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GSMA and Microsoft publish notebook report |
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Thursday, 22 November 2007 |
The GSM Association (GSMA), and Microsoft have published the results of the first-ever consumer study into mobile broadband computing that shows that there is a tremendous addressable - but currently untapped - market. The study highlights a 70 million unit opportunity, worth some US$50 billion in 2008, for notebook PCs in the high growth, mass market
US$500 -US$1000 (USD) price range with built-in mobile broadband.
The research reveals a gap of potentially 46.5 million units between recent industry analyst forecasts and the new analysis, suggesting that PC manufacturers have yet to deliver the right mobile broadband PCs - bundled with pre-configured mobile connectivity - to appeal to mass market PC buyers. The extensive market research study, undertaken by Pyramid Research, involved more than 12,000 consumer interviews across 13 countries, with input from notebook manufacturers, component companies and chip set suppliers as well as more than 200 field trials.
"With the right form factor, price and 'out-of-the-box' connectivity, the research has unearthed substantial demand for mobile broadband embedded notebooks that is not yet being met," said Rob Conway, CEO of the GSMA. "Now that we understand the market potential and consumers' requirements, we are pleased to communicate the findings to the broader industry eco-system."
"Microsoft is pleased to be working with the GSMA to accelerate the adoption of PCs with built-in mobile broadband", said Will Poole, corporate vice president of the Unlimited Potential Group at Microsoft. "By quantifying and characterizing PC market demand, it is our hope that mobile operators and OEMs will collaborate to introduce compelling and affordable notebooks with innovative new services. We believe that people everywhere, in both developed and emerging segments, could benefit from access to the Internet through mobile broadband on a wider range of notebook PCs."
Leading PC manufacturers, including Asus, Dell, Fujitsu Siemens, Lenovo, Twinhead and Vestel have welcomed the research report and expressed interest in working with mobile operators and the GSMA to fulfil this market demand.
As mobile operators examine how best to reach potential subscribers, the GSMA and many of its largest operator members are launching a competition to identify devices and manufacturers able to serve the untapped market. Notebook manufacturers and OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) will be asked to propose new designs that can meet this currently unmet need for mass-market priced mobile broadband notebooks.
www.gsm.org
www.microsoft.com |
