

It explains the differences between DSPs, microprocessors, ASICs, FPGAs and reconfigurable processors, and assesses whether the DSP is still the best solution for the job. Technology arguments such as the relative merits of VLIW, Superscalar, and SIMD are discussed. The study looks at the demarcations between the DSP, RF, and the applications in the mobile phone, and the integration trends towards System-in-Package and System-on-Chip. The research describes the MIPs required to implement GSM, GPRS, EDGE and 3G modems. DSP requirements based on handset manufacturers’ needs are analyzed, as well as requirements based on tier of handset and the air-interface. The business strategies of the various DSP vendors are revealed, along with the ASPs of the DSP baseband for the various cellular standards. Lastly, the report evaluates trends such as the single-chip cellphone and the ultra-low-cost handset segments, and their implications for the DSP.

Forecasts segment cellular handset shipments by region, by air-interface, and by handset-tier, and calculate DSP Baseband revenues.

Luxury Mobile Phones

Market and Strategic Issues, Case Studies and Lessons, Future Trends and Forecasting

The factors that encourage success in the mobile handset market are changing. Until now handset performance, driven by hardware and components capabilities, combined with low price, have played a strategic role. In an era of mature markets, however, manufacturers are questioning whether low cost alone is an effective tactic or differentiator for the future. The success factor is now shifting into branding, product and brand identity, and brand loyalty from consumers. The premium image and brand power offered by luxury-branded phones is a core part of their difference, compared with general mass market-focused fashion phones. This study demonstrates how the driving force behind the luxury handset market is closely related to handset manufacturers’ strategic approach of relying on brand power as one of their core competencies for the future. It also examines consumers’ attributes associated with luxury and brand power, the impact on the market from the perspective of each market participant, and strategic issues involved with brand management for manufacturers. It includes a case study which provides lessons in luxury handset brand management.

Mobile Phone Accessories

Features, Pricing, Shipments, and Revenues for Handset Accessories, and Analysis of Opportunities for OEMs, ODMs, Handset Vendors, and Mobile Operators

The opportunity to earn high margins from the sale of handset accessory products is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition, not only for OEMs, ODMs, distributors, and retailers, but for handset vendors and mobile operators as well. Handset vendors are realizing that accessories can contribute to increasing sales and extend the product cycle of their high-end devices, and mobile operators are finding that accessories can lead to higher ARPUs as they provide better comfort, convenience, and user experiences of mobile services. Also, handset accessories provide handset vendors and mobile operators further opportunities in brand building and promotion, as well as in expanding their product offerings.

This study focuses on key handset accessories and the market for these products, including in-depth analysis for both in-box as well as aftermarket handset accessories. It also examines key market drivers and barriers to growth, technological trends, and future market potential for handset accessories.

Handset Recycling and Refurbishment

Impact on Primary Handset Sales and Opportunities for Mobile Operators, Handset Vendors, Recycling Companies, and Retailers

In 2007, over 60% of all handsets sold worldwide are likely to be replacements. These high handset replacement sales also mean that large numbers of old handsets are lying around with users. They can be recycled for reuse. In addition, there are also handsets that customers return to operators and retailers within the accepted 14-day or 1-month period, for refund or a new replacement. These devices are generating a growing market for recycled and refurbished handsets. Using second-hand units, operators are able to start generating profits on low margin accounts much more quickly rather than having to wait to recover subsidies on new handsets.

This study focuses on the growing market for recycled and refurbished handsets and the opportunities and challenges it offers for handset vendors, mobile operators, recycling companies, and retailers.

Tier Two Handset Vendor Analysis

Kyocera, ZTE, Huawei, Pantech, Ningbo Bird, NEC, Panasonic, Sagem, and Alcatel

Mobile Linux

Android, Bada, LiMo, and MeeGo Challenge Proprietary Platforms

The number of recent Linux-oriented initiatives in the mobile industry demonstrates that Linux will be a key technology in the next generation of mobile devices. Led by adoption of Google’s Android, the growth of Linux-enabled smartphones will outpace the growth of total smartphones, and they will comprise 33% of the market by 2015.

This study examines the key market issues in the Linux ecosystem, as well as the technology drivers within the mobile device segment. It highlights the strengths and weakness of each mobile Linux platform, including architecture, development , applications, and governance models. Detailed regional forecasts of shipments by each Linux-enabled platform are included.

Mobile Browsers

Advanced Processors, WebKit, and HTML 5

Mobile Phone Innovation in Japan and South Korea

R&D Activities, Features, Functionality, and Design that will Shape the Future of the Global Handset Market

Japanese and South Korean markets are among the most exciting regions for mobile handsets. High resolution camera phones and mobile TV phones have been made widely available to consumers. It is a dynamic market environment with commercial HSDPA and CDMA 1X Rev. A services that will continuously drive innovation in mobile handset design. Along with mobile service operators, manufacturers of mobile handsets and components in the region are aiming to develop next generation (so-called 4G) services by about 2010.

This market study delves deeply into the region's innovative handsets and components, including LCD and camera. It tracks the ongoing R&D activities for 4G, and examines the market trends building around innovative mobile handsets and the future demands they will meet.

Mobile TV Handsets and Semiconductors

Broadcast Video Devices, Chipsets, BOM Analysis, and Key Market Drivers

This study details the market forces driving television into the handset, the regional trials and deployments, the technology choices, and the chipsets, hardware, and software required to implement this disruptive technology. The report examines some industry objections to mobile TV, and offers rebuttals and a differing perspective. It discusses the three ways in which TV can be brought to the handset—unicast, multicast, and broadcast—and assesses the shortcomings of the unicast and multicast methods. The various contenders for broadcast TV in the mobile phone, such as T-DMB, DVB-H, E-DAB, MediaFLO and others, are identified, and the characteristics, merits and demerits of each are explained.

Frequency band allocations and regulatory concerns worldwide are discussed. The report describes trials and deployments in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, and lists the broadcast TV handsets released by leading vendors such as LG Electronics, Samsung, and Nokia. The study concludes with detailed analysis of the chipsets and components required to enable broadcast TV in the mobile phone, and illuminates their architecture, their power consumption and underlying process technologies. Chipset vendors’ roadmaps are discussed, along with software and TV application drivers.

Operator-Branded Handsets

Private Label Devices, ODMs, OEMs, and the Impacts of Changing Carrier-Manufacturer Brand Relationships

Mobile operators have recognized that the ease-of-use of handsets is the most important factor for success in mobile data services usage. To ensure this, operators have increasingly started to collaborate in the handset development process with their handset vendor partners. This has also prompted many mobile operators to ask handset manufacturers to develop exclusive operator-branded handsets for them.

This study examines the historical and current market for operator-branded handsets and evaluates their long-term market potential. It discusses the driving forces, the competitive business environment, and the handset vendors, ODMs, mobile operators and MVNOs involved in this market. The report also provides historical analysis and forecasts for operator-branded handsets by geographical regions, handset type and air-interface, and includes vendor market share data.

Mainland China’s Handset Market and Taiwan’s Handset ODMs

The Changing Structure of the Mainland Chinese Handset Market and the Growing Importance of Taiwan’s Handset ODMs

In this study, ABI Research explores mainland China’s handset market, and the Taiwanese handset industry. The mainland China section provides metrics for handset shipments and subscribers. The research provides a comprehensive review of vendors’ sales and product strategies. The study includes a comprehensive handset database that segments ASPs, features and models by vendor and technology. A second section of the study deals with Taiwan, presenting information on shipments, partnerships with OEMs, operational performance and ASPs, broken down by vendor.

Power Management in Consumer Electronics

Semiconductor Markets for Mobile Phones and other Portable Devices

This study provides an in-depth examination of power management for portable devices such as cellphones, MP3 players, digital cameras, camcorders, portable video players, gaming devices and PDAs. It describes geographic and ASP trends in some of the end markets, and identifies the vendors that play in this space, as well as analyzing some of the industry consolidations that have taken place in the last few years.

The functions and feature sets of portable devices -- especially cellphones -- are examined in detail and mapped to ensuing changes in the power management section. The study explains the differences in power management architectures and strategies between mobile phones and other portable devices. It details the technological progression in this component, in terms of functions, circuits and process technologies. It also explains why the power management section is critical to reducing power consumption in battery-operated mobile devices.

Mobile Device Royalties

Intellectual Property Rates for GSM, WCDMA, and LTE

Cellular handset royalties play an important part in any company’s strategy regarding the handset segments they address. Intellectual property is fast becoming an important differentiating factor that enables a company to pick and choose where to play, while the lack of a strong portfolio significantly limits any company’s options and prospects for profit. While some have accused excess patenting of stifling innovation, the need for a strong IP portfolio has acted to spur major market players to new R&D efforts and greater innovation.

This study provides in-depth analysis of the royalty issues relating to all major cellular technologies, and offers exhaustive qualitative analysis of average royalty rates. This report also includes a comprehensive analysis of essentiality and also the net worth of the patent portfolio for each of the major technology sectors.

Ruggedized Mobile Devices

Global Analysis of Air Interfaces, Vertical Markets, and OS Trends for Handsets, Notebooks, PDAs, and Tablet PCs

Smartphone and OS Markets

Smartphone and Platform Forecasts and Trends

The smartphone market is currently the fastest growing segment of the mobile handset market and it will continue to outpace the overall handset market for the foreseeable future. Where smartphones were once left up to pure-play manufacturers and the largest of handset vendors, today nearly every major handset vendor has smartphones as part of its portfolio and they are spreading to smaller players that view these higher margin devices as a means to reach profitability faster. Without the likelihood of any meaningful platform consolidation, or the prospect of an industry-standard operating system in the near-term, the competitive forces that have formed today’s choices are likely to remain, yet will manifest themselves differently among the world’s regions.

This study analyzes the regional markets for smartphones, the outlook for the competing high-level operating platforms, and how the smartphone segment will further segment within itself.

Speech Recognition in Mobile Devices

Technologies, Applications, and Markets for Voice Recognition

In the past few years, mobile automatic speech recognition (ASR) has made meaningful gains in both recognition accuracy and the complexity of applications that can be delivered on a mobile device. ABI Research believes the recent improvements in mobile ASR have led to a greatly improved end user experience, which in turn drives increased usage of speech capabilities. Following the improved user experiences, mobile speech recognition is given the opportunity to ‘make good’ on the promise of delivering a useful, reliable, hands free interaction methodology that has been promised to users since the beginning of modern speech recognition research.

This study traces the evolution of the underlying technologies that are driving mobile speech recognition applications and services. The report also examines the current and future addressable markets for mobile speech recognition with regard to embedded licensing opportunities and emerging network-based speech recognition services opportunities.

Ultra Low Cost Handsets

Critical Considerations for Device Manufacturers, Semiconductor Vendors and Mobile Operators

It has been recognized that ULCH (Ultra Low Cost Handsets) are the key to the growth of mobile services in emerging markets. The developed markets’ high saturation rates mean that over 80% of new mobile phone subscribers in the next five years will come from emerging markets. Addressing the ULCH market has become imperative for handset manufacturers, semiconductor vendors and mobile operators if they are to gain market share and maintain stable revenues in the long run. However, it won't be possible for many players meet the desired price points for the ULCH market. This study analyzes and highlights the critical considerations, the major ‘dos and don’ts’, and the key success factors for the ULCH market.

Wi-Fi Capable Handsets

Residential and Enterprise Markets for Wi-Fi and Dual-Mode Handsets

Application Processors in Mobile Devices

Multimedia Enabling Solutions for Wireless Handsets, PDAs, and Portable Media Players

This study examines the increasing demand for application processors in the cellular and wireless handset marketplace. It provides a detailed exploration of application processor technology and the requirements for competitive architectures, including essential product capabilities. Additionally, the research analyzes critical market constraints, from the wireless handset devices targeted by the application processor manufacturers, to mobile multimedia content. The report discusses short- and long-term market implications, and includes key vendor profiles. It concludes with an in-depth market forecast, using empirical data to track both positive and negative market forces.

The WiMAX Chipset Market

Vendors, Market Issues, and Forecasts

Green Mobile Devices

Regulatory, Consumer, and Industry Drivers for Corporate Social Responsibility

Living in an age of disposability has led many durable goods manufacturers to explore ways of reducing the environmental footprint their products leave during their manufacturing process and throughout their lifecycle. The sheer volume of mobile phones produced annually and the propensity of users to chase mobile technology trends leads to an average replacement cycle of between 12 and 18 months, bringing special attention to the greening efforts of mobile device manufacturers.

As consumer awareness and environmental legislation continue to evolve, handset vendors are developing their corporate responsibility initiatives to develop new business practices aimed at improving the compliance and environmental sustainability of their handsets. The European commission and industry-led initiatives have made great progress in developing a set of requirements and goals for developing sustainable business practices across the entire life cycle of handset production, distribution, use and disposal.

This study identifies and explores key global handset initiatives and the handsets that are coming to market as a result of vendors' efforts to minimize their environmental impact. It also offers an analysis of US consumer interest, awareness and preferences of green handset vendor initiatives.

Entry Level Devices

Market Opportunities for Low Cost and Ultra Low Cost (ULCH) GSM and CDMA Handsets

Mobile operators in emerging markets such as India, China, South America and Africa are faced with a massive untapped customer base. To reach these customers operators need to offer both affordable phone plans, and affordable handsets. Today emerging markets are showing the highest rate of new subscriber growth and represent almost 40% of all handset shipments. As developed markets have nearly reached full penetration, these emerging markets offer the best growth potential over the near- and mid-term. In order to maintain or increase global market share, it will be vital for handset manufacturers to succeed in these markets over the next five years.

This study discusses current and future market opportunities for entry-level handsets. It provides insight into the key requirements for success in emerging markets, as well as the requirements of mobile operators in servicing emerging market customers. In addition to market information, this report highlights critical considerations for handset vendors to navigate when designing and marketing entry level devices to meet the needs of emerging market customers. It includes forecasts detailing shipments of entry level and ultra low cost handsets across key markets, entry level revenues by region and forecast average selling prices for the 2008 to 2014 period.

Evolved EDGE

Infrastructure, Subscriber, Chipset, and Handset Forecasts

Evolved EDGE, also know as EDGE Evolution or EDGE II is a standard following the GSM/GPRS/EDGE standard family which would bring data speed increases to the current EDGE standard. It has been developed by 3GPP, but in recent years there has been silence about anything regarding this standard.

This study covers the previous and recent developments in the standard, its advantages and disadvantages, where it is going, its position and potential as a widely deployable technology, and the key markets to watch. All forecasts assume an optimistic scenario for conditions promoting the technology's adoption. Information includes E-EDGE base station upgrade CAPEX by region and key country, handset revenue by region and key country, E-EDGE chipset revenue, and E-EDGE subscribers.

Linux for Mobile Devices

Android, Chrome OS, MeeGo, and webOS

The number of recent Linux-oriented initiatives in the mobile industry attests to the fact that Linux will be a key technology in the next-generation of netbooks, media tablets, and mobile Internet devices (MIDs). Led by both Google’s Chrome OS and Google’s Android, the growth of Linux-enabled mobile devices will outstrip the growth of total mobile devices, and will comprise 62% of the operating systems shipping in all mobile devices by 2015.

This study examines the key market issues in the Linux ecosystem, as well as the technology drivers within the mobile device segment. It highlights the strengths and weakness of each mobile Linux platform, including architecture, development , applications, and governance models. Detailed regional forecasts of shipments by each Linux-enabled platform are included.

Cellular Modems and Mobile Broadband Connectivity

PCMCIA Cards, USB Modems, Embedded Modules and Routers

This study examines the market for mobile broadband modems that provide WWAN connectivity to broadband routers and mobile computers, including laptops and netbooks. It defines the market, and provides insights and analysis of market dynamics that influence, drive and inhibit the adoption and growth of PCMCIA cards, USB modems and embedded modules. It includes shipments and revenue data and forecasts, as well as a description of the competitive landscape and profiles of selected ecosystem participants. Market forecasts are provided by form factor, region, technology standard, and air interface.

Fixed Wireless Terminals (FWT)

The Market Opportunity for FWTs, 3G Routers, Network Back-up Cards, and Industrial Terminals, Gateways, and Routers

The term Fixed Wireless Terminal is used to describe a class of external and embedded modems, gateways, and routers that utilize a cellular connection. These devices are used in a wide variety of applications, including Wireless Local Loop (i.e. enabling a fixed voice connection over a cellular network), and 3G router (i.e. sharing a cellular broadband connection via Wi-Fi to multiple notebook PCs), network router back-up cards, branch office routers, PBX routers, industrial modems and terminals, and mobile routers. In short, Fixed Wireless Terminals belong to a market that comprises both human voice/data communications as well as classic Machine-to-Machine (M2M) connectivity.

This study examines the market opportunity and technical trends relevant to these devices, provides a granular segmented five year forecast for shipments and revenue of the cellular embedded modules used in these devices, and profiles the key market players having an impact on this market.

Mobile Broadband-Enabled Consumer Electronics

Mobile Broadband in Mobile Gaming Consoles, Personal Media Players, Personal Navigation Devices, Digital Cameras, Digital Camcorders, and eBook Readers

Mobile broadband-enabled consumer electronics is a relatively new class of devices positioned where consumer electronics meets mobile broadband connectivity. This is a natural evolution of devices. Consumer electronics devices increasingly include Wi-Fi for connectivity within the home and to the Internet. Producers of content are more and more aware of a wider variety of devices accessing their material. Service providers are looking to offer services to devices such as the handset and portable laptop computer. Most important, consumers are expecting their electronics systems to interface with the Internet. Wi-Fi-enabled portable CE devices are a bridge to the mobile world.

This study examines the mobile broadband-enabled consumer electronics device market, from communications to entertainment to the productivity sectors. It is the product of a comprehensive analysis that ties together six device segments around the world -- the mobile broadband hardware that consumers are using to connect CE devices to the mobile Internet -- as well as examining emerging new products and underlying technologies. It considers the various networking air interface protocols used by each type of use case and region, the enabling software components, various distribution channels such as retail and mobile network operators, and the overall impact of mobile broadband inclusion in traditional CE device categories.

Mobile Internet Devices

UMPCs, Netbooks, MIDs, and Supporting UMD Platforms

The ultra-mobile device (UMD) market is growing rapidly. The UMD market started out with UMPC devices, which will remain a niche segment, and expanded to include mobile Internet devices (MIDs) and netbooks. While different tiers of devices will have different coprocessors, different amounts of memory, and different prices, their common bond will be the UMD-class processors and platforms inside these devices. This study analyzes the drivers and barriers for UMDs across the ecosystem. It examines the issues that will shape this market, including the contest between x86-based processors and ARM-based processors, distribution and subsidization, device definitions, and the effect of cellular voice-enabled MIDs. Market forecasts for UMPCs, netbooks, and MIDs are segmented by region, processor, operating system, distribution channel, and wireless technologies including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and WWAN air interfaces.

Netbooks

Clamshell Ultra-mobile Devices, x86 and ARM Processors, Windows and Linux OS

Ultra-mobile devices (UMDs) are computing devices centered on delivering Internet connectivity and the web to users in a more portable manner than PCs. UMDs reside between the smartphone and laptop in terms of size and power. The most widely deployed UMD is the netbook computer.

Netbooks are a newer category of personal computer, similar to a laptop computer, but smaller, more portable, and less expensive with ‘value’ as the key selling proposition. Ideal for email, web browsing, and basic software applications, netbooks are finding tremendous success in developed telecommunications markets as companion devices to existing desktop and laptop computers.

This study explores the netbook market with an emphasis on platform vendors, adoption of commercial products, and forecasts for unit shipments and revenues through 2015.

Media Tablets

Analysis of the Emerging Ecosystem of Ultra-Mobile Entertainment Devices

A new category of consumer electronic devices is emerging. The media tablet, which began to gain traction in 2009, will come into its own in 2010 and beyond. While laptops are focused on productivity, and mobile phones are still primarily about communication, the main focus of media tablets is entertainment.

This study defines the new product category, discusses market drivers and inhibitors, and provides information about distribution channels, go-to-market strategies, product pricing and availability. The report also presents information about device features, capabilities, and use cases, and provides forecasts of media tablet shipments and price bands.

Smartbooks

Analysis, Trends, and Forecasts for a New Class of Ultra-Mobile Devices

The Ultra Mobile Device (UMD) market consists of computing devices centered on delivering Internet connectivity (and the Web) to users in a more portable manner than PCs do. In terms of size and power, UMDs, including netbooks, Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) and mobile consumer electronics reside between the smartphone and laptop. In 2009, semiconductor vendors using ARM processor cores and/or instruction sets began externally marketing a device concept - the smartbook - that adopts the mobility and computing capabilities of a netbook, while retaining the instant usability and battery life of a smartphone.

This study examines the smartbook concept to determine if it is a new device segment, form-factor, and/or market opportunity. It examines the opportunities -- beyond the legal and marketing hurdles ahead -- that could catapult the mobile devices segment forward with the next generation of low-power, multimedia applications processors.

[top]Wireless Connectivity

First Responder Wireless Communications

Public Safety Communications Technologies, Market Drivers, and Forecasts

3G Machine-To-Machine (M2M) Communications

Cellular 3G, WiMAX, and Municipal Wi-Fi for M2M Applications

Cellular M2M applications have traditionally only required relatively low data rate connections, for which cellular 2G technologies, such as GPRS and CDMA 1xRTT have been perfectly adequate. In 2006, however, high speed wireless M2M applications, such as video surveillance, Remote Information Display, and in-vehicle camera systems, began to be deployed. While high speed wireless M2M will only represent a small proportion of total M2M connections over the course of the forecast period, the number of such deployed devices should grow strongly, utilizing cellular 3G technologies, such as HSDPA and CDMA EV-DO, as well as WiMAX, and municipal Wi-Fi. This study examines the market for cellular 3G M2M from the perspective of cellular embedded module vendors, and analyzes the impact that WiMAX and municipal Wi-Fi will have on market development.

Smart Meters for Smart Grids

Smart Meters, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Home Area Networks (HAN), and Distribution Automation (DA) Technologies

Massive regulatory effort and business investment is currently underway around the world to upgrade various countries’ electrical grids with significant new capabilities, specifically in the areas of increased network communications, remote and automated management of network elements in the field, and new power management functionality, e.g. distributed generation and power storage, including support for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Certainly, a key aspect of this upgrade to a "smart grid" is the deployment of millions of new "smart meters" by utilities around the globe, but particularly in North America, Europe, and certain countries in the Asia-Pacific region, most notably Australia. It is important to keep in mind, though, that distribution automation (DA), and home area networking/demand response (HAN/DR) are also key aspects of the evolving smart grid.

This study examines the market for smart grid technology with a strong focus on the deployment of smart electricity meters and the various technological and topological choices to connect these smart meters to the utilities’ head-end systems. Key market adoption drivers and challenges are discussed, value chain and competitive landscape issues are analyzed, regional trends are outlined, and particular attention is given to the key regulatory and legislative activity occurring in support of smart grid development. In addition, the standards and technologies associated with the smart grid are extensively discussed. Importantly, highly granular five-year forecasts are provided for both smart metering and the communication technology options used to connect smart meters. Finally, profiles are provided for a wide range of select players in the smart grid value chain. ABI Research estimates that the total installed base of smart electricity meters, capable of two-way communications, will rise from roughly 76 million smart meters in 2009 to approximately 212 million smart meters by 2015.

Commercial Building Automation

Wireless Sensor Networking in Building Management Systems

This study examines the nascent market for wireless field bus technology used in commercial building automation applications, including key vendor profiles. The report surveys the overall market for building management systems (BMS) to provide context for a specific discussion of the market opportunity for wireless field bus technologies. The market ecosystem and key trends are analyzed and specific drivers and challenges to the adoption of wireless field bus technology are discussed. The research includes a five-year forecast for total BMS revenue, total wired/wireless field equipment shipments, and wireless field equipment shipments for the period from 2005 through 2011, on a cumulative, worldwide basis, segmented by region, vertical building type, and application type.

Cellular M2M Connectivity Service Providers

The Market Opportunity for MNOs, MMOs, and MVNOs

The cellular M2M connectivity services market experienced a difficult 2008 and early 2009 as a result of the overall global economic crisis. However, it appears that 4Q08 and 1Q09 represented "the bottom" of the market for cellular M2M and most players in the market believe that the second half of 2009 will prove stronger than the first half, and that from 2010 onwards the market will resume a more normal growth pattern.

The market is characterized by increasingly direct participation by mobile network operators (MNOs) in addition to connectivity services offered by MVNOs and M2M mobile operators (MMOs). This MNO activity is putting increasing pressure on the MVNOs and MMOs to differentiate their service offerings. More broadly, the cellular M2M market benefits from a number of market drivers but also faces a number of challenges, as a generally fragmented population of application developers seeks to gain traction and grow shipment volumes, and the market looks ahead to the potential impact of 4G technologies.

This study discusses these market trends, analyzes cellular M2M connectivity service provider strategic responses, and forecasts cellular M2M connections and revenue growth for the period from 2009 through 2014, segmented by region, application, and air interface standard.

Fixed Wireless Terminals (FWT)

The Market Opportunity for FWTs, 3G Routers, Network Back-up Cards, and Industrial Terminals, Gateways, and Routers

Home Automation and Control

Wireless Growing as Automation and Security Intersect

This Research Report analyzes the market for home automation and home security technologies and how these two markets are increasingly intersecting with the advent of home monitoring and managed home automation services. Also central to the analysis in this report is an examination of the trends in the use of cellular wireless technologies to provide backhaul communications links between security alarm panels and central monitoring stations. The analysis is intended to encompass the global market for these technologies, although most emphasis is placed on the North American and European regions, which comprise the vast majority of the market for both home automation and home security and are likely to continue to do so for the remainder of the forecast period.

In addition to a qualitative analysis of the market segments, technologies, and players that comprise the home automation and wireless home security markets, a highly segmented six-year forecast for the period from 2009 through 2015 is provided in an accompanying Excel data package. Home automation system shipments and revenue are forecasted by region and major market segments. Wireless security module shipments and connections, along with accompanying shipment revenue and service revenue, are forecast by region and air interface standard. Finally, survey results regarding knowledge of and attitudes about home automation technology from a US-based consumer panel are presented.

Wireless Sensor Networking (WSN) in Industrial Automation

Market Assessment for Monitoring and Control Applications

The industrial automation market periodically undergoes major shifts as new technologies improve the functionality and economics of industrial monitoring and control systems. The introduction of wireless sensor networking (WSN) represents just such a sea change. While proprietary P2P and P2MP wireless technologies have been used in a limited fashion since the 1980s to integrate a few hard-to-wire field devices into an overall wired control system, standards-based WSN promises to dramatically expand the number of devices in a plant that can be connected wirelessly. In contrast to P2P and P2MP connections, WSN utilizes self-forming, self-healing mesh networking to enable field devices to be deployed cost effectively without the need for site surveys or specially trained field technicians to manually configure directional antennas. Emerson Process Management estimates that WSN enables cost savings of up to 90% compared to the deployment of wired field devices.

However, WSN will not be appropriate for all industrial automation applications. This report analyzes: the market opportunity for WSN in industrial deployments, detailing where it will find traction (and where it will not); the implications of the key standards efforts including Wireless HART, Sp-100.11a, and “industrial” ZigBee; the implications WSN adoption will have for the market; and the key players involved in making WSN a reality in industrial automation.

Cellular M2M Markets

GSM/GPRS, EDGE, 1xRTT, EV-DO, WiMAX, and LTE Embedded Modules

The cellular M2M module market experienced an extremely difficult period in 2008 and early 2009 as a result of the overall global economic crisis. However, it appears that 4Q08 and 1Q09 represented "the bottom" of the market for cellular M2M and most vendors believe that the second half of 2009 will prove stronger than the first half. From 2010 onwards the market will resume a more normal growth pattern. Nevertheless, cellular M2M module vendors face increasingly challenging pressures on their ability to earn a profit. These market pressures include: commoditization; threat of obsolescence in the value chain; and competition from contract custom module makers and design houses in both Asia-Pacific and Europe. More broadly, the cellular M2M market faces a number of market drivers and challenges, as a generally fragmented base of application developers seek to gain traction and grow shipment volumes, and the market looks ahead to the potential impact of 4G technologies.

This study discusses these market trends, analyzes cellular M2M module vendors' strategic responses, provides 2007 and 2008 vendor market share data, and forecasts cellular M2M module shipment and revenue growth for the period from 2009 through 2014, segmented by region, application, and air interface standard.

Wireless Telehealth

Embedded Cellular Technology in Healthcare Applications

Cellular M2M in the Payments Industry

Opportunities for Modules and Services for POS Terminals, ATMs, and Vending Machines

This study analyzes the market for cellular connectivity integration into POS terminals, ATMs, and vending machines. The analysis is conducted from the perspective of cellular embedded module vendors and connectivity service providers in assessing the market opportunity for the sale of modules and services into these market segments. As part of this analysis, the report examines the overall market opportunity for each segment, with a particular focus on value chains, competitive landscapes, market adoption drivers and challenges, and technology issues. Of particular importance, highly granular five-year forecasts are provided for each segment, including an annual POS terminal and ATM unit shipment forecast on a global basis, a vending machine installed unit base forecast on a global basis, as well as annual module unit shipment and sales revenue forecasts and annual connections and service revenue for each major segment, also on a global basis. Finally, the study profiles key players in each market segment.

The 802.15.4 Chipset Market

Application Markets, Technological Developments, Market Players, IC Shipments, and Revenue Forecasts

This study analyzes both consumer electronics and commercial IEEE 802.15.4 markets. To date, the 802.15.4 market has grown steadily, based on proprietary point-to-point solutions and the ZigBee-based AMI infrastructure trials. 802.15.4 technology should drastically increase market growth as the RF4CE Consortium – backed by consumer electronics industry leaders – standardizes a remote control solution, and ZigBee AMI trials move towards full-scale rollouts to provide a true smart energy solution.

The report provides vital insight into the ongoing market dynamics and opportunities, and provides crucial data for 802.15.4 IC unit shipments, average selling prices, and revenue to 2013. Additionally, it highlights the leading early adopter vertical markets and forecasts 802.15.4 adoption among several different wireless sensor network verticals.

Software for M2M Applications

Opportunities for Software Vendors in the Cellular M2M and Wireless Sensor Networking Markets

In this study ABI Research examines the market for "M2M software": specifically, vendor-provided software platforms that enable easier, less costly, and more rapid development of M2M applications by application developers in various vertical market segments. It analyzes the opportunites and trends for three segments of this market: software that enables easier connectivity over cellular infrastructure for M2M applications ("connected device platforms"); software that enables wireless sensor networks (WSN) to be more easily integrated into sensor-based M2M applications ("WSN system software"); and software that enables remote devices to be more easily integrated into M2M applications ("M2M application platforms").

Each of the three segments just described encompasses its own set of vendors, features, functionality, and market trends. In general, however, all three market segments are characterized by vendor communities consisting of relatively small, privately-held companies located mainly in North America and Europe. ABI Research forecasts that the total global market for M2M software, as defined above, will rise from approximately $192 million in 2009 to roughly $2.1 billion by 2015.

Energy Management and Home Area Networks

HAN and DR Market Opportunity

The market for Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) is at an early stage of development and characterized by an influx of vendors seeking to capitalize on the opportunity. These range from utility-centric suppliers targeting a key aspect of the smart grid (HAN/DR), to home automation vendors seeking to integrate energy management both into standalone systems and into systems oriented towards deployment by broadband service providers; vendors also include "pure-play" HEMS vendors, networking equipment providers, and enterprise software vendors. While the HEMS market has tremendous potential both as part of the overall smart grid market and due to increased consumer interest in energy management, it does face a number of challenges, both market-oriented and technological.

This study examines the HEMS market in detail, analyzing each of the key market segments described above, their market adoption drivers and challenges, key competitive landscape trends, and the major technological issues facing the market. In addition, the report provides profiles of the key players in the market as well as quantification of the market opportunity in five-year unit shipment and revenue forecasts, given both by market segment and region. The target audience for the report includes: HEMS vendors, home automation system vendors, broadband service providers, utilities, short-range wireless and powerline technology vendors, networking equipment providers, and enterprise software vendors, as well as investors and consultants targeting the smart grid market.

Automotive Bluetooth

Handset, Headset, Telematics and OEM- and Aftermarket-Installed Devices

The automotive Bluetooth market has grown significantly over the past 12 months, thanks mostly to hands-free driving legislation and the technology’s growing penetration in cellular handsets. This study profiles the major drivers and barriers that have an impact on the automotive Bluetooth market, and gives detailed analysis of present and future applications for Bluetooth in the vehicle. The report covers the entire Bluetooth automotive market from OEM adoption to headsets and aftermarket products, and includes extensive forecasts for key market segments.

Low Energy Bluetooth

Automated Connectivity for Mobile Devices in Sports and Fitness, Home Automation, and Healthcare

Low Energy Bluetooth (or Bluetooth Low Energy – BLE) does not compete with existing Bluetooth nor does it extend existing Bluetooth directly. Instead it is a separate method of transmitting and receiving small amounts of data that can reside alongside existing Bluetooth software stacks on Bluetooth ICs and also share some key elements such as the Bluetooth radio and antenna to provide a new range of services.

BLE’s advantages are twofold. The possibility of integrating Low Energy Bluetooth into all new Bluetooth ICs at little or no increased cost seeds the market for BLE devices. In addition, by allowing mobile handsets to act as gateways to the WAN/Internet, Low Energy Bluetooth supports a new generation of real-time online applications for low-power personal devices.

This study establishes the potential for the Low Energy Bluetooth alongside other offerings across a range of criteria including functionality, applications suitability, market positioning and potential acceptance.

Bluetooth: The Global Outlook

Market and IC Forecasts, Equipment and Technology Assessment

The Bluetooth market continues to be driven by cellular handset attach rates and the corresponding headset market. And as Bluetooth maintains its dominance within the PAN, three new Bluetooth technology evolutions are taking shape as viable solutions. Ultra Low Power (ULP) Bluetooth is already making progress in the medical and sports equipment markets. High speed Bluetooth, or Bluetooth over 802.11, has been announced and will be making its debut later this year as first generation samples. Lastly, Ultra Wideband (UWB), which is finally making a market for itself, should mature into Bluetooth Seattle, or Version 3.0. This study addresses all three, and discusses Bluetooth and other wireless connectivity IC integration. Providing the most comprehensive look at the Bluetooth market available today, the report also includes extensive analysis of the equipment and semiconductor markets.

Bluetooth: Opportunities in Asia

Consumer and Industrial Markets, Technologies, Market Players, and Forecasts

Despite the fact that Bluetooth was introduced to Asian markets almost a decade ago, it did not achieve much market penetration until recently. Now, however, markets for Bluetooth in mobile phones and other consumer devices are growing significantly.

This study offers a comprehensive assessement of the current and future market environment for Bluetooth-enabled devices in Asia. It examines personal area network (PAN) environment applications, discusses competing technologies developed in Asia, profiles major market players, and provides forecasts through 2013.

GPS Semiconductors

ICs, Chipsets, Modules, Technology Developments, and Business Factors

The emergence and evolution of mobile consumer device applications for GPS-enabled positioning and navigation have created high-volume opportunities for GPS semiconductor suppliers, and attracted a number of new players. The increased competition is placing pressure on smaller, pure-play GPS chipset suppliers, who find they must compete against larger, vertically and horizontally integrated semiconductor suppliers with greater resources. The sector has been marked by a wave of M&A activity, as established IC vendors seek to acquire GPS IP and smaller companies combine to broaden their product offerings and remain competitive.

This study examines historical semiconductor shipments and provides forecasts for nine distinct GPS market segments through the year 2014. The GPS semiconductor ecosystem is delineated, and key chipset design, packaging and manufacturing factors are analyzed. The report evaluates the status of GPS applications, identifies market opportunities, and assesses technology limitations and market risks. Twenty-three leading GPS semiconductor suppliers are profiled, and important industry collaborations and product trends are presented.

Mobile Phone Accessories

Features, Pricing, Shipments, and Revenues for Handset Accessories, and Analysis of Opportunities for OEMs, ODMs, Handset Vendors, and Mobile Operators

Connectivity IC Integration in Mobile Devices and Mobile Computing

Bluetooth, FM Radio, GPS, Wi-Fi, WiMedia, NFC, Wibree

Device vendors are faced with the task of balancing the need for more features in products, with the conflicting forces of lower cost points, smaller form factors and longer battery life. As a result, OEMs continue to pile significant pressure on their silicon vendor partners to provide, smaller, lower-power and more cost-effective products. In highly competitive markets, IC integration offers silicon vendors the opportunity to meet OEM demands while still being able to maintain margins. This study profiles the market for different IC combinations across the important product segments of mobile computing and mobile devices.

Near Field Communication Semiconductors

Silicon Solutions for Wireless Handset Contactless Technology

Digital Home Remote Controls

The Transition from IR to 802.15.4, Low-Power Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi

The market for remote controls is immense, with unit volumes in the hundreds of millions. There is a large number of companies competing compete in the remote control market, including well known consumer electronics manufacturers, large and small remote control manufacturers, and original design manufacturers (ODMs). Technologies for remote controls are currently at a transition point, with RF standards being developed and supported by the major consumer electronics manufacturers.

This study analyzes the market for OEM and aftermarket Universal Remote Controls. Also central to the analysis of this report is an examination of the trends in the transition from Infrared (IR) to Radio Frequency (RF) technologies. The analysis is intended to encompass the global market for these products and technologies. Remote control shipments and revenue are forecast by region and major market segments. A forecast for the penetration of RF technology in the remote control market is also presented.

Home Wireless Video and Audio Connectivity

The Market for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB, and 60 GHZ in Consumer Electronic Devices

This study examines the opportunities for wireless video and audio connectivity in home consumer electronics. Each solution, Bluetooth in the PAN, Wi-Fi as the WLAN, UWB as wireless USB, and 60 GHz as wireless HD will evolve to meet a number of specific use-case applications demanded by a wide variety of home consumer electronic devices.

The research suggests that the different technologies will not compete within the home, but will be used in coordination, overlapping and coexisting for full wireless network coverage. The report profiles the key industry vendors that are pushing the technology boundaries. It concludes with an in-depth market forecast that tracks the market forces numerically.

Wireless Video Cable Replacement Market and Technologies

UWB, 5 GHz, 60 GHz, JPEG2000, MPEG2, MPEG4, WirelessHD, WHDI

There is no such thing as wireless HDMI according the HDMI licensing group. But this hasn’t stopped a number of startups from trying to implement it. Some are using narrowband signaling at 5 GHz, others are using UWB techniques, and still another group is breaking new ground in the 60 GHz millimeter wave region. Unlike wireless TV solutions in the past, these technologies are designed to replace HDMI cables and support full HDTV resolutions with no loss in video quality or signal integrity. Wireless solutions for HDMI cable replacement are now coming to market from leading TV manufacturers, with more to follow next year. This report provides an in-depth analysis of these competing technologies and companies as well as an outlook for the adoption of these devices in the marketplace.

The Current State of Global Healthcare Wi-Fi

Market Size, Segmentation, and Forecasts

Wearable Wireless Sensors

Body Area Networks Using Bluetooth Low Energy, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, and Proprietary Technologies

Next Generation Wi-Fi: 802.11n

Chipsets, Technologies, and Market Drivers

This study describes the emergence of the next evolution of Wi-Fi technology known as 802.11n. Consumers worldwide have become accustomed to wireless connectivity in their homes, businesses and enterprises due to the pervasiveness of the 802.11g and wireless LAN standards. Now they want to be able to extend the range of wireless connectivity, and increase the performance for such fields as multimedia and video distribution.

The report starts by describing the early challenges for the 11n standard in the IEEE standards bodies, and its recent emergence as a Draft 1.0 specification. It explains the initiatives of the Enhanced Wireless Consortium and the next steps to evolve the draft to a final ratified standard in 2007. It examines some of the optional features in the current draft and how those options could allow innovation and product differentiation, but also preempt interoperability if not implemented carefully. The study explains some of the salient technology features of 11n such as MIMO, beam steering and error-correction coding which allow for enhanced wireless performance, and it looks at existing MIMO solutions already deployed in the field. Finally the research describes the different market segments for 11n, such as data networking, consumer electronics and VoIP handsets, and forecasts the size of these markets to 2010.

IEEE 802.11n Update, Forecast, and Vendor Evaluation

Consumer and Commercial Market Drivers, Winners, and Losers

This report describes the leading drivers for IEEE 802.11n adoption in both consumer and commercial markets. It highlights the leading early adopter vertical markets and forecasts 802.11n adoption among several different verticals. IEEE 802.11n vendors have differentiated their products in a number of ways, particularly because there is no final standard as yet for this technology. This report analyzes these vendors’ value propositions and market positioning and provides a detailed vendor matrix that identifies winners in several major product categories including, best channel, best value proposition, best innovation, best product implementation, and overall winner.

Wi-Fi in Consumer Electronics

Devices, ICs and Competitive Analysis of the Newest Growth Market for Wi-Fi

After years of talk, the market for networked entertainment devices has begun to emerge, with a new generation of devices beginning to arrive from major consumer electronics vendors. Until now, this market has been largely hobbled by a lack of standards, lack of content and the absence of scalable business models. This changed in 2006 as new standards such as Viiv, DLNA and Microsoft’s Media Center Extender software stacks gained additional momentum. The dominant form of networking connectivity for consumer electronics is likely be Wi-Fi. It is the most widely-used type of consumer-installable, retail-based networking, and it fits very well with the various use-case scenarios for networked entertainment devices.

This study examines the current state of Wi-Fi in consumer electronics. It explores the different types of devices where Wi-Fi will continue to grow in importance, featuring forecasts for total devices connected, as well as IC units and revenues for these devices. The research examines the different protocols for Wi-Fi across a number of device types, and evaluates line-powered vs. portable use-case scenarios and design considerations. The report includes analysis of key vendors in this space, from both system and silicon perspectives.

Wi-Fi in the Education Vertical

Winners, Losers, and Future Opportunities

Wi-Fi equipment vendors have significant opportunities for growing their sales in the education market – both the K-12 and higher education segments. This study examines the differences in environments, buying patterns, and usage patterns. It forecasts revenue growth of Wi-Fi controllers and switches as well as market penetration of 802.11n and VoWi-Fi. The report offers several actionable recommendations for strategies necessary for success in each market segment. It provides case studies of leading early deployments of 802.11n including intended usage patterns. The report provides a SWOT analysis of all the leading Wi-Fi equipment vendors in the education market.

In-flight Mobile and Wi-Fi Services

Market Potential and Challenges

Wireless Mesh Networking

Deployment Strategies and Equipment Forecasts for Municipal Wi-Fi and Campus Networks

Three years after the implosion of Metricom’s Richochet service, metro-scale wireless mesh networking is once again generating excitement as several marquee cities, including Philadelphia, San Francisco and Taipei, announce deployment plans. Broadband services that use wireless mesh infrastructure are already active in many smaller communities, such as Chaska, Minnesota and Rio Rancho, New Mexico. This study examines the trends for both metro-scale and campus-scale wireless mesh networking technology on a worldwide basis. Key business and technology issues are discussed and analyzed, including market drivers and challenges, the introduction of WiMAX into Wi-Fi-based networks, and the regulatory impact of current and pending legislation concerning municipal broadband deployments in the United States. The market is sized for 2004 and a forecast is provided for the period from 2005 through 2010. Key equipment vendors are profiled, including: BelAir Networks, Cisco Systems, Firetide, MeshDynamics, Motorola, Nortel Networks, PacketHop, Rajant, RoamAD, SkyPilot and Strix Systems.

Municipal Wireless

Analysis of Municipal Wi-Fi, Mesh Routers, Applications and Business Models

In this study, ABI Research explores the adolescent municipal Wi-Fi market. In the US alone, over 400 municipalities are in various phases of deployment and disillusionment with their networks as the ‘free’ business model begins to implode. Can this market be re-purposed to take advantage of municipal Wi-Fi's real value propositions? Can politicians reset citizens’ expectations? Is this threat to the big telecoms’ network access dominance finally dead? This report examines the current state of municipal Wi-Fi networks, exploring their strengths and weaknesses, along with their benefits for private and public users. It compares competitive broadband offers with municipal Wi-Fi based capabilities. The discussion includes wireless mesh technology evolution and radio spectrum allocations for unlicensed and public safety use. The research assesses current market challenges and possible solutions, including possible new funding mechanisms, business issues and business plans. Finally, this study profiles technology suppliers, and includes analysis of municipal Wi-Fi coverage areas and mesh routing system equipment revenues.

The Evolution of the PC in a Wireless World

Commercial and Consumer Trends, Market Segmentation and Forecasts

The PC is in transition. Desktops and notebooks are undergoing significant changes both internally and externally, as widescreen notebooks and small form-factor PCs become more popular. Dual core and quad-core processors are creating high-end niche markets. Customer market segmentation is changing too, as small/medium business sales increase, particularly in Asia, and European and Asian sales of consumer PCs surpass those in North America. The mix of wireless technologies found in PCs, particularly notebooks, will change dramatically over the next five years.

This study examines the personal computer’s changing market dynamics including regional changes to consumer and commercial consumption patterns through 2011. It also provides an in-depth look at the changing mix of Wi-Fi technologies likely to ship with notebooks. The report covers all flavors of Wi-Fi as well as Ultra Wideband (UWB), WiMAX, and cellular radios. The research focuses on channel strengths as well as weaknesses as a way of predicating future growth. It concludes with an examination of the 2005 market including manufacturer shipment numbers at the regional as well as global level.

The Mobile SMB and Wi-Fi

Penetration, Market Sizing, Forecasts, and Segmentation

Wi-Fi Capable Handsets

Residential and Enterprise Markets for Wi-Fi and Dual-Mode Handsets

The Voice Over Wi-Fi Ecosystem

Identifying Market Leaders and Market Followers

The current state of VoWi-Fi requires WLAN equipment makers to fill in a number of key gaps in standards with their own proprietary solutions. It also requires them to integrate a number of different technologies including call management, end point security, and intrusion detection and protection. Finally, it requires that these vendors partner with a wide range of ecosystem players such as handset manufacturers, chipset manufacturers, PBX manufacturers, fixed mobile convergence software companies, and even mobile operators. It also requires partnering with key vertical market VARs and integrators to reach early adopters.

This report evaluates how successful the twelve major wireless LAN equipment manufacturers have been in adding VoWi-Fi functionality to their offerings and in building full VoWi-Fi ecosystems.

Who Leads in WLAN Security?

Comparative Evaluation of Vendor Offerings and Positioning

WLAN security has improved immeasurably with the adoption of IEEE 802.11i, but vendors are still faced with several security gaps. In addition, the public now demands more elaborate guest authentication, intrusion detection, site planning, and network management. Aruba Networks and Trapeze Networks are battling Cisco for market supremacy. Their products were designed from the beginning with security paramount, so they are forcing Cisco to move faster to integrate many key security functions that now are add-on products. Bluesocket, Xirrus Networks and Meru Networks provide intriguing alternatives built on quite different architectures. Nortel has a very strong WLAN security offering built in part on its own technology and in part on its partnership with Trapeze. Symbol and HP offer some innovative security technologies but both have significant security gaps yet to be filled.

This study examines the major security vulnerabilities found in today’s WLAN equipment and evaluates the vendors based on both their innovation and their implementation. One key differentiator is how effectively these companies have built strategic partnerships and integrated their partners’ products. Another area of contention is End Point security. Voice over Wi-Fi raises the stakes because vendors have been forced to provide stopgap measures to handle load balancing and roaming as well as some other areas to ensure low latency.

The 2009 Federal Stimulus Bill

A Windfall for 3G and Wi-Fi for Vendors with a Plan

The 2009 American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, also known as the “2009 Stimulus Bill” offers enormous opportunity for both wireless communications equipment vendors and WLAN equipment vendors. Funding for rural broadband alone exceeds $7.2 billion.

This study examines the ARRA funds most appropriate for wireless solutions on a federal department-by-department basis. It discusses the types of partnerships necessary to fill product gaps as well as the opportunities to take advantage of ARRA “green” funding.

Mobile HD Voice

Wideband, High-quality Audio Connections

4G Intellectual Property and Royalties

An Analysis of LTE, WiMAX and UMB

IMS Core Networks: A Dynamic Service-Based Architecture

Beyond VoIP, Push to X, Convergence, Unified Messaging, and Unified Address Books

LTE – GSM Long Term Evolution

Global Market Analysis of Subscribers, Services, Devices, Infrastructure, and Chipsets

WiMAX Market Analysis and Forecasts

The Opportunity for Base Stations, CPE, and Mobile Devices

While the WiMAX market will eventually be dwarfed by the LTE market, there still exists a healthy near-term and long-term market for WiMAX infrastructure, CPE, and devices. While Clearwire and UQ Communications will receive much of the attention given to WiMAX services, there are many 802.16e networks being built around the world for fixed and portable use that can evolve for mobile use later.

This study examines major drivers and barriers for WiMAX and the potential for mobile WiMAX devices and services. The report contains forecast sets for 802.16-2004 and 802.16e-2005 that includes subscribers, ARPU, and revenue by region, and CPE and base station shipments, ASP, and revenue by various segmentations. Detailed segmentation is provided for mobile WiMAX devices, including external adapters, miniCards inside laptops, netbooks and MIDs, handsets, and consumer electronics.

IP Transformation

All IP Architectures, IMS, Mobile Backhaul, Mobile Softswitch, Session Border Controllers, Core Gateways

Evolved EDGE

Infrastructure, Subscriber, Chipset, and Handset Forecasts

4G Mobile Consumer Services

Internet Access, Location, Multimedia, Media Broadcast, and Gaming

Energy Management and Commercial Building Automation

Building Management Systems, HVAC, and Lighting Controls

Building Automation Systems deliver a distributed management system to control and maintain a building's internal environment. It comprises a computerized, intelligent network of electronic devices, designed to monitor and control the mechanical and lighting systems in a building. The BAS market is dominated by a handful of players offering complete systems from field devices to management and service installations.

However, the market is poised for change. Increased emphasis on energy efficiency at organisational and governmental levels has combined with a push for more open systems supporting multi-vendor deployments and both are bringing in new providers to the BAS space. Extending BAS management to enterprise IT networks at the control level and adding wireless connectivity to traditionally wired field devices is expanding the role and reach of the BASs. This report examines the potential impact of these and other key factors upon the BAS market and provides market forecasts for equipment, software and services as well as wired and wireless connectivity out to 2015.

[top]RFID

Cargo Container Tracking and Security

RFID, Cellular and Satellite Communications for Supply Chain Management and National Security

Container-based shipping is vital to the flow of goods all over the world. The growth of overall global traffic has necessitated the need for better tracking of containers and the cargo they transport. Containers need to be secured to prevent theft and pilferage, and also to prevent them from being used by terrorists to transport weapons of mass destruction. The container security market is still in its infancy since there has been scant progress on industry-wide technical standards and effective government mandates. This report examines the various technologies, including RFID, OCR, cellular and satellite, used to develop solutions for this market. In light of recent major developments in the standards arena, it explains the roles being played by various government organizations, industry groups and individual companies, and presents a thorough exploration of the relevant issues and the various players who have carved out a stake in this developing market.

RFID End User Survey: Retail CPG and Pharmaceuticals

Applications, Adoption Drivers, Expenditures, and System Requirements

In order to gain deeper perspective into usage plans and requirements among current and potential RFID end-users, ABI Research surveyed and interviewed key influencers at retail CPG and pharmaceutical manufacturer organizations currently using, planning to install, testing/evaluating, and not using RFID technology. The analysis focuses on supply chain management applications. Here we provide data obtained from 35 retail CPG and pharmaceutical manufacturers. The responses and results have been culled from ABI Research’s broader annual RFID end-user survey which spans all vertical markets and applications. Key subject areas and topics covered in this analysis include RFID system usage and evaluation plans; primary adoptions drivers; current and future supply chain management applications by tagging echelon (pallet, case, item); and RFID system requirements.

RFID Contactless Payments

Transitioning to Open Contactless Payment Systems

Limited trials and initial deployments of contactless payment technology have already shown much of its potential for the key players in the transaction value chain. Contactless can bring benefits to card associations as they increase the reach of their products, to card issuers aiming to differentiate their products and services, to merchants who can speed up transaction times and transaction values, and to card holders and customers who no longer need cash on hand and can speed less time waiting to pay for goods. Despite these potential benefits, moving the capabilities of open system contactless payments into the mainstream depends on a buy-in from all parties. Given the regional, and often national, differences in existing payment systems, contactless’s adoption across borders is likely to be uneven for some time.

This study sets out the environment in which contactless payments are being accessed around the world, and the technical and business challenges that have to be faced in the wider adoption of the technology. It explains how, why, and where contactless payments will be adopted around the world.

Printed Electronics

Market Opportunities and Applications in Optoelectronics, Large Area Electronics, and Power Generation & Management

The emerging printed electronics market is driven by the promise of low cost, high volume, high throughput production of electrical components or devices in lightweight, small, thin, flexible form factors that will in turn facilitate the creation of new markets. Revenues today are in the low to mid millions of dollars, but growing at very high rates. Many products and prototypes are designated for the optoelectronic, large area electronic and power generation market sectors, but there are as yet very few product lines on the market in large or significant volumes. The industry’s structure is fragmented, with many players, most of which are small privately-held companies with little revenue today. Industry standardization, technology development and manufacturing are evolving to meet market needs.

This report examines the state of the printed electronics market today with market segment analysis covering applications, products, technologies, manufacturing and key industry competition.

The RFID Passive Label Market

An Examination of Costs, Assembly Methods, and Future Innovation

RFID passive labels have been forecast to see heavy shipment volumes, offering end users a cheap automatic identification solution in many markets and applications. Much of the anticipation arose from initiatives mandated by Wal-Mart and the US Department of Defense. Markets such as pharmaceuticals, in search of an item-level solution, also helped add to the hype. While pilots and full scale deployments have taken place, the high volumes that were once expected have not materialized, due to price points that are still too high for end-users. In a chicken-or-egg scenario, manufacturers believe that prices can come down with higher shipment volumes. There are many different participants in the RFID passive label value chain, all proposing different models for bringing down cost and raising shipment volumes.

The study includes an analysis of the role that each member plays in the RFID passive label value chain, and the relationships that have developed among them. It explains what is being done to drive the market to higher volumes, and includes an analysis of the different approaches or business models that vendors are taking. The research also includes tables documenting shipments of RFID ICs and RFID tags.

The RFID Consumer Goods Market

Requirements for Expansion Beyond Slap-and-Ship, and the Path to ROI

The RFID consumer goods market is defined by suppliers forced to comply with a number of RFID mandates. For the most part these companies have been slow to adopt the technology. Most have implemented slap-and-ship solutions which do not go beyond compliance requirements. Consumer goods suppliers have had difficulty in determining how they will gain a return on investment from RFID. As the technology improves and costs go down, consumer goods suppliers will expand past slap-and-ship systems.

This report examines how RFID can provide a return on investment for consumer goods companies. It explores the reasons why they are unable to justify the investment now, and issues that may arise as they begin wide scale rollouts. Quantitative forecasts break down the hardware, software and integration markets. Forecasts also present data by region and by application for the forecast period, 2002-2009.

Annual RFID End User Survey Top Line Results

End User Organizations Share Their RFID Adoption and Usage Plans

In order to gain deeper perspective into usage plans and requirements among both current and potential RFID end users, ABI Research surveyed key influencers at organizations that use RFID technology, those that plan to install, those that have evaluated, and those not using RFID technology. More than 115 qualified organizations from across the world responded to ABI Research’s 2009 RFID end-user online survey.

This Research Report provides the high-level, top-line results from that annual survey. It includes analysis of respondents’ RFID usage plans, primary adoption drivers, specific applications, supported operating frequencies, current and anticipated transponder and reader volumes, RFID expenditures and budget direction, vendor sources and selection criteria, and demographics. Non-user responses are also analyzed to gain perspective into reasons for not adopting RFID. The respondent pool includes manufacturers, retailers, hospitals, government agencies, logistics providers and others representing companies of various sizes, revenue classifications, and lines of business. This analysis provides data obtained from a cross-section of 117 end users from all major vertical and regional markets. The results offer a sample snapshot of the broader end-user community trends to consider in the development of more detailed market models and business strategies.

The RFID Aerospace and Defense Market

Supply Chain and Asset Management Application Market Opportunities

The Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry is always on the move and changing. Technologies and processes that worked yesterday might not work today. That is why A&D companies are constantly seeking better ways to manage complexity, cut costs, and boost productivity. Enter RFID technology. Whether it is the US Department of Defense or the commercial airline industry, one thing is clear: A&D vertical market RFID initiatives implicate a broad range of contributing parties and are driving both investment and implementations.

This study provides an assessment of the opportunities and business benefits of RFID in A&D markets. There are scores of supply chain and asset management applications where passive and active RFID is being used, tested, and deployed to solve real-world business problems.

RFID Annual Market Overview

LF, HF, UHF, and Microwave RFID Applications, Verticals and Markets

This study provides a comprehensive, detailed overview of radio frequency identification (RFID) technologies, applications, and addressable vertical markets. It is intended to provide an actionable outline of the broad RFID market.

The RFID Annual Market Overview is designed to ensure that ABI Research clients have a deep understanding of market size, growth, key trends, competitive considerations, and overall market dynamics. Following a panoramic introduction, other sections cover the technology, the applications, the vertical markets, the high-level competitive landscape, and a summary of our annual RFID end-user research. Forecasts are also provided for RFID transponders, readers, software, and integration services. Forecast segmentation is granular and varies by product category, including unit shipments and revenues by region, application, and vertical market.

RFID in Mainland China

Assessment of Chinese RFID Market Opportunities

This report provides an analysis of the RFID market in mainland China. It explores the impact government laws and regulations will have on the development of Chinese RFID markets. It segments unit shipments and revenues by frequency, offers revenue data by application, and presents Chinese RFID market application case studies. Chinese RFID market forecasts for complete systems and systems components (tags, readers, software, and services) are also included.

Passive RFID Readers: Market Trends and Forecasts

ISO 14443, ISO 18000-6, EPCglobal Gen 2, and EPCglobal LLRP

The market for passive RFID readers – devices that encode data into passive tags and interrogate those tags to retrieve the information – is changing significantly. New applications such as national ID cards and product authentication have moved to the fore, enabled by significant advances in the technology and the associated standards. Integration levels are advancing, with RFID-specific reader ICs displacing general-purpose components in a growing segment of the market. These ongoing changes require RFID product providers to rethink their approach to the market and to provide end users of the technology with significant new deployment opportunities. ABI Research conducted an extensive study of this market in the first quarter of 2008. This report, the result of that study, describes market dynamics for passive readers and reader-specific ICs, identifies key issues facing reader manufacturers and end users, and provides five year market forecasts for passive RFID readers and reader-specific ICs. The forecasts, both in units and in revenue, are segmented by frequency, by application, and by geographic region.

RFID in Emerging Transportation Markets

Airline Baggage, Courier, and Postal Applications

In the transportation and logistics industries, RFID is found in a wide array of applications, as more companies begin conducting new pilots and implementations. Even applications within the same market may differ drastically from one another. This study focuses on the use of RFID in three areas that make up the bulk of transportation and logistics industry: airlines and airports, postal services, and courier services. Within these industries there are applications which are seeing traction at present, and others which are taken less seriously.

One of the most important issues running through all the transportation and logistics markets discussed in this research, and having the potential to tie them together, is the development of common standards. These markets overlap, and compatible infrastructures will be required. The research explores the tagging of airline luggage for baggage handling systems in particular depth. Applications in the parcel and postal industries are also examined, including asset tracking, item-level tagging of all small packages and letters, and other applications.

RFID Border Security Markets

RFID and Biometric Technologies Secure Identification Documents and Enhance Homeland Security

Homeland security is a major priority for countries and governments worldwide. Branches of government concerned with security have been the subject of increased focus over the past four years, fueled mainly by terrorist attacks. Most countries have plans to increase security at their borders as well as internally.

This study evaluates homeland security initiatives worldwide that involve RFID and biometric technologies. It examines many security applications, including e-passports, contactless visas, container tracking and internal security tools such as national identification cards. Privacy concerns, the viability of technologies, and international legislation are discussed. The report also presents a summary of the major participants in the market. Background information on RFID and biometric technologies is included for reference. Forecasts provide data by region and application for the period 2003-2009.

RFID Integration Services Markets

Market Development and Opportunities in Systems, Software, and Reader Integration Services

RFID is expanding into new vertical application areas, driving continued demand for integration services providers with both RFID technology experience and domain-specific expertise. ABI Research conducted extensive interviews with providers of RFID-related integration services, consumers of those services, and providers of RFID technology, to discern the current state and likely future of the market for RFID integration services. This study evaluates the opportunity for services in long-established markets, maturing markets and emerging application areas for both large, established integration services providers and boutique/specialist firms. It provides an overview of the market for RFID integration services and identifies the market key trends. It also forecasts market size by application area and vertical market, and profiles representative firms providing these services.

The RFID Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Markets

Satisfying Drug Pedigree Requirements, Preventing Counterfeiting and Increasing Patient Safety

The pharmaceutical market began working with RFID technology in 2004. Fueled by endorsement from the FDA, the Wal-Mart mandate and impending state pedigree laws, this market is expected to grow at a very rapid rate. Compared to other supply chain management applications, pharmaceutical tracking has a more compelling reason to adopt RFID. This study examines the forces driving pharmaceutical companies to implement RFID systems as well as the benefits these systems will provide. Current market initiatives and key issues are discussed in detail. There are also healthcare initiatives in the life sciences market other than pharmaceutical tracking. These other applications are discussed as well and included in the market forecasts. A technology assessment is included for reference. Quantitative forecasts break down the hardware, software and integration markets. The forecasts are segmented by region and application for the forecast period, 2004-2011.

The RFID Retail Market

Redefining Conventional Retail Operations, Business Processes and Best Practices

The retail market is possibly the most talked about in the RFID industry. Although Wal-Mart is not the only retailer that has issued an RFID mandate for its suppliers, it is still the most popular subject. This market is expected to be one of the fastest growing RFID verticals. Many people expected the market to grow much more quickly than it has, but it is evolving steadily. This report examines the reasons retailers are adopting RFID and ways they will realize an ROI, as well as the possible business process changes it will bring about. Current market initiatives and possible future applications are discussed in detail. A technology assessment is included for reference. Quantitative forecasts break down the hardware, software and integration markets. The forecasts are also represented by region and application for the forecast period, 2002-2009.

IT Asset Tracking: Active and Passive RFID Solutions

Targeting Data Centers and Distributed IT Environments

Currently, a perfect storm of factors is driving end-user evaluation, pilot testing, and deployment of RFID IT asset-tracking solutions to record levels. Early adopters in the finance/banking sector have proven a unique and irresistible business case for implementation that translates into any large data center environment. Recent technological advancements have transformed RFID into a leading solution for accurately monitoring and protecting IT equipment and data. Future improvements to both the cost and functionality RFID will position vendors to command a larger share of the massive addressable market for electronic tracking of enterprise IT equipment which some industry participants have estimated to be worth $5 billion annually.

The need to achieve the lowest total cost of ownership for assets, improve visibility, and protect sensitive information is not unique to the financial services industry or the data center environment. Nor are the many benefits associated with the use of RFID to track corporate IT assets. As IT equipment becomes more flexible, mobile, and subject to greater government scrutiny, demand for RFID-based tracking solutions is expected to grow significantly over the next five years.

[top]Digital Home

MEMS Accelerometers

Motion Sensors in the Wireless Handset and Consumer Electronics Markets

Home and Portable Audio Device Markets

Analysis of Multi-Room Systems, AV Receivers, and iPod Accessories

This is a tightly-focused report on home audio and portable devices with an emphasis on growing and emerging audio device categories such as multi room audio systems, high-end AV receivers, and iPod accessories within the home. Detailed forecasts of shipments, ASPs and revenue are provided for all the major audio devices categories by six regions (Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and Middle East/Africa) through 2011. The study also features analysis of the portable audio device market, with emphasis on iPod and iTunes, and the future of home and portable audio technologies.

Chinese Digital TV and DVD Markets

Trends and Forecasts for CRT, LCD, Plasma, OLED, HD DVD and Other Emerging TV Technologies in China

The Chinese TV market is facing three dramatic changes: the migration from CRT to flat panel TVs, and the similar moves from analog to digital TV broadcasting and from traditional distribution to networking. Corresponding to these changes are the establishment of Chinese audio and video-related standards, including the high definition code standard, high definition display standard, 3C standard, digital home standard and digital TV broadcasting standard.

The Chinese DVD market has maintained its structure with little change. However the national high definition standard is facing tremendous challenges both domestically and overseas.

In this study, ABI Research studies the changes in Chinese TV and DVD markets and surveys the status of standards evolution. The report also analyzes the strategies of the Chinese vendors and forecasts the future development of a number of technologies and markets.

Wi-Fi in Consumer Electronics

Devices, ICs and Competitive Analysis of the Newest Growth Market for Wi-Fi

Console and Handheld Online Gaming

Online Community, Content, and Commerce Gaming Strategies for Sony, Nintendo and Microsoft

The video game market has entered a new generation, with all three next-generation consoles shipping with online gaming services enabling both digital distribution and online gameplay. While the last generation of game consoles made significant steps forward with regard to online gameplay, the new generation comes out of the box to interact with new online gaming services for gameplay, community and digital content distribution.

The most evolved of the new services today is Microsoft’s Xbox Live service. Microsoft’s focus for differentiation revolves in large part around its online gaming capabilities, with advanced community, commerce and content download capabilities. However, both Nintendo and Sony are rapidly developing their console-based gaming services to allow for distribution of classic gaming titles, game add-on content, and access to the full Internet –something that Microsoft has not yet allowed Xbox Live subscribers to do.

This study examines conditions in the online gaming markets for consoles and handhelds, looking at the current strategies of the three major platform providers as well as the ecosystem for digital distribution. It evaluates the casual and full game download market for consoles, as well as microtransactions, subscription services (for core service as well as services such as MMOs), content downloads (including movies and TV), and other important aspects of the console and handheld online gaming market.

The Chinese Portable Audio, Video and Digital Imaging Markets in Transition

Production, Consumption and Distribution of MP3, MP4 & Portable DVD Players, Digital Cameras and Camcorders

In China, portable AV players are becoming the life-blood of world’s fastest growing marketplace. MP3 players are increasingly replacing traditional CD players there. In this study, ABI Research analyzes the domestic MP3 player industry and its market opportunities against global brand names. It examines the rising trajectory of domestic MP3 makers, analyzes their market strategies, and tracks their recent movements.

China is in the midst of a revolution in domestic portable audio and video markets. MP4 players are playing the role of “transport device” between PCs and TVs. Specifically, the portable DVD player market is entering the mainstream. This report presents a complete list of MP4 and portable DVD player products and assesses their market prospects, while identifying devices that attract the Chinese consumers – in turn defining opportunities for vendors and content providers.

The research finds that while price-cutting strategies work well for Chinese domestic vendors, they lose their power in the digital camera and camcorder market, which is increasingly dominated by globally recognized international players. This report lays out strategies to achieve greater market share for emerging players, suggestions for established international players regarding their distribution channels, and price structures for future growth.

Cable Operators’ Service, Network, and Transformation Trends

Digital TV, Digital Voice, Broadband Internet, Mobile Service, Triple Play, Quadruple Play, Bandwidth Reclamation, Bandwidth Optimization

This study provides an overview of the global CATV services marketplace. It includes analysis and forecasts of services and their uptake by subscribers, as well as their associated revenues. It also focuses on present-day video services and migration requirements and trends in industry planning for enhancements and improved interactivity by the industry, along with Triple and Quadruple Play service developments. The report addresses emerging business issues and the need for transformation as competition from satellite, telecom, DTT, and Internet video players and changing consumer viewing patterns heats up. New services such as VOD with addressable advertising, time and place-shifting, network-based DVR/PVR, and the digital and HD transition driving bandwidth expansion alternatives are also discussed.

Next-Generation Digital Cameras and Camcorders Revolutionize Photography

Present Landscape and Future Opportunities for SLR, WUSB, Wi-Fi Technologies and Online Services

This report examines the worldwide market for digital cameras and camcorders, with a particular focus on network-compatible technologies, SLR technology, online storage service providers and photo printers. It discusses the technologies involved, the driving technical and market forces, and the competitive business environment. Shipments, ASPs and revenues are forecast for digital cameras, digital SLR cameras, digital camcorders and many others. Forecasts are also provided for revenues of online storage service providers. The study evaluates the current or anticipated market performance of each major device type during the 2003-2010 period.

Digital Video Adapters in the Living Room

DMAs, Game Consoles, Internet STBs, Embedded DMA Clients

This study of the DMA market focuses on video playback over the home network. Several vendors are on their third-generation products and while we haven’t yet seen rapid adoption, an increasing number of vendors are embedding DMA clients into existing devices. Online distributors are partnering with service providers and equipment vendors to bring more vertical solutions to the marketplace. This report explores the issues surrounding growth in the DMA market, DMA feature sets, and other devices incorporating DMA clients. It examines the key component, software, and device players in the market. Shipment estimates are provided for key vendors. Market forecasts are provided through 2012.

Digital Radio Automotive Markets

Global Trends and Strategies for DAB/DRM, HD Radio, DMB and Satellite Radio

The digital radio revolution is offering broadcasters unprecedented opportunities to transform their business models. With several new digital multimedia broadcast standards evolving worldwide, market participants need to be vigilant in identifying their most appropriate markets.

This study outlines current and planned initiatives for both satellite and terrestrial-based radio and multimedia services for each major region and how they pertain to automotive markets.

Regional business issues, opportunities, trends and technological advancements are explained, along with their potential market impacts. The study contains over two dozen charts and tables quantifying major world markets to 2011, including North America, Europe, Japan, and Rest of World. A comprehensive player profiles section is provided, as well as a detailed list of international market participants.

Home Media Servers and Entertainment Hubs

Media Center PCs, Set-Top Boxes, CE Media Servers, and Media Server Software

Content providers' and distributors' thinking has undergone a radical shift over the past 12 months. They increasingly understand that the distribution of content is rapidly departing from the model that has largely relied on physical formats such as DVD, and shifting towards network-based delivery, over the public Internet or through other IP based networks. While the arrival of HD-DVD and Blu-Ray should drive substantial hardware sales for devices supporting these formats, the longer term shift to network-based delivery of content, and pervasive connectivity in the home, mean that ultimately the storage and delivery of the content will rely more on the server/client model and less on devices that are designed to play only physical media.

This study examines the positioning of four main device categories--the PC, the set-top box, consumer electronics and network storage (and their respective industries)—as the home media server. The PC market is shifting towards casting the PC as the central media hub, with Microsoft Media Center, Intel Viiv and AMD Live initiatives all key to this movement. The DLNA standard, built upon UPnP, has given life to consumer electronics vendors looking to create networked entertainment products, including devices such as media servers. Set-top box providers and their video delivery partners are positioned to have their set top box as the primary delivery server for pay TV content, but are also incorporating technology for long-tail content as well.

Video Game Hardware, Software and Services

Online and Mobile Gaming Drives Console, Portable and PC Gaming Devices

The video game market is entering an unprecedented time of change. The console market is seeing a new generation of hardware. Online gaming is becoming the key mechanism for gameplay and delivery to the game-playing community. Mobile and handheld gaming/media platforms are expanding the market, and ABI Research sees the overall game hardware, software and services market growing to $66 billion by 2011.

This study examines all hardware platforms (console, handheld, PC), software markets (console, handheld, PC, mobile and online) and the online services gaming markets for each hardware category. Online gaming models are examined in depth, including the PC casual and MMO, console and handheld online gaming services, and the growth in overall gaming content and advertising markets. Quantitative forecasts are given for each hardware, software and services market across each gaming platform type from 2002-2011.

Home Automation and Control

Wireless Growing as Automation and Security Intersect

The State of High Definition

High Definition TV, Optical Disk Formats and Players; HD Content Creation and Service Provider HDTV Delivery

This study examines the range of technologies and systems driving the high definition marketplace. It assesses the creation and delivery of high definition content, and explores the challenges involved and the outlook for the market. The research surveys the connectivity options for consumer digital video and explains how those play into the rollout of high definition video in the future. Finally it focuses on the various television and DVD technologies and (in particular with DVD playback) provides an assessment of how red laser and blue laser technologies may play out in the marketplace.

Home Networking and Digital Home Network Market Analysis

Home Routers, Residential Gateways, Bridges, Adapters, and Media Networking Forecasts

Over the past few years, the home networking hardware market has changed as the core home network has matured. As a result of this maturation, and in some cases commoditization, vendors are searching for new product enhancements and market segments to drive future growth. The entertainment network is being born out of this desire to increase the customer base for networking and to enable new and exciting functions.

This study evaluates the market potential for core home networking equipment, including home routers, gateways, bridges and more. In addition, forecasts for entertainment networks are included, along with the estimates of the potential for integrating networking into a number of consumer electronics and service provider platforms. Also included is a discussion of alternative networking technologies, enabling the distribution of data and video content over coax and power lines.

Home Network Software Technologies and Markets

UPnP, DLNA, and HNAP Connecting the Digital Home

Just in the past few years the home network has evolved significantly, moving from being a means to share a broadband connection between multiple PCs, to an entertainment and media network potentially connecting a multitude of devices. In this evolution, consumers have often struggled to connect devices and get content from one point on the network to another, due to a lack of interoperability between devices and manufacturers. Home network software standards, including UPnP, DLNA, and HNAP are working to solve these issues and create the home network of the future.

This study evaluates the main home networking software standards. In addition, it presents forecasts for UPnP- and DLNA-certified devices. Also included is a discussion of the direction each of these technologies is taking as the home network continues to evolve.

Home Theater and Media Center PCs in the Living Room

HTPC, Media Center, Media Center Extenders, All-in-One (AIO) PC, PCTV

With the Media Center application now included in most versions of Vista, consumers will become increasingly exposed to the multimedia and Internet video capabilities of the PC. The most tech-savvy PC users are fully aware of the capabilities of the PC and those consumers are partly responsible for fueling the development of AV-styled home theater PCs for the living room. AV dealers and custom installers are also finding a small market for high-end whole-home AV solutions using highly customized and specialized PC-based platforms. With the introduction of the Media Center application in mainstream PCs, Microsoft is paving the way for more and more consumers to appreciate the value the platform brings to living room entertainment. This study examines the forces driving the home theater PC market and how regional factors are influencing adoption throughout the world. It evaluates the challenges facing the HTPC market and how the market – and consumers – are adapting to overcome those challenges. It also considers the role of extenders in bringing PC content to the TV. Forecasts are provided on a regional basis for key markets and products are segmented to illustrate the transition of the PC as a living room multimedia device.

LCD and OLED Display Technologies

Expanding Market Opportunities for Small/Medium Flat-Panel Displays

Markets for small and medium form factor flat panel displays are rapidly expanding. At the same time many new vendors are entering this market and existing vendors are adding capacity, all putting downward pressure on prices and margins. Much of the short-term growth is being fueled by continuing expansion in the mobile handset segment. As improving display technologies provide larger screens, richer colors, sharper contrast and higher refresh rates, consumers are continuing to trade in their current handsets for the latest/greatest models. Second to mobile handsets, MP3 players, digital cameras and camcorders, portable game and video players and automotive entertainment and navigation displays are all contributing to the overall growth of this market.

In addition to the growth in end-use applications, a technology transition is underway in which older display technologies such as MTN-LCD and CTN-LCD are giving way to TFT-LCD and OLED. As a result of this shift, ABI Research forecasts both TFT-LCD and OLED to post double digit growth rates through the forecast period. This study includes an analysis of the key small/medium display end-use applications products that will drive demand, plus a detailed view of the various display technologies that vendors are bringing to market.

Consumer Media

The Changing Ways in Which Consumers Buy, Consume, and Manage Digital Content

This study examines how consumers use traditional media – whether television or music – and how these uses of traditional media are being increasingly balanced with usage of media through new consumption and distribution methods. Consumers’ media consumption habits are mainly explored through analysis of data derived from an online survey conducted in North America in late April, 2007. As well as analyzing the survey results, the report also applies some of them to consumer technologies such as storage, and forecasts consumers’ future needs. Each content type is examined with regard to acquisition method, storage and management.. Traditional formats usage is compared to newer acquisition methods. For video, the study assesses the usage levels for VOD, broadband video, and PVRs, as well as storage methods. For music, the analysis focuses on how consumers are using CDs, Internet radio, and online downloads, and how they are storing and managing this content. The research also forecasts how consumers’ libraries of digital video, music and photos will change through 2012.

Networked Home Audio

Market Analysis of AV Receivers, Multi-zone Systems, Digital Audio Receivers, and Internet Radios

Networked audio refers to the distribution of audio content within the IP home network as well as to audio devices which receive content via an Internet connection. This study looks exclusively at networked audio based on this definition, and does not cover custom audio installations which distribute audio based on wiring or other communications methods. In addition, ABI Research has chosen to focus on what it considers to be mainstream consumer solutions, as opposed to high-end custom installed solutions.

High Definition DVD for the PC Market

Red Laser, Blue Laser, ODD, HD DVD, Blu-ray, Integrated Graphics Support, Platform Roadmaps

This study examines the market for high definition DVD support in the PC market. The market is segmented into consumer and business class machines and blue laser forecasts are provided for both. Further, the blue laser forecasts are broken down by format type, and forecasts are provided for each of the HD DVD, BD and universal optical disc drives. The report identifies the challenges supporting of HD DVD playback, and compares approaches using discrete graphics, integrated graphics and separate HD decoders.

Digital Terrestrial Silicon Receivers

Technologies, Markets, and Forecasts for CE Applications

Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) promises to bring improved quality and reception to broadcast television. Advances in receiver technology over the last few years have resulted in low cost, low power implementations that bring video reception to portable devices. With four major DTT standards now in use, new silicon vendors are coming to market, and product developers are working to position themselves for new opportunities. The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) has announced that it will develop a new standard for mobile broadcast video while Qualcomm marches forward with MediaFlo.

This study is focused on the terrestrial receivers and standards that will impact consumer electronics devices. After providing a general awareness of the technologies associated with DTT services, it explores current market challenges. The report includes a listing of DTT component suppliers, along with background details for most of the companies. It forecasts world markets for the inclusion of DTT receivers in consumer products to 2013, broken down by receiver type and product type.

Placeshifting Hardware, Software and Services

Slingbox and Other Disruptive Technologies for Anywhere-Anytime Video Services

The Slingbox and similar devices are changing the way consumers access their video content. Placeshifting devices and services allow consumers to have their content follow them anywhere using the Internet and networking technology. This capability is disruptive to existing and emerging content distribution models, and large network operators as well as content distributors are watching the adoption of placeshifting technologies closely. It is also potentially lucrative, because consumer adoption of placeshifting is set to increase dramatically as awareness of the technology seeps into the mainstream.

This study examines hardware, software and services for video placeshifting. It forecasts hardware revenues and unit shipments for dedicated placeshifting devices, and also forecasts the integration of placeshifting into devices such as set-top boxes and consumer electronics devices. The report examines and forecasts client placeshifting capabilities and volume, while assessing the integration of placeshifting into smart phones, handheld gaming devices and mobile media players. It surveys services for placeshifting and discusses how wireless carriers and pay-TV operators will react to placeshifting technology and services. The report also features in-depth analysis of vendors providing placeshifting products today.

Portable Audio, Video and Game Market Evolution

Present Landscape and Future Opportunities for Content Owners, Service Providers and Vendors

This report examines the worldwide market in portable audio, video and game console devices, with a particular focus on network compatible technologies, online service providers and portable device accessories. It discusses the technologies involved, the driving forces and the competitive business environment. Shipments, ASPs, and revenue are forecast for portable mp3 players, portable media centers, DVD players and portable game players. Forecasts are also provided for subscribers and pay-per-use downloads for music and video online service providers. The study focuses on market performance for each major device type during the 2003-2010 period.

Worldwide DVR Market Analysis

CATV, DBS, DTT, IPTV, and Network PVR

This study provides an overview of the growth in PVR subscribers, PVR STB shipments, and nPVR servers for CATV, DBS, DTT, and Telco TV services. It addresses emerging issues such as consolidation of the video-server market, emerging applications such as time-shifted video, the move to nPVR, support for mobile and broadband PVR applications, and advertisers’ concerns.

The research provides forecasts for subscribers, as well as CPE forecast and analysis. It also supplies STB vendor-operator relationship analysis. Finally, the report examines nPVR server deployments in the CATV, DBS, DTT, and telco arenas.

Digital Home Remote Controls

The Transition from IR to 802.15.4, Low-Power Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi

Hardware Security in the Consumer Electronics Market

The Dawn of Secure Processors

From console and PC games to DVD discs to broadband-delivered digital media content, the software-based security systems protecting these assets have invariability been compromised. Sometime these breaches are minor annoyances to the company and its brand, but sometimes there are significant monetary implications and ensuing legal consequences. Meanwhile, outside the consumer electronics market, corporate computers are now sporting the next generation of secure computing technology and handsets are closely following suit. These platforms use processors with significant new hardware features that bring security support to the lowest levels of the machine architecture.

This study examines these new processors and considers the implications for the home digital video network market. We look at the work done in the PC platform and in embedded environments, as well as the key industry initiatives shaping the marketplace. This report will provide a forecast for secure processor adoption into relevant consumer electronics products and applications.

Video-on-Demand, Video Server, Ad Server, Ad Splicer Market Analysis

Opportunities in Cable, Telco, Broadcast

Television viewing is no longer limited to content received over the air, but over time new delivery mechanisms such as cable, telco and now the Internet have emerged. The "killer application" driving demand for video services has been video-on-demand (VOD). However that is beginning to change. Not only are the pay TV operators facing stiff competition for eyeballs from broadband video, but consumers are also demanding real-time services that go beyond VOD, such as "start over" and "catch up." Further, advertisers are examining new ways of reaching their target audiences. The current ad delivery mechanism is linear but this will soon begin to change as operators and advertisers deliver relevant and interactive ads to their subscribers. Such targeted advertising can be enabled by VOD. Hence as demand for VOD and enhanced TV services grows, it will also drive the demand for video servers and advertising equipment such as ad servers and ad splicers.

This study examines the current trends in the video server and ad insertion markets. It discusses factors driving and restraining the growth of the market. The study also includes information about key players and their product offerings in cable, telco and broadcast segments. Company profiles, market shares, and pricing trends, in addition to segment-based and regional market forecasts are also included.

Internet and Web-Enabled HD TVs

Silicon, Systems, and Services for Web-Connected Digital TVs

The connected flat panel TV landscape is just taking form in most countries (Japan, where the market is more mature, is a prime exception). In fact most insiders view the 2009 holiday season, progressing into 2010, as the key watershed period for this facet of the digital television market. In this relatively “experimental” stage several key issues remain. Despite the high level of Wi-Fi penetration in home networks, 802.11 technology (especially formats below “n”) presents potential “sticking” issues, such as latency and interference, let alone cost, that have given TV manufacturers pause when integrating Wi-Fi into their television sets. Hence most early units, out-of-the-box, will only support Ethernet.

This study discusses the current issues facing the market and the drivers that will help shape it moving forward. Forecasts include: LCD/PDP unit shipments by region (North America, Western Europe, Central Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East Africa), Home Networks by Region, and Wire/Wireless FPTV shipments by Region.

Internet-Connected TVs

Widgets, Browsers, Flash, and Other Technologies

As the demand and market for connected devices expand, Internet-connected TVs are one category poised for growth and evolutionary changes. With an estimated 19% of flat panel TVs equipped with Ethernet in 2010 growing to 46% in 2013, connectivity is expected to become a mainstream feature. As the hardware evolves, the software platforms and applications will change in kind. With regard to the hardware, the potential exists for multi-core processors, and a greater emphasis on CPUs and hardware acceleration/bus speeds. In general the hardware focus is on improving overall system performance, while keeping in mind the increasing lifespan of the individual TV. Some also consider a future where most of the applications will run in the cloud, shifting resource demands outside the TV. In any case, software platforms will continue to become more robust, adding new features such as: media guides/browsing, web browsing, and more tightly integrated social and informational applications.

This study covers the potential evolution of the connected TV hardware and related software markets. It includes historical data and forecasts for the years 2002-2015.

Wireless Video Cable Replacement Market and Technologies

UWB, 5 GHz, 60 GHz, JPEG2000, MPEG2, MPEG4, WirelessHD, WHDI

Connected Home Devices (Fourth Screen)

Digital Photo Frames, Media Phones, and Desktop Internet Appliances

As the flow of content around the "digital home" evolves, a "fourth screen" market is beginning to take shape. Online media alone however, will not provide the necessary fuel to drive this market. As other markets adapt to the same environmental influences, they engender new substitutive products (e.g. smart phones, small form factor computing devices, etc), which in effect diminish the value proposition for many fourth screen devices. Despite these hurdles new opportunities such as energy monitoring, total home information management, and video calling will help differentiate these products. Should these opportunities come to fruition, ABI Research estimates that the consumer fourth screen market could exceed $10 billion by 2014.

In this study ABI Research examines the dynamics and potential of the nascent fourth screen market. It includes forecasts for digital photo frames, media phones, and desktop Internet Appliances within the North American, Asia Pacific, European, and RoW markets for the years 2009 to 2014.

Evolution of the Cordless Phone

DECT, CAT-iq and Proprietary Solutions

Worldwide cordless phone revenue will fall to $4.3 billion In 2014, down 20% from $5.2 billion in 2009, according to ABI Research. A rising number of consumers—especially young consumers—have dropped fixed lines and now use only mobile phones. Cordless phone makers are working to counter that trend with advanced Internet-connected phones in developed markets, and with large numbers of low-cost handsets in emerging regions.

This study presents the results of interviews with cordless phone handset makers, component makers and professional associations. The report offers a clear-eyed look at how different market strategies are likely to work, and projects handset shipments and revenues for all types of cordless phones through 2014.

Ad-Insertion Equipment Markets

Analysis of DPI, Ad Servers, Ad Splicers, Targeted Advertising, and Channel Branding

This study of the development of the ad-insertion equipment market focuses on the emergence of digital ad insertion, personalized and targeted advertising, and VOD server solutions. The markets for ad servers and ad splicers are quantified across multiple video platforms: CATV, DBS, DTT, and telecom video. As ad revenue increases and advertisers seek ways to target their message, ad-insertion technology will move from an add-on function to a feature function in video networks.

The research explores the drivers pushing operators to deploy ad-insertion equipment, including larger subscriber bases, additional revenue opportunity, advertiser interest in customizing messages, and digital-video technology advancements. Special attention is paid to the emerging role of VOD servers as dynamic ad-management systems.

Asia-Pacific Set-Top Box Markets

Technology Trends, Vendor Positioning, and Market Opportunities

The heat is now on for digitization in the television industry. Broadcasting in most countries, including those in the Asia Pacific region, is shifting from analog programming towards digital. Operators and vendors are upgrading infrastructure and equipment in order to maintain an edge in a highly competitive industry. Vendors are gradually switching to production of digital set-top boxes in line with market demand, and in anticipation of full-analog switch-over to digital. While digital take-up in the Asia-Pacific region is definitely increasing, growth rates will vary among different countries, influenced by factors such as technology, infrastructure, pricing and regulations; in some instances, geography also plays a part.

This study examines markets in five key Asia-Pacific countries – Australia, China, Japan, South Korea and India – and market conditions for the four video platforms – cable TV (CATV), satellite (DBS), terrestrial (DTT) and telco TV (IP). Topical discussions also include an overview of technology, vendor environments and analysis of the competitive landscapes occupied by the various platforms.

Downloadable and Streaming Content in the Asia-Pacific Region

Market Conditions, Regulatory Environments, Influencing Factors, and Business Opportunities

Broadband Video and Internet TV

Analysis of Paid and Advertising-Supported Over-the-Top Video across PC, TV, and Portable Domains

Broadband video has been perhaps the fastest growing consumer application on the Internet over the past two years. Even social networking, which is seeing very strong growth with Facebook and other sites probably cannot compare to the sheer numbers of new consumers and overall increase in usage of video in the past 12 months. ABI Research has seen through its own surveys that consumer adoption of broadband video in the United States has doubled in the past year, and even those that are using it have continued to increase the amount of video they consume on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

This study examines how the different distribution solutions are trying to capitalize on this growth in consumption, how content owners and operators are trying to create more seamless and uniform access to online content across screens, and what the various strategies for monetization are for the pay and ad-supported broadband video markets.

Worldwide Broadband CPE and Consumer Electronics ICs

IC Opportunities in the Converging Broadband CPE and CE Markets

The markets for broadband CPE and digital consumer electronics equipment are rapidly converging. As broadband CPE reaches commodity levels, products will evolve into integrated features within other types of consumer electronic equipment. Initially this will include television set-top boxes, home gateways and VoIP telephone systems, possibly followed by game systems, home theater systems, digital TVs and other future applications. After years of lagging behind the computing and communications markets the consumer electronics segment has suddenly become one of the hottest markets for ICs. In anticipation of this coming convergence between broadband CPE and digital consumer electronics equipment, ABI Research has initiated this study to capture this “ecosystem” as it exists today, and track the integrated circuit products, vendors and end-use applications as they continue to evolve over the next several years. This study provides an analysis of the key CPE and CE products that will drive IC demand, as well as a detailed view of the key IC product categories that will be the enablers of many of the emerging digital consumer products.

Conditional Access and DRM: Focus On CATV, DBS and IPTV Platforms

Impacts of Downloadable CAS, OCAP, Secure Video Processors and DRM

Conditional Access and DRM Markets are impacting the service provider platforms CATV, DBS and IPTV. This study discusses the emergence of downloadable CAS and DRM and how each of the leading vendors and suppliers is positioned to take advantage of these emerging technologies. It also provides discussion, detailed forecasts, and market trend analysis for OCAP, two-way-ready DCR devices (IDCR TVs and CE devices) and software based DRM. Market segmentation data is interpreted with rigorous analysis and updated with the latest trends, news and vendor partnership announcements. Five-year forecasts allow readers to carry out longer-term planning, and enable existing players and new entrants to understand this growing ecosystem. All text is provided in Adobe PDF format, and forecasts are Microsoft Excel files to facilitate ease of use.

Cable Television Infrastructure

Headend, Spectrum, Subscribers, STB, DOCSIS 3.0, tru2way, and Revenue Analysis

This study provides an overview of the CATV infrastructure market. It includes forecast analysis of headend video equipment, CATV network plant, STB deployments, and bandwidth/spectrum expansion.

It includes an assessment of revenue development across video, voice, data, and business services, and addresses business issues such as competition from satellite and telecom players, changing viewing patterns, and new services such as VOD, time-shifting, HD, and bandwidth expansion.

Assessing CATV Bandwidth-Expansion Solutions

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Spectrum Efficiency, Rate Shaping, PON, Switched Video, and MPEG-4

The demand for new services such as HDTV, VOD and gaming is pushing bandwidth limitations on CATV networks. Operators must find cost-effective ways of expanding the spectrum and bandwidth on their video networks without compromising service quality. A number of solutions have emerged that target passive network elements, video servers, encoding technology, access networks, and QAM modulation. This report from ABI Research examines a number of these solutions and provides a market assessment and cost-benefit analysis.

The solutions evaluated in the research include rate shaping, expansion of CATV spectrum, node splitting, switched digital video, PON overlay, home-gateway bandwidth management, and MPEG-4 deployment. An assessment of the potential and actual market value, as well as a cost-benefit and return-on-investment analysis, is provided for each of these technologies.

IPTV in China

Analysis of the Chinese IPTV Market, Regulatory Environment, and Growth Potential

Since 2005, IPTV has been a sizzling topic in the Chinese telco arena. IPTV is viewed by the Chinese government as the platform of choice, since it is aligned to its long-term plan of unifying broadband, Internet and television. However, as IPTV picks up speed in the Chinese domestic market, we see that its fate will depend not only on its X-factor, but also on the Chinese regulators. This study examines the Chinese regulatory and market environment for the IPTV industry. Topical discussions also include an overview of the technology issues, and the vendor environment

Digital Asset Management

Applications in Enterprise and Media/Entertainment Market Segments

Digital assets can range from images to logos, documents, audio, and video files. The characteristics of each content type vary, and they need to be handled and managed accordingly. The digital content lifecycle involves the whole process from creation of content to storage and distribution. The proliferation of content being created and distributed has also led to the need for solutions that handle large volumes of assets. Such Digital Asset Management (DAM), solutions have proven their value to organizations and are now considered necessities rather than luxuries. The focus of this study is the role of DAM solutions in the enterprise and media/entertainment markets. It also covers factors driving and restraining the growth of these markets. Current trends are discussed, and the report includes profiles of vendors offering DAM solutions, analysis of pricing, and market forecasts by region and by market segment.

Direct Broadcast Satellite Infrastructure, CPE, and Interactive Services

Worldwide Assessment of Set-Top Boxes, Dishes, Video Infrastructure, HD, PVR, VOD, VoIP, and Satellite Broadband

This study examines the market for DBS television infrastructure solutions. It addresses trends in the deployment of equipment in DBS broadcast uplink sites, as well as IP equipment to enable interactive services such as VOD, VoIP, and broadband. Infrastructure equipment analysis includes headend equipment (encompassing modulators, encoders, servers, and commercial ad-insertion equipment) and the equipment requirements for interactive uplink sites.

The research also analyzes services trends such as the inclusion of mobile services into service packages, the uptake in broadband and telephony services, and the rollout of VOD. Its overview of residential services includes basic service, premium services, video on demand, telephony, broadband, and other services. Finally, the report looks at equipment deployed at households: dishes and STBs.

South Korean DMB Markets

Devices, Content, Semiconductors, and Market Drivers for DMB Services

DMB is a South Korean broadcasting service intended to deliver multimedia content via portable devices. Commercial S-DMB and T-DMB services began in May and December of 2005, respectively. As the borderline between ‘broadcasting’ and ‘telecommunication’ blurs, DMB will form a key element in operators’ strategies for converged services.

This study identifies the best strategies for DMB broadcasters, terminal vendors, chipset makers and content providers. It considers tangential views and strategies for global operators who are considering mobile TV services. Drawing comparisons with DVB-H, MediaFlo, WCDMA (HSDPA), and WiBro, the report suggests opportunities and promising paths for bundled services using DMB. It also examines DMB’s service positioning, technical features, viable applications and content, devices trends, and semiconductor market developments. The study includes forecasts of shipments, revenues, ASP and more for subscribers, terminals and semiconductors .

Conditional Access and Content Security for Pay TV Markets

Cable, Telco, Satellite, Terrestrial

The growing convergence of entertainment devices and technology formats has made it feasible for consumers to access content at a time and place and via a device of their choice. While expanding the boundaries and enhancing the reach of their services to consumers, content distributors and service providers also expose premium content to piracy and the risk of being mishandled. This creates a need for solutions such as Conditional Access and Digital Rights Management that provide content and service protection.

This study focuses on the role of Conditional Access technology in the pay TV market and the factors driving and restraining its growth. It discusses available solutions as they apply to cable, telco satellite and terrestrial segments. The report profiles the vendors offering those solutions. It tracks pricing trends and provides market forecasts broken down by region and market segment.

DSL Broadband Services

ADSL/2/2+, VDSL/2, DSLAM, BLC, MSAN Deployments, and the Role of IP Video

The demand for DSL broadband solutions continues to grow as IP video, VoIP, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive services gain traction with residential consumers. This ABI Research study explores the trends driving DSL adoption, regional deployment patterns, the value of the DSL market, and the cost structure of DSL.

It includes analysis of subscriber growth for ADSL, ADSL2, ADSL2+, VDSL, and VDSL2. The report also explores DSL port deployments and the revenue generated through those deployments. Contracts and vendor-operator relationships are discussed, and market share for DSL is provided. Finally, the research provides an analysis of how various cost inputs – electronics/equipment, fiber and copper, and labor – derive the cost structure for DSL deployment.

Digital Terrestrial and Broadcasting Technologies

The Role of Digital Video in Over-the-Air TV Services

This study provides an overview of the business model for the development of digital terrestrial television (DTT) and local broadcasting services. It discusses the impact of government-imposed digital switch-over on access to free television content. The research also explores how operators will turn digital terrestrial into a money-making venture, and how they will partner with telecom and mobile operators. The report examines the role of local broadcasters in the emerging digital-video market, and provides market forecasts for STBs, headend equipment, and broadcast technology.

Video Transcoding Market Analysis

Current and Future Trends in Encoding and Transcoding for Web, Mobile, IPTV, and Cable

Growth in the volume of video content being produced has also created a need for platforms that allow consumers to view content with ease and flexibility across a range of devices. Video files customized for the variety of end devices to which they are delivered will have different attributes in terms of format and resolution. For example a video file being delivered to a mobile phone would be of lower bit rate and resolution and the same file intended for broadcast would be in MPEG 2 or MPEG 4 format. Transcoding solutions are key tools that aid in providing high value content and services to consumers via cable, satellite, broadcast, or IPTV.

This study examines the current trends in the video transcoding market and their roles in delivering rich media assets to consumers. The report also covers the factors driving and restraining the growth of this market. It profiles key players, assessing their market focus and product offerings. The research includes market forecasts and analysis of pricing trends.

Fiber Optic Services for Residential APAC Markets

Business Environment, Operator Strategies, and Economic Drivers for Mass Deployment

Internet access in the Asia-Pacific region has experienced aggressive growth in the last decade as a result of the ongoing migration to broadband services. Authorities are making operators upgrade their networks and implement high-speed broadband services in anticipation of future demand, to stay abreast with global trends. As broadband subscription rates rise in the region, growth rates vary among different nations as a result of differences in technology, infrastructure, market conditions, pricing, CPE costs, regulations, and in some instances, geography. This report examines broadband and fiber activities in six countries in the region (Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and India) that are at different stages of broadband market evolution. Topical discussions also include strategic analysis, business opportunities, hypes and pitfalls of the different broadband technologies, and technical factors influencing the deployments of FTTH services. Key operators are also profiled.

PON and Active Ethernet FTTH Deployments

BPON, EPON, GEPON/GPON, Active Ethernet, and the Role of IP Video

The demand for bandwidth continues to grow as IP video, VoIP, gaming, and other bandwidth-intensive services gain traction with residential consumers. FTTH – particularly GPON and active Ethernet – provide access pipes to the home that will ideally support emerging robust triple-play services.

This ABI Research study explores the trends driving FTTH adoption, regional deployment patterns, the value of the FTTH market, and the cost structure of FTTH. It includes analysis of subscriber growth for BPON, EPON, GPON (GEPON), and active Ethernet. The report also examines OLT blade and ONT deployments and the revenue they generate. Contracts and vendor-operator relationships are discussed, and market share for FTTH is provided. Finally, the research provides an analysis of how various cost inputs – electronics/equipment, fiber, and labor – derive the cost structure for FTTH deployment.

The Future of HomePlug/In-house PLC and Access BPL

Analysis of Technology, Regulatory and Competitive Landscapes

HomePlug/In-house PLC and Access BPL face steep challenges in building their relevance to home networking and broadband access markets, respectively. While HomePlug/PLC’s supporters hope it can coexist with other networking technologies in the home, how will the competition view it? Are IC and component vendors as broadminded as the equipment vendor community in supporting multiple networking technologies?

Access BPL has much tougher challenges: it must compete with other leading broadband access platforms, at least in some markets. What are the major challenges for BPL, and how can utility and vendor communities work with regulators to address them?

These are some of the many issues addressed in this study, which examines overall market viability and its challenges, as well as focusing on individual vendors and providers. Detailed market forecasts are included for HomePlug/PLC shipments, BPL subscribers, CPE analysis and more.

Worldwide Hybrid Set-Top Box Markets

Combining IP Video with CATV, DBS, and DTT

This study of the development of the hybrid STB market focuses on the emergence of dual-platform video networks and the related customer premises equipment. Video network operators require new content, must find solutions for avoiding regulatory barriers, must respond to consumer demand for interactive platforms, and must overcome bandwidth constraints on video networks. Combining IP video with CATV, DBS, or DTT provides a medium-to-long-term solution.

The research explores the drivers pushing operators to include dual video platforms on one service, and the impact that the trend will have on the STB market. HSTB shipments are tracked based on technology combination (IP-CATV, IP-DBS, IP-DTT) and by the type of operators utilizing the technology (cable, telecom, DBS, and DTT). The report includes an overview of STB vendor activity directly related to hybrid networks, and a summary survey of the video operators that are utilizing this business model.

Global IPTV Markets

Analysis of Key Developments, Industry Trends, and Growth Potential

After a slow start, IPTV is starting to gain traction worldwide as the breadth and depth of deployments increases. Although IPTV is a major growth opportunity, operators will face many challenges along the way. This study covers key IPTV operators and vendors on a global basis and focuses on strategies, propositions and the competitive environment in key markets, as well as critical business and technology issues.

IP Video Set-Top Boxes

IP STBs, RGs, Hybrid STBs, and MPEG-2/MPEG-4

ABI Research’s study of IP customer premises equipment covers IP STBs, residential gateways, and features of IP STBs. Analysis includes shipment and market value forecasts for STBs and gateways. For IP STBs, this analysis is broken into categories reflective of feature combinations on boxes. Additionally, the report provides insight into the decoder market for IP STBs as well as the shipment of boxes that are MPEG-2 and MPEG-4/advanced codec enabled.

Besides IP STB analysis, the research examines telecom-deployed hybrid STBs. These combine IP video with one of three other video platforms: cable, satellite, or terrestrial. This report also provides operator-vendor insight, market-share analysis worldwide and in various regions, and SWOT analysis of the major vendors in the IP STB space.

Triple-Play Network Hardware and Systems

Softswitches, Media Gateways, OSS, BSS and Policy Control: Technology Enablers for the Voice-Video-Data Service Bundle

Next-Generation Set-Top Boxes

Networked (HomePNA, MoCA, Powerline, Wi-Fi) and Hybrid Set-Top Boxes

As broadband (and by association home networking) footprints expand, the opportunities for home networking grow in kind. This includes a range of consumer electronic devices. Service providers have also started to embrace this trend and whether for cost savings (e.g. networked PVRs and thin clients) or additional services/features (e.g. over-the-top content and VOD), networking and hybrid set-top boxes are entering the hardware roadmaps.

Adoption and implementation however have been relatively operator-specific, limiting the ability to formulate general trends. In general however, MoCA seems to be gaining traction in North America (HomePNA has had some success as well, more on the telco side) while Wi-Fi and Powerline have had more success in Europe (mostly IPTV). Europe, Asia Pacific, and Latin America represent a wider range of opportunities for the various networking technologies given the lack of established deployments.

Over- the-Top Internet Video Strategies for Carriers

How Service Providers Can Capitalize on the Broadband Video Opportunity

Boosted by increasing broadband penetration and rising connection speeds, over-the-top video services have proliferated in the past couple of years as a multitude of players, both new and old, aim to reach their audience online. The emergence of this new platform has drastic implications, both positive and negative, for existing pay-TV operators who also offer broadband access to their subscribers. For these carriers, doing nothing is not an option. This study outlines the various strategies that they can adopt to capitalize on the wave of broadband video services, thus turning a threat into an opportunity.

Pay TV Market Overview

Satellite, Cable, IPTV, and Digital Broadcast

The pay TV market in aggregate continues to grow, despite a depressed economy. ABI Research anticipates that from 2009 to 2014 the worldwide pay TV market will grow from 672 million to 846 million subscribers (4.7% CAGR). Cable will remain the largest pay TV market with over 471 million subscribers in 2009 and growing to an estimated 539 million by 2014 (2.7% CAGR). Satellite will remain the second largest pay TV platform with 151 million subscribers in 2009 and just under 200 million by 2014 (CAGR 5.7%). Telco TV is expected to command the highest CAGR through the forecast window, although as a market it is starting from a smaller base (in relation to cable and DBS), 30 million in 2009 growing to 81 million in 2014 (22.2% CAGR).

Residential Gateways

Solutions for Digital Home Connectivity – The Tao of Triple-Play and the Networked Home

The advent of high speed broadband connections and the increased competition in this space have led to greater connectivity as households hop aboard the broadband bandwagon and get connected to various information and communication service providers. More and more content now gets relayed to consumers through the Internet and their home broadband connection. This content is shared among a number of home and portable entertainment devices. Service providers increasingly deprived of lucrative revenue opportunities are now forced to face reality and compete through offering enticing value-added services, and vendors will have to ensure that their equipment is user-friendly and comes with an affordable price tag. This study addresses leading broadband gateway solutions offered by service carriers, IC and consumer premises equipment (CPE) vendors. Regional growth patterns are discussed in light of leading broadband technologies, subscriber penetration and current and future market dynamics. Detailed market trend data and forecast information for key regions around the globe are provided where available.

Global Set-Top Box (STB) Markets Forecast Update

CATV, DBS, Telco TV (IPTV), DTT, SD and HD, PVR, MPEG-4

This study is an update to ABI Research's Global Set-Top Box Research Report. It includes forecast analysis of STBs by platform (CATV, IPTV, DBS, DTT), region (North America, Western Europe, Central/Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East Africa), compression technology (MPEG-2/4), and shipments of HD boxes (standard and PVR).

In addition the report outlines the aggregate TV household landscape by region and platform.

Telco Video Infrastructure

Analysis of IP Video Encoders, Servers, and Other Headend Equipment in Telecom Networks

In this study, ABI Research tackles business issues surrounding the deployment of telecom video solutions and the IP video technology that underlies it. The report details vendor activity – from contracts to business plans to mergers and acquisitions – along with emerging operations decisions that telecom video providers must make regarding competitive threats, revenue leveraging, and service integration.

The report includes analysis of subscriber growth for telecom video networks along with service revenue growth. On the equipment side, there are forecasts for headend and middleware solutions, along with contract and market-share information for equipment vendors.

Video Server Market Analysis

Forecasts and Player Profiles for Cable, Telco, and Broadcast

Video on demand is the killer application that transformed television from a mere delivery device to a platform offering interactive services to the viewer. Several components in the cable or telco network are involved in the delivery of on-demand content to subscribers. A critical component that enables this workflow in the cable, telco, or broadcast environment is the video server, which can be defined as hardware coupled with a software application. Growing subscriber numbers and the demand for more interactive and personalized services have created the need for high performance video servers that are scalable and offer high return on investment to operators. This study examines current trends in the video server market, and the video server’s role in delivering on-demand and interactive services to subscribers. It also identifies market drivers and inhibitors, and profiles key players and their product offerings in the cable, telco and broadcast segments. Market share and pricing trend data are accompanied by regional and market segment forecasts.

Augmented Reality

Adding Information to Our View of the World

Automotive Night Vision Systems

Market Analysis of Infrared Camera-based Automotive Technology

Automotive safety remains an important concern for both consumers and governments around the world. Vehicle crashes continue to account for a large number of lives lost each year, despite considerable improvements in occupant protection, and a disproportionate percentage of these collisions occur in the dark. What are manufacturers doing to help reduce the number of collisions at night? Which of the different applications offers the best performance, and which is likely to capture significant sales in the market in the long term? This report provides an analysis of global market trends, technological evaluations of different approaches used by system developers, and discussion of existing product announcements. Night vision system forecasts are provided globally, by region, through 2012.

Commercial Hybrid Vehicles

A Global Analysis of Medium- and Heavy-Duty Hybrid Trucks and Buses

The growing excitement over hybrid technologies in the consumer sector of the auto industry is carrying over to the nascent market for commercial hybrid vehicles, as emission standards continue to grow increasingly stringent and the price of oil is increasingly uncontrollable. This report examines the current and forecast market for commercial hybrid vehicles, including vans, trucks and buses. As the report observes, the market is extremely small; fewer than 9,000 commercial hybrid vehicles were produced in 2008, and many of those are being integrated into fleets for testing over real-world duty cycles. Some forward-thinking organizations (like New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority) have been integrating hybrid vehicles buses into their fleets as standard diesel vehicles reach the end of their useful lifespans; other are certain to follow suit as the ROI of these new technologies becomes more clearly defined.

Configurable Automotive Instrument Displays

Regional Forecasts and Competitive Assessment

Configurable instrument displays offer a unique opportunity for OEMs to customize their vehicles and at the same time reduce cost by using the same hardware across multiple model lines. But so far they have chosen to stick with conventional gauges for the most part. What are the possibilities for the future? Will the next generation of display technology deliver a fundamental shift? What are the major parameters driving the market? This report provides an analysis of the different technologies in use today, previews the next systems to roll out, and offers a glimpse at the longer term future. It includes volume and value forecasts by global region.

Driver Monitoring Systems

Market Strategies For Interior, Optics-Based Driver Monitoring and Occupant Detection/Dynamic Airbag Systems

Over the past ten years, the vision of vehicle safety has continually evolved, prompting the creation of a new breed of safety monitoring systems. The newly emerging systems – featuring “intelligent” airbags and onboard cameras -- now focus on monitoring the driver as opposed to just the vehicle. The study provides a strategic and technological overview of all the major technologies being used to accomplish this task, with a focus on optics-based systems. Image sensors, ultrasonic systems, e-field systems, weight/pressure sensors, and thermal imagers are among the top technologies it examines. In addition, the study offers detailed profiles of all the major industry players. Regional forecasts are also presented for optics-based “smart” airbag systems as well as for driver monitoring systems through 2015.

The Market for Electric Vehicles

An Assessment of Plug-in Vehicles, Fuel Cells, and Battery Technologies

As automakers struggle to refinance, restructure and retool to cope with the economic downturn, they’re also challenged to produce increasingly fuel-efficient, less-polluting cars and trucks, buses and vans. A growing number are including electric vehicles in their product plans. The benefits of electric vehicles are clear: they don’t depend on oil-based fuels, hydrogen or other gases for power; they release no greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, and you can recharge them pretty much anywhere that has an outlet.

Consumer Hybrid Vehicles

Series, Parallel, Mild, Full Parallel and Assist Hybrid Cars

As their name implies, hybrid vehicles use some combination of power sources for propulsion. Most often, a standard internal combustion engine (ICE) is combined with an electric motor and battery pack; the electric motor moves the vehicle at slow speeds, and the gas engine takes over when the car needs to move faster. The use of an electric motor can greatly increase gas mileage, and while the electric motor is in operation, the vehicle doesn’t pollute.

Automotive Obstacle Detection Systems

Market Analysis of Ultrasonic, Radar, Lidar, and Camera-Based Automotive Safety Technology

Automotive safety has taken a back seat recently due to the rise in fuel prices focusing more attention on economy. But safety remains an important factor for both consumers and governments around the world. Vehicle crashes continue to account for a large number of lives lost each year, despite considerable improvements in occupant protection. So what are manufacturers doing to help reduce the number of collisions? Which of the competing technologies offers the best performance, and which is likely to dominate the market in the long term?

This report provides an analysis of global market trends, technological evaluations of different approaches used by system developers, and discussion of existing product announcements. Obstacle detection sensor forecasts are provided globally, by region, through 2013.

Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Components

The Global Market for Batteries, Ultracapacitors, Electric Motors, and the Electronics that Improve Vehicle Efficiency

The hybrid-electric and electric vehicle markets have been growing slowly for several years, but the price premium for the additional hardware required always has been a significant barrier to mass market appeal. The hydraulic and flywheel energy storage systems remain very much in the evaluation phase, but they have started to get some serious consideration in garbage truck and Formula One Racing applications respectively.

This report combines the recent NextGen vehicle research on electric vehicles with data from NextGen’s reports on both consumer and commercial hybrids, to present the overall vehicle sales forecast numbers broken down by hybrid, electric, and hydraulic architecture from 2008 through 2014. In addition, NextGen provides analysis of the markets for specific components used in hybrid and electric vehicles, such as advanced battery systems and electric motors.

Automotive Infotainment

Navigation Systems, Satellite and Digital Radio, Video, In-Car Computing, and Digital Content

The amount of gadgetry drivers use is starting to rival consumer electronics used in the home. Millions of cars and trucks now have far more information and entertainment options than just weather and news radio; 20 million US drivers now have in-car video. DVDs and in-car Internet keep passengers entertained, while drivers can navigate using GPS and subscription applications like OnStar. A growing number of in-car infotainment devices are now part of integrated systems such as Ford’s SYNC which give drivers real-time updates on many aspects of the vehicle’s operation. Ford is competing with in-car electronics makers such as Audiovox, publishers such as Microsoft and open-source software alliances. These players are all working to establish standard infotainment frameworks that will let future devices work with today’s equipment.

This study covers the market for in-vehicle infotainment devices and services, and the architectures that make them work together.

Plug-in Vehicle Infrastructures

Charging Stations for Electric and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles

Plug-in vehicles are set to hit the consumer market at the end of 2010, and will attain widespread distribution in 2011. But will drivers of these vehicles, which need to be plugged into the electricity grid to recharge, find themselves running on empty when it comes to finding a robust charging infrastructure?

This study investigates the current state of the electric charging market, segmented into residential, semi-private and public markets, with forecast data on the number of stations installed from 2010 through 2015.

Batteries and Fuel Cells

Portable Power for Portable Devices

As portable devices have become smaller in size and richer in features, their power needs have grown, but battery designers and manufacturers have not been able to keep pace by squeezing more energy into less space. Existing battery chemistries are approaching the limits of their energy densities, creating the potential for a "power shortage" as increasingly smaller gadgets make growing demands on batteries that cannot provide sufficient sustained power to take advantage of the latest power-hungry features.

LED Lighting

Solid State Lighting Applications, Technologies, and Market Opportunities

Energized by improvements in the technology that have produced dramatic increases in light output for both high brightness (HB) and color LEDs, as well as significant extensions of LED life spans, LEDs now have powerful and vocal proponents among local, state and federal governments, commercial industries and private citizens. All of these groups have come together to spur widespread acceptance and increasing adoption of LEDs as a viable, mainstream, "green" technology.

Printed Electronics

Market Opportunities and Applications in Optoelectronics, Large Area Electronics, and Power Generation & Management

The Global Photovoltaic Market

Sunny Prospects for Energy Independence Through Solar Power

The photovoltaic industry has boomed over the past decade, growing at a rate of over 35% per year. Concerned about climate change and energy independence, governments have been implementing incentives that promote the adoption of solar energy in order to shift consumption away from fossil fuels for the generation of electricity.

ABI Research forecasts that, following dour markets in 2009-2010 caused by the global economic meltdown and unanticipated oversupply in silicon feedstock (the raw material from which most solar cells are made), the global photovoltaic industry will experience markedly higher growth starting in 2011, with Italy, Japan, and the United States among the countries that will drive demand.

Green Computing

Reducing the Environmental Impact of PCs, Servers By Using Safer Materials, Slashing Power Needs

Personal computers and servers are power hogs that can exacerbate electrical consumption trends, which results in increased pollution. In addition to the products themselves, the inefficient manufacturing and packaging of these products also adversely impacts the environment by using toxic substances, and/or by not taking advantage of reusable or recycled materials. The toxic substances used find their way into landfills around the globe (particularly in developing countries in Africa and Eastern Europe) where they can seep into the atmosphere and the ground water supply, creating potential health hazards for humans, animals and plant life.

This study looks at how green personal computers, netbooks and servers will become an increasing portion of the PC/server market over the forecast period.

e-Book Readers and Electronic Paper

Digital Content and Display Technologies Kindle New Markets

After a long development and commercialization period, low-power "electronic ink" displays are going mass market, thanks mainly to Amazon’s Kindle reader. Almost all current reader displays, including the one used in the Kindle, license proprietary technology from Massachussetts-based eInk, Inc.
The Kindle has caught on with early adopters the way Apple’s iPod did, but just as the iPod was not the first portable digital music player, neither is the Kindle the first device to use eInk. What remains to be seen is whether other contenders—some with possibly better technology—will displace the Kindle and/or expand the market.
This report covers the market for eInk and competing display technologies used in electronic book readers, and to be used in digital signage, retail shelf tags, and other devices.

The Aftermarket for PC Accessories

Mice, Monitors, Keyboards, Webcams, and Other PC Add-ons

Businesses and consumers holding off on the purchase of new computer systems have turned to accessories as a way to improve on what they already have. But even so, revenues have slowed for some categories in the computer accessories aftermarket because, while unit sales have been strong, manufacturers and retailers have reduced prices and cut margins in order to keep the flow of products moving.
According to this new study by ABI Research, the US market will see little growth over the forecast period, while emerging markets, especially China, will be fertile ground for computer accessories.

e-Waste Recovery and Recycling

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Sustainable Product Development, Extended Producer Responsibility, and Toxic Exports

Discarded electronic products and components - or e-waste, as they are collectively known - can represent either a major environmental dilemma or a massive potential economic windfall. If treated properly, much e-waste may be reclaimed or recycled for future use and converted into a significant new revenue stream. Improperly treated e-waste, on the other hand, poses a massive threat to the world's ecosystem and can result in contamination to the soil, air, and water, while also exposing workers, nearby residents, and wildlife to a multitude of health hazards.

This study forecasts that the worldwide market for e-waste recovery will grow from $5.7 billion in 2009 to nearly $14.7 billion by the end of 2014, representing a CAGR of 20.8% over the forecast period. This figure represents money generated through reclamation of valuable materials from e-scrap.

Green Wi-Fi, Data Centers, and Network Switches

Who Are the Greenest Vendors?

This study is a very comprehensive evaluation of the efforts of vendors to offer green Wi-Fi equipment, data center equipment, and network switches. In addition to rating vendors for the degree to which they have added green features to their products and reduced power consumption, this report also rates the vendors’ own internal green initiatives. It assesses the degree to which they have conducted carbon footprint studies and developed quantifiable carbon footprint goals. It also examines vendors’ efforts to encourage telepresence and video conferencing to reduce employee travel and telecommuting, thus keeping cars off the road. The research also includes evaluations of the capacity-per-watt measurements of network switches and Wi-Fi controllers, and provides forecasts of the global annual power consumption of PCs, servers, Wi-Fi controllers, Wi-Fi access points and Ethernet switches.

Smart Grid Applications

Smart Meters, Demand Response, and Distributed Generation

Most of the electric utility infrastructure deployed in the industrialized world was built between 60 to 80 years ago, and was designed to provide customers with as much energy as they could consume, generated from a centralized fossil fuel plant. However, much of the infrastructure is antiquated, and with the continuing increase in demand for power, the grid cannot safely and reliably manage the loads of today and tomorrow without significant upgrades. Furthermore, climate change standards and renewable energy mandates are among the key drivers that are forcing utilities to upgrades their infrastructure to incorporate new generation sources that do not negatively impact the environment. In order to accommodate these renewable sources of energy, which usually produce power on an intermittent basis, utilities are needing to install more accurate measurement, monitoring, control and analysis equipment to ensure these energy sources can be properly and reliably integrated into the grid. These intelligent technological and communication enhancements are usually described as the smart grid.

This study covers the market for smart grid equipment and services for the 2010-2015 period, covering North America, Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, and selected other countries in the Rest of the World. It provides the outlook for smart meter installations, as well as the spending associated with them. It also examines and forecasts spending on smart grid-related Transmission and Distribution (T&D) infrastructure, as well as implementation of specific smart grid-related components at the utility level, such as synchrophasors and HAN communication chipsets.

Mobile Networks Go Green

Minimizing Power Consumption and Leveraging Renewable Energy

Handset Recycling and Refurbishment

Impact on Primary Handset Sales and Opportunities for Mobile Operators, Handset Vendors, Recycling Companies, and Retailers

Global Wind Power Market

The Outlook for Renewable Energy Generation by Wind Turbines, Wind Farms

The emission-neutral energy provided by wind power represents a unique opportunity to help the world end its reliance on fossil fuels, and to spur the economy by creating millions of "green collar" jobs. Wind power has followed an evolutionary path over thousands of years that has transformed it from an efficient method for grinding grain into the world’s fastest-growing and most cost-competitive sustainable energy source.

Green Mobile Devices

Regulatory, Consumer, and Industry Drivers for Corporate Social Responsibility

Carbon Capture, Sequestration, and Emissions Trading

The Outlook for Global Carbon Markets

Human-generated carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are acknowledged by the scientific community as having a contributing effect on global climate change. Two major avenues for controlling the spread of carbon are being explored: Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS), in which carbon dioxide is caught at the point of production and piped to a secure facility for long-term storage, and Carbon Emissions Trading, in which producers are allocated allowances for their anticipated carbon production, and can sell any that they don’t use (or buy what they need to compensate for any over-production of carbon).

This study examines both CCS and the carbon emissions trading market, delineating major drivers and issues (technical, regulatory, and business) for each sector.

Energy Management and Commercial Building Automation

Building Management Systems, HVAC, and Lighting Controls

Green Building Materials

Cement, Insulation, and Wood Products Help Engineer a Greener World

Green building has become a global phenomenon, driving innovation in the products that are used and the buildings in which we live and work. What started with a handful of government buildings utilizing first-generation sustainable building products is now a worldwide movement, with commercial construction and residential building moving to the fore in sustainability. Voluntary standards and government mandates are driving growth in green building, as awareness of environmental issues has increased in developed and developing countries. The global green building materials market continues to grow, despite the global economic downturn.

Renewable Energy Storage

Batteries, Flywheels, Molten Salt, Pumped Hydro, and Other Technologies That Help Manage Intermittency in the Power Grid

Nations are increasingly investing in renewable energy, but adding solar and wind power to the electrical power grid can be tricky because solar can't provide energy at night and wind turbines can't generate electricity when the wind stops blowing. The grid can't deal with power sources that it can't predict, so the solution being investigated and adopted by utilities worldwide is the addition of storage to the equation. Storage can absorb extra power generated by solar, wind and even hydroelectric power generation and feed it to the grid during periods of peak demand whether or not the sun shines or the wind blows.

This study examines the types of energy storage currently in use and being investigated, and looks ahead at the extent to which utilities around the world will be able to take increasing advantage of them over the forecast period.

3D Printing

Rapid Prototyping/Additive Fabrication/Solid Imaging via Stereolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, Selective Laser Sintering and Inkjet Technologies

The term "3D Printing" is a general name for process, in which a three-dimensional object is created by adding materials a little bit at a time in successive layers to build up a full-scale model of an item. 3D Printing may be used to create a single item for design visualization purposes, to create a component to determine how well it will integrate with other components, or to generate products for short-run manufacturing.

As the global economic downturn continues to impede market growth, ABI Research expects the 3D Printing industry will see revenues decline in the near term, with a return to growth by 2011.

Biometrics

Fingerprinting, Iris Scanning, Facial Recognition, and Other Technologies for Public and Personal Security

Biometrics offer a way to automate the recognition of a person’s identity based on a physiological or behavioral characteristic. Fingerprints, eyes, faces, hands, veins, ears, signatures and keystrokes are all biometric identifiers. There are vendors with equipment designed to collect each, and multiple applications for their use. Demand for greater security has driven interest and development in biometrics, with governments around the world leading adoption. This has given rise to a raft of new and emerging international standards to ensure interoperability. It has also created a market scale and equipment pricing to make biometrics an option for many private sector and corporate applications with demands for both increased security and convenience. This study examines the multiple technologies used to collect and manage biometric data as well as the leading and potential applications for biometrics. It also covers international and industry standards, key vendors and players throu

Next Generation Financial Kiosks

No Bank, No Account, No Envelope Required

Since their first trial more than 30 years ago, kiosks have been installed in airports, retail stores, state parks, banks and many other locations. Kiosks have evolved from what were electronic information booths to offer advanced interactivity in multiple languages, across a breadth of services. Not surprisingly, the ATM variety of kiosks is the leading self-service technology within the financial services sector. Next-generation ATMs capable of accepting envelope-free cash and check deposits will drive the market for the next five years and beyond.

This study considers the drivers and inhibitors of the market for financial kiosks and ATMs, as well as assessing the regulatory and business challenges facing the market, and the strategies of leading- and cutting-edge financial kiosk manufacturers and deployers.

Personal Robotics 2009

Task, Security and Surveillance/Telepresence, Entertainment and Education Robots, and Robotic Components Markets Through 2015

The personal robotics market includes consumer robotic products that have some intelligence, interface with their environment through sensors, and perform a desired function. This function may be to perform a task, to act as a security system, to entertain people, or to be used as an educational tool.

The majority of personal robotics shipments for each year of the forecast period will be task robots and entertainment robots. Education robots will remain a small share of the market through the forecast period, while security and surveillance/telepresence robots will be a growing market segment.

Digital Signage Market Analysis

Challenges and Opportunities for Growth; Market Forecasts

Digital technology has had a profound impact on all vertical media industries. Advertising is of critical importance both to entertainment itself and to the media enterprises that create, manage and distribute it. An emerging and growing advertising medium is digital signage. The required technology has been available for more than a decade but it is only in the past few years that the digital signage market has started to take off.

This study examines the current trends in the digital signage market and explains digital signage’s role in driving sales, increasing revenues and communicating with the end user. It explores the factors driving and restraining the growth of the market, and discusses key players, product offerings and the verticals that buy digital signage solutions. The report includes company profiles, market forecasts, and analysis of price trends.

Touch Screens in Mobile Devices

Technology Analysis of Touch Screens, and Forecasts for Their Penetration in Mobile Phones, PNDs, PDAs, UMPCs, MIDs, and Tablet PCs

Touch screen technology for mobile devices is going through a period of renaissance due in large part to the fascination surrounding iconic mobile phones such as Apple’s iPhone and Samsung’s Instinct, which have brought touch to a new level of user acceptance. Driven by a number of trends including the growing desire for more intuitive interfaces and personalization options as device functionality increases, as well as decreasing ASPs for touch components and panels, the penetration of touch screens in mobile devices will continue to increase, but at different rates depending on the geographic region. This study examines and provides forecasts for the market for touch screen displays in communication and productivity-centric mobile device form factors including mobile handsets, portable navigation devices, personal digital assistants, ultra mobile personal computers, mobile Internet devices, and tablet PCs.

Next Generation Kiosks and Self-Service Technology

Enabling End-User Access to Entertainment, Financial, Government, Retail, Other Applications

Interactive kiosks are at the center of a global movement towards self-service that is changing the way consumers and businesses interact with one another. While in some markets and locations kiosks are as ubiquitous as cash registers, there are entire regions of the world that have yet to realize the potential that this technology offers.
The market for kiosks will grow at a CAGR of nearly 19% through 2014. As of 2009, the top applications include entertainment, retail and travel; this will still be the case in 2014, though the number of kiosks in the market will be significantly larger.

Next Generation Point of Sale Systems and Retail Technology

Integrated POS Systems, Payment Terminals, Barcode Scanners, POS Printers, and Electronic Article Surveillance Systems

This study provides a detailed overview of some of the leading technologies utilized by retailers. Much of the study is focused on the hardware aspects of the technology market, including customer-facing systems such as point of sale systems, payment terminals and peripherals. Discussions throughout Section 2 and Section 3 provide insight into the technology and trends currently driving the market.

Exoskeletons, Powered Prostheses and Optical Sensory Devices

The Global Market for Human Enhancement/Augmentation Systems

Human augmentation systems are devices or systems that supplement the body’s own capabilities, either by replacing the functionality of a non-working or missing body part, or by enhancing the functionality or capability of an individual. This study focuses on three nascent but robust categories within this sector: powered exoskeletons (wearable, powered machines that consist of an outer frame, a power supply that contributes a portion of the energy to move the exoskeleton’s limbs, and a variety of controllers, motors and sensors that work in harmony to provide added strength, endurance or protection to the wearer); advanced powered upper-limb prostheses (primarily medical devices that provide lifelike arm and hand functionality that goes far beyond the traditional "hook and claw" mechanical prosthetic arms and hands commonly used by amputees), and ocular sensory-substitution devices to help the blind to "see" in some form or fashion.

Business Continuity/Disaster Data Recovery

Data Protection, Backup, and Related Products and Services for the Enterprise and SOHO/SMB Sectors

Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery technologies include hardware, software and services aimed at preventing losses of crucial, potentially sensitive business data, whether from intermittant power outages or full-fledged natural disasters. The evolution of product and service delivery into Cloud Computing and virtualization will serve to boost the sector's growth, since little or no hardware provisioning would be required on the client's site. While the global economic downturn has hurt the sector, ABI Research anticipates growth will pick up again in 2010 and beyond.

This report covers the market for business continuity and disaster recovery solutions in the period 2004-2015, segmented by major global region, by category (hardware, software and services) and by size of business (SBM/SOHO vs. Enterprise).

Consumer Cloud Computing

Web-based Applications for E-Mail, Document Storage/Sharing, PC Protection, and Backup

The concept of Cloud Computing involves the provision of web-based applications in place of local software and services, which can provide unlimited off-site storage and software applications similar to those most frequently used by consumers. The value proposition is that the consumer does not have to buy the software, but can access it for free (or for a small monthly fee) via any web browser, which also permits consumers to access their content from any Internet-connected computer. Such services also provide access to new or upgraded versions of these applications as they become available at no additional fee, and ultimately provide the consumer with peace of mind that a hard drive failure or other catastrophic event will not result in irretrievable loss of prized data.

This study provides the results of a survey of US consumers aged 18-55 on their familiarity with, and usage of, cloud computing applications. Based on those results, the study forecasts adult US consumer uptake of cloud computing applications from 2009 to 2015.

Consumer Cloud Computing Survey 2010

E-Mail, Online Data Storage, Photo Storage and Sharing, Anti-Virus/Anti-Spam, and PC Backup

In January 2010, ABI Research surveyed a total of 1,003 U.S. adult consumers on their awareness and usage of cloud computing applications. Respondents were asked about the type(s) of computers, operating systems and Internet connections they typically use, their computer-related activities at home and work, and their awareness of and experience with web-based applications aimed at consumers. While many consumers reported familiarity with at least one cloud-based application, few indicated any willingness to pay for their use.

This study contains information on the respondents to this study and their specific responses when asked about their familiary, use and potential use of web-based applications, as well as how much they potentially would pay to be able to access and use such applications.

[top]Telematics & Navigation

Consumer Telematics in Asia-Pacific

Vehicle Tracking and Information Systems in China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea

Which vendor is the key player in the Asian consumer vehicle tracking market? What are the main features of current tracking solutions in Asia? What differences characterize the vehicle tracking systems of the Japanese, Korean, and Chinese markets? What are the technology development trends in those regions? This study provides an analysis of the consumer vehicle tracking market in this region. It examines hardware development trends, identifies market drivers, and presents forecasts for hardware shipments, subscribers, service value , and total market value through 2012.

Fleet Management Systems in Japan and South Korea

Commercial Telematics Trends, Key Players, Applications, and Market Forecasts

The proliferation of GPS-enabled mobile phones has lowered the barriers that previously hindered adoption of commercial vehicle telematics by small and medium enterprises in Japan and South Korea. Lower profit margins have forced transportation carriers in both regions to maximize fleet efficiencies and minimize operating costs. The challenge has been met through the utilization of electronic Fleet Management Systems (FMS). Under the Japanese Government’s ambitious ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) project, Japan’s commercial telematics adoption has grown, not only for freight trucks, but also for emergency vehicles, rental cars, and public transportation fleets.

In South Korea, the availability of location-based services (LBS) via the mobile handset has led many service providers and hardware manufacturers to extend LBS applications to commercial fleets. Japanese and South Korean companies have responded favorably to commercial telematics services partly due to the broad range of applications. ABI Research foresees that the logistics industry, and increasing technological innovation, will spur new momentum for commercial telematics services in both regions.

This study outlines the leading commercial vehicle telematics services, profiles FMS hardware solution providers and operators, and analyzes the relevant government initiatives which will help drive further development for FMS. Market forecasts through 2011 are also provided.

Intelligent Transportation Systems in Japan and South Korea

Market Environment, ITS National Projects, Key Players, and Forecasts

This study’s purpose is not to provide an exhaustive technical assessment of the technologies and industries covered, but rather to assess both Japanese and South Korean ITS service concepts, and those countries’ preparations for nationwide ITS services through field assessments and other projects.

With its existing VICS (Vehicle Information and Communication System) and advanced ITS solutions such as AHS (Advanced Cruise-Assist Highway System) and ASV (Advanced Safety Vehicle), Japan is leading the ITS market globally.

With matured market demand from users in fields such as telematics, LBS, and real-time traffic information, South Korea is also seeking systematic traffic information systems. These efforts are backed by the South Korean government.

The study presents a detailed evaluation of nationwide ITS projects such as ‘National ITS 21’ and ‘U-City’ in South Korea as well as ‘Smartway 2007’ in Japan. It closely examines the market environment and driving factors for ITS, ITS service concepts, and major participants’ activities in the markets. Other highlights of this report include ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) system deployments and outcomes, and DSRC-based applications such as cashless payment at parking lots and filling stations. Further, the report forecasts real-time traffic information subscribers, market volumes and revenue, and in-vehicle ETC terminal shipments and revenue for the period 2006 to 2012.

Active RFID and Wi-Fi in the RTLS Market

Asset Management for Automotive, Defense, Healthcare, and Transportation Vertical Markets

Closed loop applications, including asset management and work in process tracking, have been part of the overall RFID market for more than five years. Recently active RFID vendors have faced some new competition from Wi-Fi-based location system providers. The asset management market has also received greater media attention and general interest over the past year. This study focuses on the market for active, rather than passive, tag systems.

ABI Research analyzes the impact Wi-Fi vendors will have on the market, and explains the differences between active RFID and Wi-Fi systems. Both applications and vertical markets are discussed in this study. Quantitative market analysis is also provided: shipments are broken down by frequency and technology; revenues are also reported for tags, readers, software, and services.

Navigation Devices in Asia

Industry Trends and Dynamics, Key Vendor Profiles, Applications, and Market Forecast

Who are the key players in Asia’s navigation market? How far has this market developed in Asia? Which sales channel will work best for navigation systems?

This study provides an analysis of the navigation device market in the Asia-Pacific region. It offers market share data, measures navigation penetration rates, and surveys the region’s relevant laws and policies. It describes the development status of Location Based Services (LBS), map, and positioning technologies. Finally, it presents market forecasts for shipments and revenue segmented by a number of different parameters.

Automotive RFID Markets

Vehicle Entry and Security Systems, TPMS, Automotive Manufacturing, ETC and AVI

Although the automotive RFID market is not the most talked about within the RFID industry, it is clearly one of the largest in terms of shipments and revenues. RFID has been used in the automotive environment for close to 20 years. As the technologies improve, manufacturers are beginning to explore the use of RFID in improving manufacturing processes as well as adding functionality to vehicles. The scope of this study includes not only RFID but technologies utilizing RF, such as tire pressure monitoring systems and vehicle entry and security systems. Electronic Toll Collection and Automatic Vehicle Identification are also discussed in this report.

Fleet Management Systems in China

Commercial Telematics Trends, Key Players, Applications and Market Forecasts

Who are the key players in the Chinese commercial telematics market? What are the main features of current fleet management system solutions in China? This report provide an analysis of the market in this region, explains how laws and regulations will impact the development of the FMS market, and presents Chinese fleet management market forecasts for hardware shipments, subscribers, service value and total market value.

Commercial Navigation Systems

Embedded, Portable, PND, and Converged Solutions

Commercial navigation systems optimized for trucks are quickly gaining momentum with dedicated embedded solutions, optimized PNDs and converged form factors enjoying fast uptake. Commercial navigation offers optimized routing based on truck dimensions but also includes many other features such as truck-specific POIs such as weighing stations and time-on-duty and mileage reporting.

This report describes commercial navigation form factors and features, drivers and barriers, pricing, players and products, and forecasts as well as a detailed segmentation analysis for North America.

Cargo Container Tracking and Security

RFID, Cellular and Satellite Communications for Supply Chain Management and National Security

Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC)

The Emerging Market for Advanced Automotive Safety and Communications

The growing volume of vehicles on roads all over the world is leading to congestion and safety issues. Traffic jams are very expensive in both time lost and fuel used, and contribute to excessive emissions in some cities. Safety statistics show fatalities falling since the 1980s with the introduction of passive safety technology, but that trend has leveled off in recent years. While active safety applications are being developed and introduced slowly in the most expensive vehicles, governments around the world are turning to a new solution that aims to manage traffic as a whole: Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC). This report provides an overview of the current status of the technology being rolled out, and an assessment of when it will be implemented.

Fleet Management Systems

Commercial Telematics Markets, Applications, and Forecasts

This study examines the fleet management systems market, a segment of the commercial telematics industry that targets fleets of professionally driven, land-based vehicles.

It provides a definition of target vertical markets, and considers end-user applications, enabling wireless technologies, and market dynamics. It includes profiles of selected ecosystem participants. Market forecasts are also given for regional subscription penetration, system subscriptions, system hardware shipments, and total system revenues by regional segments.

GPS Semiconductors

ICs, Chipsets, Modules, Technology Developments, and Business Factors

Global Navigation Satellite Positioning Solutions

Markets and Applications for GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and Beidou

GPS / GNSS technology is quickly becoming an enabler of all mobile hardware and services. While multi-GNSS constellations hold the promise of improved availability and accuracy, at the same time GNSS is being complemented by a wide range of alternative technologies such as Wi-Fi, inertial sensors and network-based positioning, to improve overall reliability in challenging environments. Connected converged GNSS form factors such as handsets, MIDs, and netbooks will increasingly compete with dedicated stand-alone hardware solutions.

This study describes the underlying technologies and status of satellite positioning technologies including satellite augmentation systems such as WAAS and EGNOS, A-GPS, and high precision technology based on DGPS and RTK. It also provides an overview of all end-user segments which includes solutions, vendors, and forecasts.

Intelligent Transportation Systems Market Overview

DSRC, Radar, Video Detection, GPS, WWAN, and Infrastructure Sensors

The concept of Intelligent Transportation Systems has been around for many years. However it is a very broad term that covers a wide range of different technologies. Consumer and commercial telematics are important along with new emergency call systems and electronic toll collection. Advanced systems for preventing accidents via vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications are also significant. Pulling all this together is advanced traffic management that will ultimately gather congestion data from a variety of sources and use it for real-time information dissemination and control of traffic signals.

This study discusses the current status of implementations and pilot schemes, and analyzes the potential for future growth and rollout of many elements of ITS.

The Developing Korean Telematics Value Chain

South Korean Telematics Service Providers, Auto Makers, Terminal Makers and Solution Providers

Boasting one of the highest broadband and 3G penetration rates in the world, Korea is a communications industry leader. Telematics terminals have been flooding the market at various price points with limited success. The Korean government has been playing a critical role in nurturing this nascent industry and early indications are that it may be paying off. With maturing business models and a highly developed value chain, Korea is on track to become a major telematics player by the end of the decade.

Domestic wireless operators and automakers are making an all out effort to cultivate the market. In this report, the government strategy, telematics services, hardware and other components of the Korean telematics value chain are explored in detail.

Marine and Aerospace Navigational Systems

Market Trends for Aviation and Marine GNSS Receivers and Autopilot Systems

With the United States’ GPS system now in use and Europe’s Galileo to be operational in 2008, the accuracy and reliability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) is reaching unprecedented heights. At the same time, display and electronic chart technologies continue to improve and provide users with enhanced levels of graphical content. As air, road and waterways traffic increases, navigation systems play a key role in their efficient use.

This study presents regional forecasts for aviation handheld and panel mounted GPS receivers and for marine GPS receivers for the period 2004-2012. World forecasts are given for autopilot systems used in aviation and marine applications, and the report discusses current and future marine and aviation market trends in detail. Unmanned vehicle regulatory and economic issues are also analyzed, and the research examines the impact Galileo is expected to have on future GNSS receiver development. The study also offers profiles of many of the major industry participants.

Navigation Devices and Services

In-Dash, Portable, and Mobile Handset-Based Navigation

The consumer navigation market continues to advance as some new features and capabilities come to fruition, others fall short, business models change and the ecosystem evolves. There has been a great deal of activity around mobile handset solutions, as vendors scramble to take advantage of the growth in GPS-enabled devices and application stores. Vendors that offer navigation systems in other form factors (In-dash, aftermarket and PND) continue to evolve their solutions to meet the changing needs and desires of consumers.

This study provides in-depth coverage of consumer navigations systems, devices and services by worldwide region. It discusses recent events in the space, provides recommendations for ecosystem players, explores important trends in the market, and includes detailed forecasts by geography.

Predictive Traffic Information

Historical, Real-time, and Predictive Speed Profile Information

The combination of probe-based road speed profiles and the modeling metadata such as planned events, weather, vehicle type and driving behavior will enable traffic providers such as INRIX, TrafficCast International, and Journey Dynamics to launch true predictive traffic solutions in 2009. Dynamic time-dependent routing for improved fastest route calculation and Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) accuracy, up-front trip planning, mobile traffic alerts, and just-in-time confidence-based routing will allow consumers and professional users to save fuel and avoid wasting time. The reliability of traffic prediction models will contribute to an increased willingness to pay, and will drive uptake to more than 300 million users by 2013. This study provides definitions, benefits, and use cases for predictive traffic solutions. It describes the main market players, their traffic product roadmaps, business models, and the main barriers they are facing. Forecasts of the number of predictive traffic

Traffic Information Systems

Historical, Real-Time, and Predictive Traffic Services and Technologies

Traffic information services are evolving fast towards a combination of historical, real-time, and predictive information allowing optimized (re-)routing and reliable Estimated Time of Arrival calculations. Major navigation brands such as Nokia and Google leverage probe data from their customer base to offer free traffic updates. Smaller vendors are shifting to lifetime traffic offers bundled with the navigation device.

This study examines the different types of traffic information, traffic use cases and form factors, traffic capture methods, and connectivity technologies. Profiles of all main players are included. It describes the evolving value chain and business models, and provides traffic users and direct revenue forecasts.

Consumer Telematics

Embedded, Hybrid, Portable, and Converged Solutions

Consumer telematics systems are gaining momentum due to the growing awareness about the benefits of positioning and communications technologies in cars for improved safety, security, maintenance, convenience, infotainment, and cost savings. Toyota plans the launch of telematics services in the US and China in 2009, and Ford continues to extend its SYNC service in the US, with introduction in Europe scheduled for 2010. Government regulation is an important driver in Europe, Mexico and Brazil.

This study examines consumer telematics features, trends, drivers and barriers, including a SWOT analysis for each hardware form factor. It describes the telematics ecosystem and value chain and provides strategic recommendations. The study contains forecasts by region for shipments and revenues of embedded and hybrid OEM, aftermarket, portable and converged systems and services.a

Fleet Management Systems in Taiwan

Commercial Telematics Trends, Key Players, Applications, and Market Forecasts

Who are the key players in the commercial telematics market in Taiwan? What are the main features of current fleet management systems (FMS) solutions there? This study provides an analysis of the market in this region, presenting the key players, and comparing the different telematics systems and services provided by call center operators in the Taiwanese market. The report includes fleet management market forecasts for hardware shipments, subscribers, service value and total market value.

Trailer Tracking Markets

Global Business Issues, Technology Evolution, and Demand Drivers

The adoption of trailer tracking systems has exhibited steady growth over recent years, with an upswing over the last year that looks likely to continue. The market players are starting to mature and now offer more than simple asset tracking services.

This study distills the findings of our Commercial Telematics Research Service and offers a top-level overview of trailer tracking in one concise report. It details the existing segmentation of the markets and applications, as well as new and evolving segments. Critical business and economic issues are identified for six major world regions. The study also analyzes new trends and market developments, and includes profiles of a number of selected players in the market.

Alternative Positioning Technologies

Wi-Fi, Cell-of-Origin, Cellular, Motion Sensors, and Broadcast TV

A range of promising next-generation LBS applications such as local search, social networking and geo-tagging increasingly rely on indoor location and fast fix times. These require that GPS technology be complemented or replaced by new location technologies based on Wi-Fi, Cell-ID, cellular, broadcast TV and motion sensors. GPS, Wi-Fi and Cell-ID hybrid solutions will become the most popular because of high mobile penetration levels as well as their complementary characteristics and low cost that are due to automatic, self-learning reference database creation and maintenance procedures.

This study provides an overview of alternative positioning technologies including main trends, an in-depth discussion of the ecosystem and value chain, detailed descriptions of the main players, business models, drivers and barriers, as well as detailed forecasts per region, type, LBS application and device form factor.

Connected Navigation Devices

Cellular, Wi-Fi, RDS-TMC, Bluetooth and Other Connectivity Options for PNDs

The emergence of connected navigation services such as real-time traffic, local search, and map updates has prompted the major personal navigation device (PND) vendors to develop connected PNDs with two-way real-time connectivity based on cellular and Wi-Fi technology, in order to generate new recurring service revenue streams and compete with handset-based and in-dash connected navigation systems. This study examines the features, trends, drivers for and barriers to connected personal navigation devices. It describes all major solutions, applications and business models, and provides recommendations to the major navigation players. The study contains forecasts by region for shipments, hardware, and service revenues of connected PNDs and services. PNDs and services.

GPS-Enabled Handsets

Market, Technology and Business Factors Driving the Growth of GPS, A-GPS and Hybrid Positioning for Mobile Handset Location

The economics of GPS semiconductors and initiatives by leading handset suppliers and mobile service providers are converging to create a fertile, growing field for location based services. Forward-looking phone manufacturers and network operators riding the crest of the market curve are taking notice, establishing branded mobile sharing web sites and collaborations with location based services application firms. As the number of subscribers with GPS-enabled handsets steadily increases, user awareness of handset-based navigation and social networking applications is placing pressure on ecosystem members to meet subscribers’ expectations for fully functional GPS handsets and LBS applications.

This study examines the evolving technology, economic and market factors driving the adoption rate of GPS-capable mobile phones, and analyzes the business opportunities and challenges of provisioning for and providing accurate positioning data across wireless network subscriber populations.

Mobile Location Based Services

Applications, Platforms, Positioning Technology, Handset Evolution, and Business Model Migration

The number of subscribers to handset-based location based services doubled in 2008 to more than eighteen million, with North America continuing to be the dominant region, accounting for slightly more than two-thirds of the total market. While navigation continued to lead in terms of total subscribers, two other application areas -- enterprise and community (including social networking) -- posted the highest year-to-year growth rates. Non-network based location based services are beginning to gain traction, as several well-known companies with significant financial resources announce service and platform models that rely on IP and browser connections with the handset. These models will place pressure on network operators to define their next-generation business models – models that are likely to embrace a data-centric approach. This change in tack will force network operators to be more open to partnerships beyond the traditional handset supplier relationships.

This study examines the evolution occurring within the LBS sector, and the impact it will have on ecosystem members and the long-term profitability of this sector. The report includes forecasts for location based subscriptions by segment and region, and provides assessments of technology drivers, evaluation of market risks, and recommendations to industry participants.

LBS Platforms

Mobile Location Centers, Positioning Determining Equipment, Location Enabling Servers, and Geographic Information Systems

Location functionality is not a standard feature of a wireless communications network. While 2.5G and 3G carriers have always had a degree of location awareness with regard to their subscribers, the information they have is not intrinsically useful or useable for provisioning value-added services. In order for handset location data to be extracted from a wireless network for use in this way, a carrier must invest in a Mobile Location Center (MLC), along with a Location Enabling Server (LES); plus additional modular server-based add-ons should they wish to support cellular location technologies that provide more than Cell-of-Origin levels of accuracy.

This study examines the value chain for LBS-enabling platforms, as well as the co-dependent relationships that exist between those platforms and the vendors that provide them. It highlights the business model for the sale of these solutions and examines the market-leading companies active in supplying them. Detailed MLC licensing revenue forecasts are included.

Location-Based Services (LBS) Ecosystem and Value Chains

Services Summary, Market Trends, Drivers and Barriers, and Forecasting

The LBS market is characterized by a large variety of services, devices and solutions with navigation expected to remain the most important application. While the location-industry value chains remain largely fragmented, the ongoing consolidation trend will contribute to the LBS industry moving to a mature stage with stable growth driven by the increasing availability of GPS-handsets, affordable data rate plans offered by carriers, a large range of user-friendly mobile devices and a rich choice of applications offered by third party developers. At the same time converged LBS solutions continue to be challenged by dedicated navigation and telematics solutions such as Personal Navigation Devices and systems like Onstar. The report provides an overview of the services, trends, drivers, barriers, ecosystems, value chains and forecast of the LBS, navigation, telematics and GPS-handset markets.

Location-Based Mobile Social Networking

Market Development, Revenue Opportunities, Applications, and Key Industry Players

The recent emergence of location-based mobile social networking services offered by providers such as GyPSii, Pelago and Loopt is revolutionizing social networking allowing users to share real-life experiences via geo-tagged user-generated multimedia content, see where their friends are and meet up with them. This new technology-enabled social geo-lifestyle will drive the uptake of Location Based Services and provide opportunities for location-based advertising in the future. This study describes product features, trends, barriers, drivers, and the overall location-based social networking ecosystem including detailed descriptions of solutions and market players. Special focus is given to business models. It also provides recommendations to all major players and shipment and revenue forecasts per region and per location-based social networking type.

Outdoor GPS Devices and Solutions

Handheld Dedicated and Converged Navigation Systems for Recreational Use

The outdoor GPS recreational navigation market has recently seen increased activity due to renewed interest in the outdoors and growing popularity of geocaching and location-based games. While handheld Outdoor GPS devices have become easier to use and more attractive thanks to big color screens and the addition of multimedia features, converged software solutions allow new users to become familiar with outdoor navigation at a lower price contributing to the education of the market. The Outdoor GPS Devices and Solutions study describes product features, trends, barriers, drivers, market players and the overall ecosystem. It provides shipment and revenue forecasts per region for both dedicated and converged outdoor solutions. Special focus is given to a comparison between the strengths and weakness of dedicated and converged solutions.

PC-Based Location Services

Internet Mapping Sites, Navigation and LBS Portals

Internet mapping sites are increasingly becoming interactive and featuring virtual reality navigation directions, send-to-mobile and sharing functions, and dynamic content such as real-time traffic and weather. Now, a new category of navigation and LBS portals is emerging, offering seamless integration between PC-based and mobile applications; TomTom and Nokia have announced online route planners. The availability of open APIs has stimulated the adoption of online mapping in corporate websites, and a large range of mashup applications.

This study provides an overview of online mapping sites and navigation/LBS portals including the main trends, an in-depth discussion of the ecosystem and value chain, detailed descriptions of the main players, business models, drivers, and barriers. It includes detailed forecasts per region and portal type as well as vendor market shares.

Wi-Fi Real Time Location Systems (RTLS)

Key Growth Drivers, Vertical Markets, Applications, Technology Issues, and Industry Players

Wi-Fi-based Real Time Location Systems will become an $800 million dollar market by 2012. This study examines the key vertical market segments spurring growth, as well as some of the drivers for horizontal growth such as fixed-mobile convergence. The report also examines the key competitive advantages as well as disadvantages of Wi-Fi RTLS products. In order to understand the dynamics of this market, it is necessary to examine the growth of a number of individual product components such as tags, appliances, software, and professional services, and to forecast the revenue growth from each key product category. In addition, since customer Wi-Fi networks were not designed to handle the requirements of RTLS, a considerable number of supplementary access points will need to be added. It’s critical, therefore, to estimate revenue from these access points, since it is a very significant number.

Touch Screens in Mobile Devices

Technology Analysis of Touch Screens, and Forecasts for Their Penetration in Mobile Phones, PNDs, PDAs, UMPCs, MIDs, and Tablet PCs

User-Generated Digital Maps and POIs

The Role of User Communities in Accurate and Up-to-Date Map Content

Community-based user-generated digital maps and POIs are bound to become very important in the future. They will allow digital map providers and navigation vendors to offer more accurate, always up-to-date and cheaper map updates to their customers while enhancing their brands. However, open initiatives such as the OpenStreetMap project may become disruptive factors in the digital maps and content ecosystem as they will provide detailed maps for free to all users, especially as they empower communities with quality control and ownership responsibility. With the emergence of pedestrian navigation and LBS services the amount of map detail and related content will be several orders of magnitude bigger than traditional map content. The extremely high costs of generating and keeping these huge volumes of data up-to-date will take this out of reach of commercial companies, leaving open community-based efforts as the only available option. As a result business models will shift from map and content license fees to advertising based revenue sources bringing the fixed Internet model to the mobile location ecosystem.

Sport and Fitness GPS Devices and Applications

GPS Watches, Cycling Computers, Golf Rangefinders, and Smartphone Applications

Off-Deck LBS

Carrier-Independent Location Applications and Content

With much of the LBS market long having been controlled by carriers, a new generation of off-deck LBS platforms is revolutionizing this market in terms of the level of competition, available applications, and most importantly a much wider user base. Both established players such as Nokia, Google, and TomTom, and small startups are embracing the new smartphone application market places as channels for their services. Off-deck LBS adopts new paradigms based on crowd-sourced location content, advertising-funded business models, alternative positioning technologies, and viral marketing techniques.

The off-deck LBS study clearly defines this LBS environment and provides detailed descriptions of the main platforms and players, drivers and barriers, pricing models and relevant technologies. Detailed activation and revenue forecasts per application type, platform and regions are also included.

[top]Semiconductors

3G Chipset Architectures for Video, Music, Gaming, and Television

Market Trends, Applications, Operators, and Semiconductor Vendors

Automotive Bluetooth

Handset, Headset, Telematics and OEM- and Aftermarket-Installed Devices

MEMS Accelerometers

Motion Sensors in the Wireless Handset and Consumer Electronics Markets

RF Power Amplifiers

Equipment and RF Power Device Analysis for Cellular and Mobile Wireless Infrastructure Markets

Low Energy Bluetooth

Automated Connectivity for Mobile Devices in Sports and Fitness, Home Automation, and Healthcare

Bluetooth: The Global Outlook

Market and IC Forecasts, Equipment and Technology Assessment

RF Power Semiconductors for Broadcast Applications

Analysis of the Evolving Demand for RF Power Semiconductors in FM, HDR/DAB, VHF Analog TV, UHF Analog TV and DTV Broadcasting

The RF power semiconductor market for broadcast applications very seldom receives any press or analysis. It was thought to be static, of small size and with few prospects for growth. Nothing could be further from the truth, because since digital broadcasting has hit the mainstream, this marketplace has become vibrant and much larger than once thought possible. This study examines the major sub-segments of terrestrial broadcasting services for both sound and video, and drills down to show how the evolution of digital broadcast services will affect the RF power semiconductor devices that are used in transmitters for new and existing applications.

DSP in the Mobile Handset

Chipsets, Technologies, Market Drivers and Forecasts

GPS Semiconductors

ICs, Chipsets, Modules, Technology Developments, and Business Factors

High-Power RFICs

Mobile Wireless Infrastructure Equipment Markets

Discrete devices have dominated high-power RF amplifiers for cellular and mobile wireless infrastructure network equipment since the inception of the industry. High-power monolithic RFICs are now challenging their position. RFICs have been around for a long time but historically they have been too expensive and their power levels too low to make a profound impact on the market. Pricing and power levels are now competitive with discrete parts. High-power RFICs have become a powerful disruptive force in this important market segment.

Connectivity IC Integration in Mobile Devices and Mobile Computing

Bluetooth, FM Radio, GPS, Wi-Fi, WiMedia, NFC, Wibree

Microwave and Millimeter Wave High-Power Vacuum Electron Devices and the Gallium Nitride Threat

The Coming Clash of Technologies

This study examines the microwave and millimeter wave high power vacuum electron device market and assesses how emerging gallium nitride (GaN) devices could affect that business. Microwave and millimeter wave VEDs have been in existence since World War II but this marketplace has been overlooked to a great extent by sexier technologies. Nevertheless, without these devices many defense systems, space communications, energy research, medical electronics systems and even the lowly microwave oven wouldn’t exist. The basic technology for these VEDs is based on the vacuum tube that was invented at the turn of the 20th century but this critical market is much larger than one would think and for the first time high performance GaN semiconductor devices are poised to grab a piece of it.

Mobile TV Handsets and Semiconductors

Broadcast Video Devices, Chipsets, BOM Analysis, and Key Market Drivers

Near Field Communication Semiconductors

Silicon Solutions for Wireless Handset Contactless Technology

The Timing Solutions Market

Quartz Crystal, SAW Oscillators, and Silicon Timing Devices

Timing solutions are among the linchpins of modern electronics. Used in almost all commercial and consumer equipment, these devices provide frequency control and timing for many applications that range from crystal oscillators for mobile phones and radio transmitters to complex timing devices for computers and navigation aids.

This study examines the major categories of timing solutions and presents both market share data for the major device vendors and five-year forecasts in a multiple scenario context. It presents detailed discussions of both the applications and the timing solutions for those applications. The report also reviews the transition from quartz crystal controlled oscillators to complex silicon timing solutions ICs.

High Power RF Semiconductors for Pulsed Applications

For The Avionics, L-Band, S-Band, and Sub-1 GHz Radar Markets

The high-power pulsed RF semiconductor device market is primarily driven by several specific sub-segments. For the purposes of this study they are:

Avionics – Transponders, navigational aids and data communications
Sub-1 GHz Radar
L-Band Radar
S-Band Radar

The final customers for these devices are primarily the worldwide air traffic control system, both airborne and ground-based, and commercial and military radar systems. The purpose of this study is to forecast the worldwide market for high power RF semiconductors for pulsed applications. It examines the avionics; L-Band, S-Band and Sub-1 GHz radar markets for the above devices. The forecast period is from 2008 to 2013 and the market is analyzed in terms of revenue and market share. This study examines High Power RF Semiconductors that have greater than 5 watts of peak output power and frequencies of operation up to 3.8 GHz. It does not examine RF power devices that are used for non-pulsed applications except for low power driver chains for high power pulsed devices.

RF Power Semiconductors

Silicon, Gallium Nitride, Gallium Arsenide, and Silicon Carbide High-Power RF Devices

Myriad services utilize RF power amplifiers in their transmitter circuitry: wireless infrastructure for cell phones and other mobile devices; radio and television broadcasting; medical equipment such as MRI machines; materials curing that includes carpet fibers and plywood; radar; space and satellite communications; police and fire radios; and military communications and electronics of all kinds. Most of these transmitters use semiconductors in the RF power amplifier output stages. Even modern, extremely high-power broadcast transmitters that traditionally have used large vacuum tubes in their RF sections, have finally begun to use solid-state devices.

This study examines RF power semiconductor devices that have power outputs of greater than 5 watts and operate at frequencies of up to 3.8 GHz, which represent the bulk of applications in use today.