LONDON, U.K. -- A substantial number of customers subscribe to broadband and wireless local area network (WLAN) services that enable them to conduct various activities from home. This connected home represents a paradigm shift in the way communication services are delivered and consumed. As the connected device market grows more sensitive to these networking needs, it needs to depend on a strong network and supply chain to distribute content and services, thereby lending momentum to electronics supply chain participants.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Global Analysis of the Future of Connected Devices and Impact on Electronics Supply Chain Participants, finds that the market shipped over 6.06 billion units in 2011 and estimates this to reach 9.29 billion units by 2016.
Consumers favor technology that allows them to manage home security, energy consumption, and video streaming from anywhere, as well as engage in activities like working from home, online shopping and social interaction.
"The favor of connected devices amongst consumers is expanding the scope for electronic original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)," said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Nupur Sinha. "The proliferation of smartphones and the acceptance of their capability to connect to a television and function as a smart TV are other factors for the growth of connected devices."
Connected devices are evolving swiftly with the use of embedded sensors and chips, requiring equipment and component manufacturers to keep pace with these advancements. Because of this, manufacturers prefer to partner with mobile operators who offer flexibility to consumers.
It is thus crucial for mobile operators to evaluate, implement, and leverage next-generation mobility management tools that allow them to meet the unique needs of value chain participants, and understand the increased functionalities of smart phones.
Integrating services across various networks and creating a connected home environment where internal and external networks interconnect for seamless service delivery is vital.
However, high investment costs that offer no immediate returns deter operators from investing in the connected devices market. For instance, cable operators wanting to offer a connected home must integrate other third-party services with their own, delivering these services to selected markets without flash-cutting the delivery network. These are complex, costly and need limited interest in connected home spaces.
In addition, while the connected home concept has been around for a few years, consumers are not sure of what is currently possible. Nevertheless, awareness is expected to increase, as more smart devices enter the market.
"Operators will look to partner with OEMs for design collaboration, as well as strategic research and development," concluded Sinha. "The right partnership between mobile operators and OEMs can help generate revenues from connected devices, spurring market growth."
Global Analysis of the Future of Connected Devices and Impact on Electronics Supply Chain Participants is part of the Surface Mount Technologies Growth Partnership Services program, which also includes research in the following: Global Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) Provider Market for the Medical Device Industry, World EMS Provider Market in the Aerospace and Defense Industry, Evolving Political and Economic Environment in the United States and its Impact on the EMS Industry, and EMS Provider Regional Migration Opportunities. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants.
Our "Growth Partnership" supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.
- The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
- The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.
For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?