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what's next in connectivity | |
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Monday - October 13, 2008
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Research Report
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 Mobile Wireless3G 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Cellular M2M Markets Market Opportunities and Trends for Embedded Modules The cellular M2M module market grew strongly over the course of 2007 and looks set to continue this strong growth over the period from 2008 through 2013. Nevertheless, cellular M2M module vendors face increasingly challenging pressures on their abilities to earn a profit. These market pressures include: commoditization, threat of obsolescence in the value chain, and competition from Asia-Pacific based module vendors. Conversely, the cellular M2M module market enjoys some key benefits, in contrast to the (now largely defunct) market for modules used in mobile handsets: significant application fragmentation, growing application complexity, and North American certification challenges. This study discusses these market forces, analyzes cellular M2M module vendor strategic responses, provides 2006 and 2007 vendor market share data, and forecasts cellular M2M module shipment and revenue growth for the period from 2008 through 2013, segmented by region, application, and air interface stan Cellular Modems and Mobile Broadband Connectivity Supplier Competitive Analysis and Device Forecast: PC Cards, Express Cards, USB Modems, Embedded Modems, 3G/Wi-Fi Routers Cellular networks are becoming a viable medium providing connectivity to Internet, e-mail, and other services for the laptop and PC. Cellular connectivity for these devices is facilitated using cellular modems. PC Cards and Express Cards provide access for laptops and UMPCs; USB modems can provide connectivity to both portable devices and stationary PCs. Cellular connectivity is also facilitated using embedded modems, called miniCards, that are internal to the computing device. In 2007, the market for cellular modems expanded over 300% from 2006 as a result of greater coverage of 3G cellular networks and lower mobile broadband access and cellular modem costs. But the supplier environment for cellular modems has also changed dramatically and this study provides an in-depth review of the competitive environment in addition to customer driver research data ascertained through primary and secondary research and survey analysis. Report analysis culminates with market share data and forecasts for shipments, revenues and pricing for each cellular modem form factor by air interface protocol and customer type. 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. 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. Femtocell Market Challenges and Opportunities Cellular-Based Fixed Mobile Convergence for Consumers, SMEs and Enterprises Femtocell access points offer cellular carriers the opportunity to address fixed-mobile convergence markets with a highly attractive and efficient solution. They provide savings on backhaul costs, improve in-building coverage, reduce churn, promote migration and provide a platform for operators to build an effective delivery system for triple and quadruple play services. This study provides some much-needed definition to a market and ecosystem that are devoid of a common understanding and are in their early days of development. It also presents a robust analysis of the sector’s key challenges and major opportunities. This report is a “must have” for anyone wishing to develop a successful strategy to address this highly lucrative market. 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. 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. GPS-Enabled Mobile Devices Key Drivers and Latest Trends Pushing GPS Penetration in CDMA, GSM and WCDMA Handsets The mobile industry is now ready for rapid growth of the GPS enabled handset market. From cost and technology perspectives, chipset manufacturers now have solutions in place that will allow the integration of GPS in handsets at low cost and provide significant improvements in terms of accuracy, time-to-first-fix, and reception in indoor environments. On the services side, mobile operators and navigation application developers are coming up with attractive location based services (LBS) offerings. Handset vendors are also showing increasing interest, not only in providing GPS-enabled handsets, but also in introducing their own GPS-centric applications and services. This study focuses on the growing market for GPS-enabled mobile phones and the market opportunities as well as challenges for handset vendors, mobile operators, semiconductor vendors, and other industry players. 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. 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. 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. 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. In-Building Wireless Systems: Connecting Networks and Services Worldwide Deployment Scenarios and Equipment Forecasts for Active, Passive and Distributed Antenna Systems, Repeaters, Antennas, Picocells and Femtocells In-building wireless systems, forecasted to exceed $15 billion in revenues in 2013, are a key enabler for delivering on the potential of cellular mobile services. But every region and operator has a different set of network technologies, competitive conditions and mobile usage. Fortunately, there is a range of solutions and equipment options to serve the varied regional conditions. This study discusses, the regional differences that drive different in-building wireless solutions. The differences are analyzed not only from the view of the customer, but also from the view of the equipment supplier, the operator, building owner and enterprise. It provides forecasts at the solution level, including information on deployments, revenues, costs and penetration of the four solution types including active distributed antenna systems (DAS), passive DAS, distributed repeater solutions and distributed radio solutions. Individual shipment and revenue forecasts are also presented, including active and passive DAS, repeaters, antennas, cabling, picocells and femtocells. 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. 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. Long Term Evolution (LTE) Network Deployment Strategies, Market Drivers, Opportunities, and Challenges There is a lot of buzz around LTE and for very good reasons: it seems to have the strength of the industry behind it. LTE’s MAC and upper layers are still be finalized, but, chipsets, infrastructure, and devices are being developed for commercial launch in 2010. The LTE standard is driven by operators, which is the key differentiator between it and preceding wireless technologies. CDMA operators and Asian operators who are early adopters will be the first to launch LTE. Existing UMTS operators will probably delay launch to extend the life of their existing HSPA networks and simplify the upgrade to LTE by slowly evolving their current architectures. This study provides comprehensive coverage of LTE and related issues and opportunities. It lays out the LTE timeline, operators’ strategies, and the migration plans. IPR has been a big concern for LTE, and the report provides in-depth analysis of key technologies and their patent holders. Backhaul issues are also addressed, along with proposed solutions. The report also examines the increased security risks associated with high bandwidth mobile data, and the possible solutions to security concerns. Forecasts include subscriber data, base station projections, and femtocell projections. The study also lists planned LTE trials and deployments. 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. 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. Managed Services for Mobile Networks Competitive Assessment and Global Outlook for Network Operations, Capacity Management, and Hosting Services Service operators are facing new realities that are increasingly driven by bottom line issues, new technologies, and a need to focus on their core business activities. Managed services will allow the service providers to have either parts or all of their network operation and management efficiently run by outside organizations with significant cost savings. These agreements can include almost all aspects of an operator’s network. Intertwined with managed services is wireless infrastructure equipment that can be part of these agreements. Many of the vendors for wireless infrastructure equipment are also players in managed services. This study examines managed services market in depth, identifying opportunities and challenges, dissecting the mechanisms in use, and forecasting expenditures, revenues and market shares. Recent mergers and joint ventures among some of the industry’s largest players are also discussed. 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. Mobile Backhaul Analysis: Global Trends and Opportunities Revenue, CAPEX and OPEX for T1/E1, Microwave, Ethernet over Copper, Ethernet over Fiber, and CATV T1/E1 is still the dominant cellular backhaul technology in 2007. However, as backhaul capacity requirements increases and operators focus on cost reduction, the backhaul technology mix will change. By 2012, microwave is expected to be the dominant backhaul technology in 4 of the 6 regions studied. Ethernet-based solutions will become in developed markets alongside existing copper and fiber infrastructure. Cost reduction and reliability will be the key factors for backhaul network migration. This study is a comprehensive examination of the global mobile backhaul market, offering insight into current and future opportunities and trends. It provides market segmented data to show the commonalities and differences by regions and technologies. Mobile Broadband-Enabled Consumer Electronics Embedded 3G and Mobile WiMAX in Portable Gaming, Media, and Imaging Devices Mobile broadband-enabled consumer electronics, or mobile consumer electronics, comprise a new class of devices positioned at the point where consumer electronics meet mobile broadband. It results from a natural evolution of devices. Consumer electronics increasingly include Wi-Fi for connectivity within the home and to the Internet. Producers of content are increasingly aware of a wider variety of devices that can access their content. Service providers are looking to extend services to devices other than handsets and laptops. Most importantly, more and more consumers expect their consumer electronics devices to be able to connect to the Internet. Wi-Fi-enabled portable consumer electronics devices are a bridge to the world of mobile consumer electronics devices. 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 Device Management for Business Device Management Platforms, Procurement and Asset Management Services, Billing and Support Services, and Enhanced Services RR-DMGT-07: Mobile Device Management Services – In this report, the market for mobility and device management services and associated platforms will be analyzed. An update on the market drivers along with relevant services forecast data will set the stage for the growth we expect. The complexity of the needs and solution sets will be analyzed along with review of future competitive scenarios and recommendations to value chain players. Finally, forecasts for device management services will be presented for worldwide markets as well as forecast distribution in North America by industry vertical. Mobile Devices Annual Market Overview Mobile Phones, Ultra Mobile Devices, Mobile Consumer Electronics, Cellular Modems, Mobile Accessories, and Emerging Connectivity Methods As mobile devices 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 devices 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 delivers a holistic view of the mobile devices market and examines the unique market aspects of individual device form factors. From their market presence, technology, usage models and their unique value proposition to their target users, the report delivers in-depth analysis on the position each device class holds in the market. It includes detailed shipment and revenue forecasts. Mobile Handset Royalties Intellectual Property Rights Analysis for GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, HSDPA, LTE, WIMAX and UMB Devices Cellular handset royalties play an important part in any company’s strategy regarding the handset segments they address. IP 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 on average royalty rates. 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. Mobile Linux Bringing License-Free Operating Systems to Smartphones and Middle-Tier Devices A device’s operating system is increasingly seen as a way for carriers and OEMs to differentiate their offerings. But operating systems are also subject to a growing degree of price pressure. Linux is being positioned as a low-cost, even license-free, solution for commercial smartphones, and for real-time operating system replacement in middle-tier devices. The industry as a whole is rallying behind the Linux offering, but significant barriers do exist – barriers that need to be addressed before Linux emerges as a true market power. This study provides a picture of the projected uptake of Linux in two major applications, as a commercial OS and as an RTOS replacement. It does not encompass any applications for Linux outside of the cellular handset. This study is not designed to be a technical assessment of the Linux solution, but offers a frank analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Linux solution, and describes major drivers and barriers that are dictating the growth of the mobile Linux market. Mobile Location-Based Services Market Development, Revenue Opportunities, LBS Applications, and Key Industry Players The Location Based Services market has been waiting to come of age. Cell-of-Origin services were launched on a widespread basis by wireless carriers in the early 2000’s but failed to grab the attention of subscribers, as they did not provide a sufficient level of functionality to justify their status as premium rate value-added services. This left the consumer services side of the market in suspension, waiting for the emergence of the correct enabling conditions. But the crucial factor – the burgeoning availability of integrated A-GPS-enabled handsets across all of the most popular air interface technologies in regional markets throughout the world – is now stimulating wireless carrier deployment and end-user adoption of LBS. This report examines the market for high-accuracy (A-GPS enabled) LBS, focusing directly on the applications side of the industry. It examines publicly announced service deployments and provides projected levels of service uptake for five key location based service types, along with the revenue likely to be generated from them. It provides an examination of the various categories of LBS and the application developers providing them, as well as a definitive value chain breakdown, an exploration of the co-dependent nature of the ecosystem, summary profiles of the market-leading LBS-enabling companies, and full coverage of the positioning technologies that power location functionality. Mobile Messaging Services Evolution of SMS, MMS, IM, Voicemail, and Email in a Rapidly Changing Market With more than half the world using mobile phones, mobile messaging is growing at an explosive pace and will continue to do so in the near future. Both entrenched companies and new entrants are providing applications that blur the lines between the traditional mobile messaging applications. New and improved hardware, software, and services are increasing customer choices while bringing down costs. Players in this market are constantly challenged to evolve and look for new revenue streams. This study explores both supply and demand drivers pushing the use and functionality of mobile messaging applications such as SMS, MMS, IM, voicemail and email. It examines demographic-specific drivers, and delves into the rising use of social networking sites, blogs, and Web 2.0 applications that are expanding to mobile phones. Mobile Money Services Harnessing Mobile Commerce for Fund Transfers and Financial Services Mobile phones are the most pervasive communications technology in the world and the first communications technology to have more users in developing countries than in developed ones. The ability of mobile handsets and networks to deliver a new, relatively low-cost and already deployed financial service infrastructure is clear, and mobile network operators around the world are increasingly examining the potential for mobile fund transfers to provide a solid additional revenue application able to operate with existing network and handsets. ABI Research believes significant business, economic, and social benefits may be gained by expanding mobile services to incorporate fund transfers. They can also provide a key stepping-stone application for operators and subscribers alike, from prepaid wireless top-up systems to multi-service mobile banking. In this study, ABI Research examines the potential value – to MNOs, banking institutions and specialized startups – of providing financial services over a cellular wireless infrastructure, as well as the key requirements for market deployment and sustainability. 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. 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 genera 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. 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 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 sales 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 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 handset accessories and the market for these products, including in-depth analysis for both in-box as well as aftermarket handset accessories. 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. Mobile TV Services Broadcast and Unicast Business Models, Operator Strategies, Devices, and Infrastructure Around the globe, mobile TV and video services have been product offerings for several years. Wireless operators are moving out of the experimentation phase as trials wrap up, broadcasting technologies are chosen, and additional TV and video content is offered. Many decisions must still be made, however, as two of the largest industries – mobile connectivity and entertainment – collide in the form of mobile TV and video. This report provides an overview of the mobile TV and video industry. It not only illustrates the entire ecosystem, but identifies and addresses the unmade decisions facing all players in this arena. From this analysis, it determines the most likely scenarios and constructs fundamental usage and revenue forecasts. 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. Mobile Video in China Mobile Video Services, Regulatory Issues, Technology Trends and Market Prospects in Mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan This study analyzes the mobile video market in mainland China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It lists the streaming mobile services offered by mobile operators in the three areas, and examines their ongoing mobile video broadcasting trials. The research discusses the regulatory environment in mainland China, and the directions that will be taken by mobile video development based on different technologies. The Chinese government has launched its own mobile TV standard, and the report assesses its future and reveals how it will shape the mobile TV market. It also forecasts mobile video subscriber numbers and revenues by region. 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. Near Field Communication (NFC) Leveraging Contactless for Mobile Payments, Content and Access From the consumer’s point of view, using NFC is intuitive. But NFC adoption will require a high level of standardization, interoperability and security across multiple applications and by companies and organizations across many disparate industries. For NFC to reach mass deployment, a vast array of service and equipment providers have to come together to determine a stable hardware configuration. This study examines the proposition that the key to the technology’s development and deployment is the mobile handset, and shows why wireless operators must be confident that they will see a clear return from specifying NFC in their latest handsets. It discusses how, in turn, increasing numbers of NFC-enabled handsets in the market, in the medium and long term, will drive widespread NFC application rollout and adoption. It includes forecasts for – among others – device and chipset shipments and revenues. Next Generation Service Delivery Platforms Service Delivery and Enablement Frameworks in Fixed and Mobile IP Networks This study is ABI Research’s review of the market for service delivery platforms (SDP). It includes a forecast for the market potential for SDP to 2011, including system deployments and capital expenditure. It also provides an overview of the technology of SDP-enabled networks, and explores what makes them attractive to operators, and the benefits they can deliver. The research also evaluates vendor strategies for introducing SDP and the development of new standards and regulatory regimes. The key benefits of SDP-enabled networks are:
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. 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. RF Power Amplifiers Equipment and RF Power Device Analysis for Cellular and Mobile Wireless Infrastructure Markets RF power amplifiers are an integral part 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 becomes 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 lynchpin 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 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. Smartphone and OS Markets Critical Considerations for Handset Manufacturers, OS Vendors, Mobile Operators, Semiconductor Vendors, and Application Developers The smartphone segment is witnessing the fastest growth in the handset market. Handset vendors are coming out with new smartphones every three to six months, and many handset start-ups enter the market with smartphones offering higher margins, allowing new companies to become profitable sooner. The operating system in handsets is the focus of attention. High saturation in developed markets means that carriers can no longer compete on price and tariff alone to capture new subscribers. Carriers need to differentiate themselves at all levels (handsets, services, and user interface) to achieve growth and protect their own subscriber bases. Additionally, generating higher data revenues is critical as carriers cannot continue to grow their businesses on voice services alone. Therefore, the OS is becoming increasingly important as devices need to evolve to support more complex service offerings from carriers. This study provides a thorough overview of the smartphone market, concentrating on key developments in both device feature set expansion and the evolving software landscape. The report covers important topics including specific features and technologies that enhance the user interface, in addition to the encroachment of open source software into the smartphone domain. 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. 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 . The Mobile Browser Market Commercial Browsers, Webkit and the Move Towards Open Internet on Mobile Devices The mobile browser market is undergoing significant change, as the mobile Web evolves from a poor man’s Internet to a full-fledged Web experience. Many believed the iPhone, with its Web browser based on Webkit, gave users their closest approximation yet to the Internet they see on a PC; but the move away from Wireless Access Protocol (WAP), and its descendents to a more PC-like version of the Web has been underway for the last three to four years. Independent browser software vendors such as Opera, Openwave and ACCESS have all been working on browsers that incorporate the latest Web standards and start to create an experience that overcomes some of the inherent shortcomings of mobile devices. Today many smartphones ship with browsers from these vendors, as well as some internally developed by Nokia and others, that can render many Web pages without the need for proxy server-based content adaptation, and can automatically adjust layout for the screen and navigation requirements of a handset. This study analyzes the market for mobile browsing, examining the primary commercial offerings from independent browser vendors as well as evaluating the growing important of open-source solutions such as Webkit. The report also looks at the push towards Web applications and the use of widgets for mobile devices. 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. 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. 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. 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. US Mobile Operator Business Customer Profiles Mobile Service Revenues, Customer Demographics, and Future Opportunities/Threats In a survey of mobile business customers conducted by ABI Research, customer data is segmented by four mobile operators: Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. The analysis of responses provides a demographic profile of each operator segmented at 20 different levels. The survey data also indicates adoption and usage levels for various mobile services. Demographic, adoption and usage data combined with pricing analysis provides ARPUs for all mobile services offered by these four operators which include: voice, push-to-talk, SMS and MMS services, e-mail, Web, broadband, entertainment, and applications. Other information extracted from the survey includes customers’ interest in handset features, device management services, fixed vs. mobile usage, and personal/business usage. Demographic, usage and interest data are summarized to provide recommendations as to how these four operators can increase their influence with the mobile business customer. Voice over Wi-Fi Handsets Residential and Enterprise Markets for Pure VoWi-Fi Phones and Dual-Mode Cellular/VoWi-Fi Devices Voice over Wi-Fi, or VoWi-Fi, is one of the most exciting areas in the Wi-Fi market. The addition of VoWi-Fi handsets has expanded the Wi-Fi market, but cellular handsets with embedded Wi-Fi semiconductors will be one of the largest future segments of the Wi-Fi semiconductor market. Dual-mode cellular/VoWi-Fi handsets and solutions have been deployed for the enterprise, and consumer solutions are being trialed or commercially launched by service providers all over the world. For consumers, UMA solutions are already being offered, while SIP-based solutions are not far behind. This study examines the market opportunities for voice over Wi-Fi from a handset-based perspective, focusing on drivers, barriers, and competing implementations. It includes a major set of forecasts for both pure voice over 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 air interfaces, cellular handset class, and other technology segmentations. Also included is data for historic 2002 through 2011 for pure VoWi-Fi handsets, and 2004 through 2011 for dual-mode cellular/Wi-Fi handsets. The study concludes with profiles of significant vendors involved in the VoWi-Fi market. WiMAX Market Analysis and Forecasts The Opportunity for Base Stations, CPE, and Mobile Devices The WiMAX market has drastically shifted focus from 802.16d to 802.16e, as the coming wave of mobile WiMAX base stations, CPE, and mobile devices will fuel WiMAX’s growth. This study examines major drivers and barriers for WiMAX and compares it to 3G and other 4G technologies. 802.16m – or WiMAX 2.0 – is considered in detail, as is the WiMAX patent landscape. The report contains forecast sets for 802.16-2004 and 802.16e-2005, and 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, handsets, consumer electronics, PNDs, UMPCs, and mobile Internet devices. Wireless Connectivity3G 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. 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. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) The Market Opportunity for Smart Meters and Home Area Networks (HANs) Smart metering – the capacity for automated, two-way communications between advanced utility meters and utility companies’ back-end IT infrastructures – promises significant benefits in operational and energy efficiency, environmental protection, and improved customer service. Regulation and legislation are encouraging the deployment of smart metering in multiple countries, states, and provinces. This report analyzes the market opportunity for smart metering, including the important sub-set of this market termed home area networking (HAN), on a worldwide basis, providing five-year forecasts for numerous components and elements of smart metering and HAN infrastructure. Specific communications technologies considered in the study include: fixed RF, powerline, cellular, WiMAX, and ZigBee. Annual RFID End User Survey More Than 185 Organizations Share Their RFID Adoption Plans More than 185 organizations from around the world responded to ABI Research’s annual RFID end-user survey. In this report we provide the high-level, top-line results from our online survey. This research study includes analysis of respondents’ RFID usage plans, primary adoption drivers, operating frequencies and applications being supported and evaluated; current and planned RFID expenditures; hardware requirements; vendor sources and selection criteria; and demographics. Non-user responses are also briefly analyzed to gain perspective into reasons for not adopting RFID. The respondent pool includes replies ranging from manufacturing to retail to government, representing organizations of various sizes, revenue classifications, and lines of business. The results offer a sample snapshot view of the broader end-user community trends to consider in the development of more detailed market models and business strategies. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Cellular M2M Markets Market Opportunities and Trends for Embedded Modules The cellular M2M module market grew strongly over the course of 2007 and looks set to continue this strong growth over the period from 2008 through 2013. Nevertheless, cellular M2M module vendors face increasingly challenging pressures on their abilities to earn a profit. These market pressures include: commoditization, threat of obsolescence in the value chain, and competition from Asia-Pacific based module vendors. Conversely, the cellular M2M module market enjoys some key benefits, in contrast to the (now largely defunct) market for modules used in mobile handsets: significant application fragmentation, growing application complexity, and North American certification challenges. This study discusses these market forces, analyzes cellular M2M module vendor strategic responses, provides 2006 and 2007 vendor market share data, and forecasts cellular M2M module shipment and revenue growth for the period from 2008 through 2013, segmented by region, application, and air interface stan Cellular M2M Service Provider Markets Differences Emerge between MNOs, MVNOs, and MMOs This study analyses the market for cellular M2M services, with particular emphasis on the M2M communication provider competitive landscape and key market issues facing these communication providers. Eight key players in the market are profiled and analyzed: Aeris, Jasper Wireless, KORE Telematics, Orange Business Services, Qualcomm Wireless Business Solutions (QWBS), Rogers Wireless, Sprint, and Wyless. Estimates for the installed base of cellular M2M service subscribers – active nodes – are provided, along with service revenue calculated on a connectivity ARPU basis. Five year forecasts for the period from 2007 through 2012 are also included. These estimates and forecasts are segmented by region, application, and air interface standard. It is ABI Research’s expectation that the installed base of cellular M2M subscribers will rise from approximately 27 million in 2006 to roughly 128 million in 2012. In addition, we believe that M2M services revenue will rise from approximately 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. 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. Consumer Telematics Automotive Markets and Applications for GPS and Communications Technology Consumer Telematics OEM and Aftermarket systems are becoming more popular due to the growing awareness of car manufactures, telematics service providers, governments and end users about the benefits of positioning and communications technologies in cars for improved safety, security, efficiency, convenience, infotainment, cost savings and reduced environmental impact. Telematics OEM systems such as General Motors’ OnStar and Ford’s SYNC will soon become standard features in all new passenger cars while dedicated aftermarket telematics solutions for stolen vehicle tracking and insurance applications will also experience strong growth. This study examines the major consumer telematics features, trends, drivers and barriers including a SWOT analysis for each hardware form factor. It also describes the dynamics of the navigation ecosystem and value chain and provides strategic recommendations for the main market players. The study contains forecasts by region for shipments and revenues of OEM and aftermarket systems and services. 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. 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 Global Commercial Telematics Market Opportunities, Trends, and Forecasts The adoption of fleet management systems (FMS) has exhibited steady growth over recent years, with an upswing over the last year or two. The market players are starting to mature and now offer much more than simple asset tracking services. This study distills the findings of our Commercial Telematics Research Service and offers a top-level overview of FMS 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. 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. Home Automation and Security Wireless Gains Market Traction as the Lines Between Automation and Security Blur The home automation market is starting to gain traction with a mainstream consumer base, driven by relatively recent standards-based technologies, new market players, and new paths to markets. At the same time, there is an increasing degree of intersection between the traditional home security market and the home automation market, as home monitoring and managed home automation services offered by telco and broadband service providers incorporate and expand upon traditional security | ||