USA: Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. announced an initiative aimed at expanding its collaboration with Silicon Valley companies to meet the diverse technology needs of the federal government.
Called the Lockheed Martin Silicon Valley Alliance, this technology hub will provide the federal government with greater visibility into innovative technology solutions developed locally, including affordable software and cyber security solutions. For example, a game developer's software could improve the realism of a military simulation system.
"Lockheed Martin has played an ultra-high-tech role in the Silicon Valley story since 1956 when we opened our facility in Sunnyvale, adjacent to Moffett Field," said Tory Bruno, Lockheed Martin's president of Strategic and Missile Defense Systems. "The government market catalyzed the initial growth of all high-tech industries in the San Francisco Bay Area. Now, through the Lockheed Martin Silicon Valley Alliance, we can help to reconnect today's companies to that market, which continues to be substantial despite a challenging economy."
Technology companies will gain greater access to Department of Defense, NASA and other US government markets, with Lockheed Martin facilitating partnerships that mature innovations into products that meet federal requirements.
The high-performance systems that Lockheed Martin develops require a range of technologies, including cloud computing, biometrics, information management, modeling and simulation, precision pointing, energy management and storage, optics and electro-optics, and nanotechnology.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Soliton Systems to unveil iPhone-based live broadcast system at NAB Show
2013 NAB Show, USA: Soliton Systems K.K., a leading innovator of mobile video solutions and products, announced that the global introduction of its “Smart-telecaster for iPhone” will take place at the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas, April 8-11, 2013. (Booth SU10413).
Soliton’s Smart-telecaster (www.smart-telecaster.com) delivers high quality, real-time video streaming over public mobile networks such as 3G and 4G/LTE.
Smart-telecaster is powered by Soliton’s proprietary RASCOWTM Technology (Real-time Auto-Speed Control, based on the Waterway model), which dynamically adjusts video compression ratio and frame rates to ensure a smooth and low-latency video/audio transmission, even over fluctuating mobile network.
Dr. Nobuo Kamata, Soliton’s CEO commented, “We are pleased to provide our customers a highly convenient new way to bring broadcast quality video with an iPhone from dynamic and challenging situations.”
Soliton’s Smart-telecaster (www.smart-telecaster.com) delivers high quality, real-time video streaming over public mobile networks such as 3G and 4G/LTE.
Smart-telecaster is powered by Soliton’s proprietary RASCOWTM Technology (Real-time Auto-Speed Control, based on the Waterway model), which dynamically adjusts video compression ratio and frame rates to ensure a smooth and low-latency video/audio transmission, even over fluctuating mobile network.
Dr. Nobuo Kamata, Soliton’s CEO commented, “We are pleased to provide our customers a highly convenient new way to bring broadcast quality video with an iPhone from dynamic and challenging situations.”
Lantronix launches xSenso controller
USA: Lantronix Inc. announced the launch of the Lantronix xSenso Controller -- the newest member of its xSenso analog sensor networking family, designed specifically for use in rugged and harsh environments including industrial automation, process control, manufacturing, chemicals, oil and gas industries, and many more.
The new analog and relay outputs provide the ability to take action by instantly controlling industrial processes and equipment based on the sensor readings and predefined thresholds to solve real-time problems. The xSenso Controller is available now for purchase at www.Lantronix.com, or through the company's global network of distribution partners.
"Lantronix has done an outstanding job positioning the xSenso Controller as a vital solution for a variety of industrial automation challenges," said Josh Varghese, Technology Lead for Industrial Networking Solutions -- one of the nation's largest dedicated industrial networking distributors.
"There is a tremendous need for remote monitoring and data logging of critical events in process control and automation applications where xSenso Controller can be used -- especially where users can leverage web browsers to monitor and chart the data on mobile devices including tablets and smartphones from anywhere in the world."
The Lantronix xSenso product family comprises feature-rich, low cost solutions for remote sensor monitoring and process control. The new xSenso Controller is a compact, DIN-rail or wall mount solution that enables analog sensors (voltage or current) to easily and transparently send real-time data to any node on the Internet or to a cloud-based application.
In addition to its already robust feature set, the new xSenso can take action when a condition is met (e.g., temperature threshold, pressure level, etc.), triggering its internal relays or outputting voltage or current to control an event in real time. In an existing control system, the xSenso can also be placed in between the sensor and the controller to mirror the analog data from its input to its output, while simultaneously presenting the data through a web browser to computers or mobile devices.
The product family is compatible with some of the most popular off-the-shelf data acquisition systems such as LabVIEW and DASYLab, and its compact and efficient design enables it to be affordably installed in dispersed or remote locations.
The new analog and relay outputs provide the ability to take action by instantly controlling industrial processes and equipment based on the sensor readings and predefined thresholds to solve real-time problems. The xSenso Controller is available now for purchase at www.Lantronix.com, or through the company's global network of distribution partners.
"Lantronix has done an outstanding job positioning the xSenso Controller as a vital solution for a variety of industrial automation challenges," said Josh Varghese, Technology Lead for Industrial Networking Solutions -- one of the nation's largest dedicated industrial networking distributors.
"There is a tremendous need for remote monitoring and data logging of critical events in process control and automation applications where xSenso Controller can be used -- especially where users can leverage web browsers to monitor and chart the data on mobile devices including tablets and smartphones from anywhere in the world."
The Lantronix xSenso product family comprises feature-rich, low cost solutions for remote sensor monitoring and process control. The new xSenso Controller is a compact, DIN-rail or wall mount solution that enables analog sensors (voltage or current) to easily and transparently send real-time data to any node on the Internet or to a cloud-based application.
In addition to its already robust feature set, the new xSenso can take action when a condition is met (e.g., temperature threshold, pressure level, etc.), triggering its internal relays or outputting voltage or current to control an event in real time. In an existing control system, the xSenso can also be placed in between the sensor and the controller to mirror the analog data from its input to its output, while simultaneously presenting the data through a web browser to computers or mobile devices.
The product family is compatible with some of the most popular off-the-shelf data acquisition systems such as LabVIEW and DASYLab, and its compact and efficient design enables it to be affordably installed in dispersed or remote locations.
Despite 25 percent annual decline in 2012 game console shipments, there is still room for optimism
USA: After shipping over 3 million Wii U units during the holiday season Nintendo’s next generation console is now facing a challenging market. 2012 saw just under 30 million game consoles shipped from Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony (excluding PS2)– roughly 10 million fewer than the previous year.
Despite these results ABI Research looks at 2013 (and beyond) with cautious optimism, but the company expects Microsoft and Sony to determine future prospects for the game console, not Nintendo.
Senior analyst, Michael Inouye, commented: “Nintendo’s Wii U’s troubles are not indicative of the expected market reception for the remaining 8th generation of consoles. In fact, the Wii U will likely prove a closer fit with the current generation than the next. The software released to date also bears out this assessment with many cross-platform games that were previously available from Microsoft and Sony. While the Wii U Gamepad offers some novel gaming elements it has not yet resonated with core gamers.”
Year 2013 is expected to start a chain of positive growth years for the game console market, ending the previous annual declines. This optimism, however, is predicated on several factors. First, that the Wii U receives a price reduction in 2013. Second, that next gen consoles from Microsoft and Sony launch with adequate time and production to meet holiday demand, with pricing below $450 and ideally at $350.
Finally, that the next generation consoles don’t adopt significant consumer unfriendly practices that will cause consumers to rethink their purchases, such as steps to inhibit the used game market or requiring an always on DRM/Internet connection to prevent other forms of piracy.
TV & Video Practice director, Sam Rosen, added: “Mobile gaming has certainly diminished the opportunities for console manufacturers in the casual gaming market and this has impacted Nintendo the hardest. The evolving business models and added competition have also created additional pricing pressures that encourage price cuts sooner than manufacturers would like. New entrants into the console market will add an additional layer of complexity, which should make things interesting, but we still anticipate the market will prove a difficult one for the upstarts.”
Despite these results ABI Research looks at 2013 (and beyond) with cautious optimism, but the company expects Microsoft and Sony to determine future prospects for the game console, not Nintendo.
Senior analyst, Michael Inouye, commented: “Nintendo’s Wii U’s troubles are not indicative of the expected market reception for the remaining 8th generation of consoles. In fact, the Wii U will likely prove a closer fit with the current generation than the next. The software released to date also bears out this assessment with many cross-platform games that were previously available from Microsoft and Sony. While the Wii U Gamepad offers some novel gaming elements it has not yet resonated with core gamers.”
Year 2013 is expected to start a chain of positive growth years for the game console market, ending the previous annual declines. This optimism, however, is predicated on several factors. First, that the Wii U receives a price reduction in 2013. Second, that next gen consoles from Microsoft and Sony launch with adequate time and production to meet holiday demand, with pricing below $450 and ideally at $350.
Finally, that the next generation consoles don’t adopt significant consumer unfriendly practices that will cause consumers to rethink their purchases, such as steps to inhibit the used game market or requiring an always on DRM/Internet connection to prevent other forms of piracy.
TV & Video Practice director, Sam Rosen, added: “Mobile gaming has certainly diminished the opportunities for console manufacturers in the casual gaming market and this has impacted Nintendo the hardest. The evolving business models and added competition have also created additional pricing pressures that encourage price cuts sooner than manufacturers would like. New entrants into the console market will add an additional layer of complexity, which should make things interesting, but we still anticipate the market will prove a difficult one for the upstarts.”
ECG management system market expands as hospitals; integrate cardiology into IT systems
ENGLAND: The global market for electrocardiogram (ECG) management systems is expected to rise by 18 percent from 2011 to 2016 as hospitals strive to increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve diagnoses by connecting these ECG devices to a centralized database.
Worldwide ECG management system market revenue is set to increase to $139 million by 2016, up from $118 million in 2011, according to “The World Market for Diagnostic Cardiology Devices and Remote Cardiac Monitoring Services – 2012,” a new report by InMedica, recently acquired by IHS.
ECG management systems automate the processing, storage and distribution of ECG, Holter and stress data.
“The rise of ECG plays a key role in hospitals’ efforts to centralize diagnosis into their information technology (IT) systems,” said Nicola Goatman, analyst, clinical care devices, for IHS. “While other medical disciplines have rapidly adopted IT integration, the cardiology diagnosis market has been lagging. This is changing as hospitals place increasing importance on IT integration to streamline cardiology workflows.”
DICOM throws a lifeline
The medical imaging standard known as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) is playing a key role in integrating ECG management. ECG management systems are increasingly required to interact with larger Cardiovascular Information Management Systems (CVIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).
“DICOM enables ECG management systems to be connected to a larger centralized system, resulting in improved diagnosis and patient management,” Goatman said.
DICOM is making especially strong progress in the developed markets of North America and Western Europe.
Indeed, the emergence of DICOM in the North American market indicates that cardiology is moving toward a complete management system as seen in radiology, where all data is able to be stored in PACS.
ECG gains momentum in new regions
In the Western European market, uptake of ECG management systems has been strongest in the Nordics, Benelux and Germany, all areas where utilization of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is more advanced. With these regions focused on the digitalization of healthcare and centralizing diagnosis, ECG management systems play an important role.
Further growth in the EMEA market is driven by the uptake of systems in Eastern Europe and the Middle East-Africa region. In these areas, there is a key trend to align healthcare provisions with Western countries, resulting in efforts to centralize and organize those provisions and reduce expenditures.
Heart of the matter
“The diagnostic cardiology market hopes to increase workflow efficiency and cut the time spent by patients within hospitals,” Goatman said.
“As a result, hospitals are now developing systems to manage cost containment, focusing on patient throughput and reduced waiting times. In such scenarios, the uptake of ECG management systems will play a vital role in centralizing healthcare provisions.”
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Worldwide ECG management system market revenue is set to increase to $139 million by 2016, up from $118 million in 2011, according to “The World Market for Diagnostic Cardiology Devices and Remote Cardiac Monitoring Services – 2012,” a new report by InMedica, recently acquired by IHS.
ECG management systems automate the processing, storage and distribution of ECG, Holter and stress data.
“The rise of ECG plays a key role in hospitals’ efforts to centralize diagnosis into their information technology (IT) systems,” said Nicola Goatman, analyst, clinical care devices, for IHS. “While other medical disciplines have rapidly adopted IT integration, the cardiology diagnosis market has been lagging. This is changing as hospitals place increasing importance on IT integration to streamline cardiology workflows.”
DICOM throws a lifeline
The medical imaging standard known as Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) is playing a key role in integrating ECG management. ECG management systems are increasingly required to interact with larger Cardiovascular Information Management Systems (CVIS) and Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS).
“DICOM enables ECG management systems to be connected to a larger centralized system, resulting in improved diagnosis and patient management,” Goatman said.
DICOM is making especially strong progress in the developed markets of North America and Western Europe.
Indeed, the emergence of DICOM in the North American market indicates that cardiology is moving toward a complete management system as seen in radiology, where all data is able to be stored in PACS.
ECG gains momentum in new regions
In the Western European market, uptake of ECG management systems has been strongest in the Nordics, Benelux and Germany, all areas where utilization of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is more advanced. With these regions focused on the digitalization of healthcare and centralizing diagnosis, ECG management systems play an important role.
Further growth in the EMEA market is driven by the uptake of systems in Eastern Europe and the Middle East-Africa region. In these areas, there is a key trend to align healthcare provisions with Western countries, resulting in efforts to centralize and organize those provisions and reduce expenditures.
Heart of the matter
“The diagnostic cardiology market hopes to increase workflow efficiency and cut the time spent by patients within hospitals,” Goatman said.
“As a result, hospitals are now developing systems to manage cost containment, focusing on patient throughput and reduced waiting times. In such scenarios, the uptake of ECG management systems will play a vital role in centralizing healthcare provisions.”
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Price sensitivity prompts innovations in printed electronics
USA: Printed electronics are rapidly gaining popularity across applications for their benefits of low cost, high throughput, ease of manufacturing, and use in new applications. Industries are strongly backing innovations in this domain due to the technology's ability to enable different low-end commercial applications by complementing, instead of replacing, silicon microelectronics.
Printed electronics companies can tap into fresh application sectors by making the manufacturing process efficient and affordable. Printing technologies are receiving increased attention from numerous application sectors since they can be patterned on any substrate by using various functional materials. The substrates include flexible media such as paper, textiles, and plastics.
"Investors are increasingly drawn to the printed electronics market due to its low cost of entry and technological knowhow of conventional printing. The conventional printing methods are already mastered and thus reduces chances of any anomaly with the process" said Frost & Sullivan research analyst, Nupur Sinha .
"The market is also attracting greater investments and support from both organizations and governments, as it aids the production of green electronics by utilizing bio-degradable and recyclable materials."
Investors in the printed electronics market will seek high production volumes from the technology, but some techniques such as screen and inkjet printing are relatively slow, which makes them unsuitable for high-volume manufacturing. Soft lithographic techniques used for devices like transistors, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and wearable electronics also have limited production volumes.
Currently, there not a one-size-fits-all solution in the market but there are several niche technologies. As such, printed electronics developers are working on enhancing their product design and integration in order to attract investors from high-volume markets.
Developers need to lock down a manufacturing technique. Though roll-to-roll printing is effective, other processes involved in the manufacture of the end product needs improvements. Additionally, new techniques still do not have an established method for replicating lab processes while experimenting on press.
"Printed electronic manufacturers can overcome these issues by coating or encapsulating organic materials in a protective barrier to make them less vulnerable to environment hazards," noted Sinha. "Various combinations of polymer materials could also be tested for optimum efficiency and stability, based on their respective end-user application."
Printed electronics companies can tap into fresh application sectors by making the manufacturing process efficient and affordable. Printing technologies are receiving increased attention from numerous application sectors since they can be patterned on any substrate by using various functional materials. The substrates include flexible media such as paper, textiles, and plastics.
"Investors are increasingly drawn to the printed electronics market due to its low cost of entry and technological knowhow of conventional printing. The conventional printing methods are already mastered and thus reduces chances of any anomaly with the process" said Frost & Sullivan research analyst, Nupur Sinha .
"The market is also attracting greater investments and support from both organizations and governments, as it aids the production of green electronics by utilizing bio-degradable and recyclable materials."
Investors in the printed electronics market will seek high production volumes from the technology, but some techniques such as screen and inkjet printing are relatively slow, which makes them unsuitable for high-volume manufacturing. Soft lithographic techniques used for devices like transistors, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, and wearable electronics also have limited production volumes.
Currently, there not a one-size-fits-all solution in the market but there are several niche technologies. As such, printed electronics developers are working on enhancing their product design and integration in order to attract investors from high-volume markets.
Developers need to lock down a manufacturing technique. Though roll-to-roll printing is effective, other processes involved in the manufacture of the end product needs improvements. Additionally, new techniques still do not have an established method for replicating lab processes while experimenting on press.
"Printed electronic manufacturers can overcome these issues by coating or encapsulating organic materials in a protective barrier to make them less vulnerable to environment hazards," noted Sinha. "Various combinations of polymer materials could also be tested for optimum efficiency and stability, based on their respective end-user application."
Worldwide IT spending on pace to reach $3.8 trillion in 2013
USA: Worldwide IT spending is projected to total $3.8 trillion in 2013, a 4.1 percent increase from 2012 spending of $3.6 trillion, according to the latest forecast by Gartner Inc. Currency effects are less pronounced this quarter with growth in constant dollars forecast at 4 percent for 2013.
The Gartner Worldwide IT Spending Forecast is the leading indicator of major technology trends across the hardware, software, IT services and telecom markets. For more than a decade, global IT and business executives have been using these highly anticipated quarterly reports to recognize market opportunities and challenges, and base their critical business decisions on proven methodologies rather than guesswork.
"Although the United States did avoid the fiscal cliff, the subsequent sequestration, compounded by the rise of Cyprus' debt burden, seems to have netted out any benefit, and the fragile business and consumer sentiment throughout much of the world continues," said Richard Gordon, managing VP at Gartner. "However, the new shocks are expected to be short-lived, and while they may cause some pauses in discretionary spending along the way, strategic IT initiatives will continue."
Worldwide devices spending (which includes PCs, tablets, mobile phones and printers) is forecast to reach $718 billion in 2013, up 7.9 percent from 2012 (see Table 1). Despite flat spending on PCs and a modest decline in spending on printers, a short-term boost to spending on premium mobile phones has driven an upward revision in the devices sector growth for 2013 from Gartner's previous forecast of 6.3 percent.
The Gartner Worldwide IT Spending Forecast is the leading indicator of major technology trends across the hardware, software, IT services and telecom markets. For more than a decade, global IT and business executives have been using these highly anticipated quarterly reports to recognize market opportunities and challenges, and base their critical business decisions on proven methodologies rather than guesswork.
"Although the United States did avoid the fiscal cliff, the subsequent sequestration, compounded by the rise of Cyprus' debt burden, seems to have netted out any benefit, and the fragile business and consumer sentiment throughout much of the world continues," said Richard Gordon, managing VP at Gartner. "However, the new shocks are expected to be short-lived, and while they may cause some pauses in discretionary spending along the way, strategic IT initiatives will continue."
Worldwide devices spending (which includes PCs, tablets, mobile phones and printers) is forecast to reach $718 billion in 2013, up 7.9 percent from 2012 (see Table 1). Despite flat spending on PCs and a modest decline in spending on printers, a short-term boost to spending on premium mobile phones has driven an upward revision in the devices sector growth for 2013 from Gartner's previous forecast of 6.3 percent.
Denial of service attacks surge and expose enterprise infrastructure vulnerabilities and new needs
USA: Lurking in the shadows for nearly a decade, denial of service (DoS) and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks are making a resurgence. Several high-profile assaults on the world's leading financial firms and other industries have recently been experienced. And attacks are increasing in frequency, data volumes and application specificity.
According to new research from International Data Corp. (IDC), these attacks render servers and/or network resources unavailable by overwhelming them with traffic. The evolution from hacktivism to financial gain to disguising more targeted attacks is evidence of a re-emerging trend that exploits the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of some of the world's largest and most powerful organizations.
In 2012, there was a sharp increase in the frequency, bandwidth volume, and applications orientation of these attacks. "As these attacks surged in prevalence and sophistication, organizations were often caught unaware. Embedded capabilities were quickly overwhelmed and outages were readily apparent on the Web. This is driving the need for proactive solutions to protect customer's infrastructure from current and future attacks," said Christian A. Christiansen, VP, Security Products & Services research at IDC.
As detailed in the IDC forecast, the worldwide market for DDoS prevention solutions (including products and services) will grow by a CAGR of 18.2 percent from 2012 through 2017 and reach $870 million.
Volumetric attacks will remain the predominant type of DDoS attacks throughout the forecast period. These simple yet devastating attacks are exceedingly effective due to the relative ease with which botnets can send a bandwidth flood that can cripple most enterprise infrastructures. Despite volumetric-based attacks remaining most popular, more advanced hybrid attacks that include application layer and encrypted traffic will grow. This will drive growth in the on-premise equipment market throughout the forecast period.
"With the number of high-profile attacks steadily increasing, the market for DDoS prevention solutions will surge," said John Grady, research manager for IDC's Security Products program. "A defense-in-depth posture with a combination of on-premise equipment and cloud-based mitigation provides the best protection against advanced application and SSL-based attacks as well as large-scale volumetric attacks."
According to new research from International Data Corp. (IDC), these attacks render servers and/or network resources unavailable by overwhelming them with traffic. The evolution from hacktivism to financial gain to disguising more targeted attacks is evidence of a re-emerging trend that exploits the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of some of the world's largest and most powerful organizations.
In 2012, there was a sharp increase in the frequency, bandwidth volume, and applications orientation of these attacks. "As these attacks surged in prevalence and sophistication, organizations were often caught unaware. Embedded capabilities were quickly overwhelmed and outages were readily apparent on the Web. This is driving the need for proactive solutions to protect customer's infrastructure from current and future attacks," said Christian A. Christiansen, VP, Security Products & Services research at IDC.
As detailed in the IDC forecast, the worldwide market for DDoS prevention solutions (including products and services) will grow by a CAGR of 18.2 percent from 2012 through 2017 and reach $870 million.
Volumetric attacks will remain the predominant type of DDoS attacks throughout the forecast period. These simple yet devastating attacks are exceedingly effective due to the relative ease with which botnets can send a bandwidth flood that can cripple most enterprise infrastructures. Despite volumetric-based attacks remaining most popular, more advanced hybrid attacks that include application layer and encrypted traffic will grow. This will drive growth in the on-premise equipment market throughout the forecast period.
"With the number of high-profile attacks steadily increasing, the market for DDoS prevention solutions will surge," said John Grady, research manager for IDC's Security Products program. "A defense-in-depth posture with a combination of on-premise equipment and cloud-based mitigation provides the best protection against advanced application and SSL-based attacks as well as large-scale volumetric attacks."
February shipment proportion of above 20”monitors surged 10 percent YoY
TAIWAN: According to the monitor shipment survey by WitsView, the display research division of the global intelligence provider TrendForce, the global top ten LCD monitor SI makers’ February shipment declined 25.7 percent from January to a shipment volume 8.31 million units.
The top ten brand vendors’ shipments totaled 8.13 million units, dropping 23.4 percent largely from January. The main reasons for the declines were some February demands were shipped in advance in January, fewer working days, and the lower-than-expected demands in China.
WitsView’s assistant research manager Anita Wang says that the 19” W was affected by the poor sales in China and panel makers’ dropping supply, and brands’ 19”W shipment proportion has declined from 11-13 percent in the past to 7.5 percent in February.
The 21.5”has become the size accounting for the largest shipment proportion since October last year, seeing a 22 percent shipment proportion in February, while the shipment proportion of the above 20” monitor grew from 56 percent in the same period last year to 66 percent in February, showing a 10 percent annual growth and indicating the monitor market approaches large sizes.
Based on Witsview’s March survey on the 19.5”W LCD monitor retail prices in China, in addition to BenQ’s newly launched models at a sharp price RMB 650, which follows acer’s pricing strategy (the 18.5”W retail price in China is around RMB 725), AOC and ViewSonic both reveal models at RMB 699. It shows brands’ pricing strategies on the 19.5”W are clearly driven by acer’s low-priced model showcased last month and are forced to follow the current low-pricing trend.
The top ten brand vendors’ shipments totaled 8.13 million units, dropping 23.4 percent largely from January. The main reasons for the declines were some February demands were shipped in advance in January, fewer working days, and the lower-than-expected demands in China.
WitsView’s assistant research manager Anita Wang says that the 19” W was affected by the poor sales in China and panel makers’ dropping supply, and brands’ 19”W shipment proportion has declined from 11-13 percent in the past to 7.5 percent in February.
The 21.5”has become the size accounting for the largest shipment proportion since October last year, seeing a 22 percent shipment proportion in February, while the shipment proportion of the above 20” monitor grew from 56 percent in the same period last year to 66 percent in February, showing a 10 percent annual growth and indicating the monitor market approaches large sizes.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Versium tackles big data with LifeData analytics platform
USA: Massive volumes of data or LifeData are created every day as people interact in their daily lives. Understanding LifeData can help organizations accurately predict behavior such as, ‘will a person pay their bills on time, who is a discount shopper, what are cross selling opportunities, what are predicted consumption levels, is cancellation risk increasing,’ and much more.
Organizations currently have little visibility into LifeData, preventing them from fully understanding who their customers are, outside of the involvement they have with the enterprise.
Versium, a data technology company, announced the availability of its LifeData analytics platform, enabling organizations to be more data-driven by powering and creating solutions that help organizations better understand their customer’s LifeData in order to optimize consumer engagement, improve marketing efficiencies and better understand, retain and find new customers.
Versium brings together disparate sets of observational data (both online and offline), comprised of more than 100 billion real-life attributes, and combines these insights with an organization’s existing enterprise data to provide a richer, more actionable profile of each individual consumer and more intelligent analytic models. The company provides a unique, patent-pending technology – to verify, cross index and match large sets of data.
Organizations currently have little visibility into LifeData, preventing them from fully understanding who their customers are, outside of the involvement they have with the enterprise.
Versium, a data technology company, announced the availability of its LifeData analytics platform, enabling organizations to be more data-driven by powering and creating solutions that help organizations better understand their customer’s LifeData in order to optimize consumer engagement, improve marketing efficiencies and better understand, retain and find new customers.
Versium brings together disparate sets of observational data (both online and offline), comprised of more than 100 billion real-life attributes, and combines these insights with an organization’s existing enterprise data to provide a richer, more actionable profile of each individual consumer and more intelligent analytic models. The company provides a unique, patent-pending technology – to verify, cross index and match large sets of data.
DVTEL expands local presence in Asia-Pacific
SINGAPORE: DVTEL Inc., the video surveillance solutions provider, is expanding its business in the important Asia-Pacific market, with an enhanced local team in place to focus on capitalizing on surveillance market opportunities.
Increased urbanization and healthy economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region are driving greater need for video surveillance systems to ensure the safety of people, property and assets.
DVTEL will showcase its Meridian NVR, a mid-market NVR solution; ioimage by DVTEL video analytics; the latest updates to its Latitude NVMS; and its HD-quality Quasar surveillance camera line at the Global Security Asia 2013 International exhibition April 2-4, 2013, at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.
At booth #1920, DVTEL's full range of technologies will be demonstrated, highlighting state-of-the-art IP security technologies and equipment to combat current and future threats.
DVTEL's products and systems allow integrators to deliver comprehensive solutions from the camera to the control room, including edge devices, video management software (VMS), intelligent video analytics, and custom applications and integration.
DVTEL's newest camera line, the HD broadcast-quality Quasar, delivers high-resolution video at extremely low bandwidth, giving resellers the ability to minimize storage requirements and enhance their customer’s return on investment. The transition from analog to IP systems is accelerating market opportunity in Asia-Pacific, and DVTEL’s first-class technology and service provides an easy, safe and cost-effective transition.
Increased urbanization and healthy economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region are driving greater need for video surveillance systems to ensure the safety of people, property and assets.
DVTEL will showcase its Meridian NVR, a mid-market NVR solution; ioimage by DVTEL video analytics; the latest updates to its Latitude NVMS; and its HD-quality Quasar surveillance camera line at the Global Security Asia 2013 International exhibition April 2-4, 2013, at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore.
At booth #1920, DVTEL's full range of technologies will be demonstrated, highlighting state-of-the-art IP security technologies and equipment to combat current and future threats.
DVTEL's products and systems allow integrators to deliver comprehensive solutions from the camera to the control room, including edge devices, video management software (VMS), intelligent video analytics, and custom applications and integration.
DVTEL's newest camera line, the HD broadcast-quality Quasar, delivers high-resolution video at extremely low bandwidth, giving resellers the ability to minimize storage requirements and enhance their customer’s return on investment. The transition from analog to IP systems is accelerating market opportunity in Asia-Pacific, and DVTEL’s first-class technology and service provides an easy, safe and cost-effective transition.
Xplore intros iX104C5-M2 rugged tablet for military and government personnel
USA: Xplore Technologies Corp. has announced the newest addition to its rugged tablet portfolio, the iX104C5-M2. The new rugged tablet is an upgrade to Xplore Technologies’ current iX104C5-M, and is made to specifically meet the specialized security needs of military and government personnel.
The new iX104C5-M2 introduces additional hardware security with a fully integrated common access card (CAC) reader, which provides a secure and more trusted platform experience for military personnel. An ISO 7816 smart card issued by the U.S. government must be inserted into the device to access information appropriate to the user’s security clearance on the tablet.
The CAC reader ensures that critical data is only accessible by the appropriate, qualified user. Since the CAC card is completely contained within the iX104C5-M2 CAC reader, it poses no threat of possible damage resulting from foreign objects.
The iX104C5-M2 rugged tablet is outfitted with an Intel Core i7 processor, is Windows 8 compatible, and offers the most advanced performance platform in its class. The speed and efficiency of Xplore’s military tablets allows federal and Department of Defense users to deploy high-end enterprise level applications with confidence and reliability.
The new iX104C5-M2 introduces additional hardware security with a fully integrated common access card (CAC) reader, which provides a secure and more trusted platform experience for military personnel. An ISO 7816 smart card issued by the U.S. government must be inserted into the device to access information appropriate to the user’s security clearance on the tablet.
The CAC reader ensures that critical data is only accessible by the appropriate, qualified user. Since the CAC card is completely contained within the iX104C5-M2 CAC reader, it poses no threat of possible damage resulting from foreign objects.
The iX104C5-M2 rugged tablet is outfitted with an Intel Core i7 processor, is Windows 8 compatible, and offers the most advanced performance platform in its class. The speed and efficiency of Xplore’s military tablets allows federal and Department of Defense users to deploy high-end enterprise level applications with confidence and reliability.
INSIDE Secure premium content protection lets Astral video streaming services go mobile
FRANCE: INSIDE Secure has teamed with Astral Television Networks, Canada’s largest broadcaster of English- and French-language pay and specialty television services, to protect the delivery of more than 1,000 hours of high-definition quality programming from The Movie Network, HBO Canada and The Movie Network Encore to subscribers’ iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini and iPod touch devices.
Astral is using the INSIDE downloadable DRM Fusion Agent in its new TMN GO mobile app, which subscribers can download to their iOS devices to view premium video content from Astral’s newly launched The Movie Network GO (TMN GO), HBO GO Canada and TMN Encore GO video streaming services in Canada.
With a sleek cinematic design and interface that offers superior functionality, TMN GO, HBO GO Canada and TMN Encore GO are best-in-class services that allow subscribers to engage with more than 1,000 hours of premium content. The services are currently available in Eastern Canada to customers of Bell TV, Rogers and Cogeco Cable, with additional television providers expected to join in the coming months.
The INSIDE downloadable DRM Fusion Agent software allows protected high-value content to be distributed in a single, uniform and secure way to all supported platforms and devices. Operators can more quickly deploy secure content services and support a variety of business models, including ad-supported and pre-paid services, dramatically reducing DRM implementation costs and time to market.
It also enables media companies and high-value content providers to more quickly achieve revenue from service deployment by eliminating the dependence on mobile phone and device manufacturers to embed DRM protection.
Astral is using the INSIDE downloadable DRM Fusion Agent in its new TMN GO mobile app, which subscribers can download to their iOS devices to view premium video content from Astral’s newly launched The Movie Network GO (TMN GO), HBO GO Canada and TMN Encore GO video streaming services in Canada.
With a sleek cinematic design and interface that offers superior functionality, TMN GO, HBO GO Canada and TMN Encore GO are best-in-class services that allow subscribers to engage with more than 1,000 hours of premium content. The services are currently available in Eastern Canada to customers of Bell TV, Rogers and Cogeco Cable, with additional television providers expected to join in the coming months.
The INSIDE downloadable DRM Fusion Agent software allows protected high-value content to be distributed in a single, uniform and secure way to all supported platforms and devices. Operators can more quickly deploy secure content services and support a variety of business models, including ad-supported and pre-paid services, dramatically reducing DRM implementation costs and time to market.
It also enables media companies and high-value content providers to more quickly achieve revenue from service deployment by eliminating the dependence on mobile phone and device manufacturers to embed DRM protection.
Electric vehicle drive motor sales will reach 3.7 million units by 2020
USA: Electric motors and their controllers are an important but often secondary consideration in the cost premium of electric vehicles (EVs).
Today, new electric motor technologies are being developed by many automakers and their supplier partners in an effort to gain advantages in performance and efficiency, just as they have done for years with their internal combustion engines. According to a new report from Navigant Research, unit sales of electric drive motors will reach 3.7 million by 2020, growing from 1.5 million in 2013.
“The market for electric drive motors is set for steady rather than spectacular growth over the next few years,” says David Alexander, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “Only a breakthrough in the cost and performance of battery packs is likely to cause a significant increase in electric vehicle sales—but as volumes increase, there will be plenty of scope for cost reductions in motors and controllers, as well.”
Many of the EVs on the road today are adapted from conventional vehicles that have been optimized for the internal combustion engine. Automakers put electric drivetrains into existing vehicle designs because they rely on conventional powertrains for the majority of sales and can reduce the time to market by using existing components and chassis.
While this approach makes economic sense for automotive manufacturers with established production facilities, it does not make the best use of the potential of the electric drive, according to the report.
Today, new electric motor technologies are being developed by many automakers and their supplier partners in an effort to gain advantages in performance and efficiency, just as they have done for years with their internal combustion engines. According to a new report from Navigant Research, unit sales of electric drive motors will reach 3.7 million by 2020, growing from 1.5 million in 2013.
“The market for electric drive motors is set for steady rather than spectacular growth over the next few years,” says David Alexander, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. “Only a breakthrough in the cost and performance of battery packs is likely to cause a significant increase in electric vehicle sales—but as volumes increase, there will be plenty of scope for cost reductions in motors and controllers, as well.”
Many of the EVs on the road today are adapted from conventional vehicles that have been optimized for the internal combustion engine. Automakers put electric drivetrains into existing vehicle designs because they rely on conventional powertrains for the majority of sales and can reduce the time to market by using existing components and chassis.
While this approach makes economic sense for automotive manufacturers with established production facilities, it does not make the best use of the potential of the electric drive, according to the report.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Sanmina India receives Golden Peacock national quality award In electronics
USA: Sanmina Corp., a leading integrated manufacturing solutions company making some of the world’s most complex and innovative optical, electronic and mechanical products, has been named the winner of the prestigious Golden Peacock National Quality Award in Electronics for 2012.
Competing with more than 320 applicants, Sanmina India was selected as the winner in the “Electronics” segment after months of rigorous audits of the company’s processes, systems and manufacturing capabilities. The judging was conducted by a panel with representation from the industry and government, headed by Dr. Ola Ullsten, former Prime Minister of Sweden.
“The Golden Peacock Awards are highly respected both nationally and globally, and it is a great honour to be recognised for excellence in quality, a cornerstone of Sanmina’s approach to business and customer service,” said Muthu Sivan, VP and MD of Sanmina India. “The selection process and standards are extremely stringent, and winning this award recognises the dedication and focus of our team in Chennai, providing customers with world-class quality throughout all aspects of our operations.”
The Golden Peacock Awards (GPA) were established in 1991 by the Institute of Directors and has become one of the most coveted corporate excellence awards in the world. The awards are focused on driving excellence in quality, innovation, training, governance, environmental management and corporate social responsibility.
Sanmina’s state-of-the-art facilities in India offer design and manufacture services for the aerospace, medical, communications networks, enterprise computing, multimedia and smart infrastructure markets. The facilities are certified to ISO/TL 9000, AS9100 C and ISO 13485-2003, among others.
Competing with more than 320 applicants, Sanmina India was selected as the winner in the “Electronics” segment after months of rigorous audits of the company’s processes, systems and manufacturing capabilities. The judging was conducted by a panel with representation from the industry and government, headed by Dr. Ola Ullsten, former Prime Minister of Sweden.
“The Golden Peacock Awards are highly respected both nationally and globally, and it is a great honour to be recognised for excellence in quality, a cornerstone of Sanmina’s approach to business and customer service,” said Muthu Sivan, VP and MD of Sanmina India. “The selection process and standards are extremely stringent, and winning this award recognises the dedication and focus of our team in Chennai, providing customers with world-class quality throughout all aspects of our operations.”
The Golden Peacock Awards (GPA) were established in 1991 by the Institute of Directors and has become one of the most coveted corporate excellence awards in the world. The awards are focused on driving excellence in quality, innovation, training, governance, environmental management and corporate social responsibility.
Sanmina’s state-of-the-art facilities in India offer design and manufacture services for the aerospace, medical, communications networks, enterprise computing, multimedia and smart infrastructure markets. The facilities are certified to ISO/TL 9000, AS9100 C and ISO 13485-2003, among others.
QLogic powers Fujitsu ETERNUS for next-gen 16Gb Fibre Channel high performance storage solutions
USA: QLogic announced that its FlexSuite technology has been embedded and is now shipping in Fujitsu ETERNUS disk storage systems.
QLogic FlexSuite technology enables Fujitsu to leverage a multi-protocol converged storage platform to deliver high-performance 16Gb Fibre Channel storage solutions.
QLogic 16Gb Fibre Channel adapters deliver twice the throughput and three times the transaction speeds of previous-generation 8Gb Fibre Channel products while maintaining backward-compatibility with 8Gb and 4Gb Fibre Channel investments.
QLogic FlexSuite technology enables Fujitsu to leverage a multi-protocol converged storage platform to deliver high-performance 16Gb Fibre Channel storage solutions.
QLogic 16Gb Fibre Channel adapters deliver twice the throughput and three times the transaction speeds of previous-generation 8Gb Fibre Channel products while maintaining backward-compatibility with 8Gb and 4Gb Fibre Channel investments.
Innovative products feature at electronics, ICT and lighting fairs
HONG KONG: Three April fairs will showcase the latest products and marketing trends in lighting, electronics, and information and communications technology, beginning next week, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Lighting the way
The fifth edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) opens next Saturday (6 April) and continues through 9 April.
The four-day event is expected to attract more than 1,000 exhibitors, including from the Chinese mainland, France, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States, as well as new exhibitors from Finland, Greece, India, Macau and the United Kingdom.
Fair highlights include two new zones: the Hall of Display World, showcasing the latest innovations in advertising lighting and the World of Chandeliers, featuring chandeliers for sophisticated settings. Other highlights include the Hall of Aurora, showcasing quality brand products, and the Hall of LED and Green Lighting. The Asian Lighting Forum as well as seminars on the latest trends in technology, design and regulations in lighting products, will also take place.
Electronics and ICT innovations
The HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) and HKTDC International ICT Expo, 13-16 April, will welcome more than 3,200 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions to the HKCEC. Asia’s largest spring electronics fair will feature exhibitor pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Korea and Taiwan.
New product zone
The latest electronics products will be displayed in several key product zones, including Eco-friendly Products, Mobile Devices and Accessories, and Smart Homes. A new zone, Bags and Cases, caters to the growing demand for mobile device accessories. The fair’s Hall of Fame will return with some 500 leading brands, including Coby, Coway, Goodway, Haier, Lenco, Otic, TCL, Telefunken, and new exhibitors, Polaroid and Promate.
A series of seminars will spotlight trends in smart devices, wireless charging and other technology applications on consumer electronics and mobile device apps, as well as EMC regulations, and testing and certification. Philips will also release its new research findings on innovation at the fair.
Apps zone
ICT Expo will present exhibitor pavilions from Australia, Canada, the mainland and India. The expo will spotlight the new Apps Zone, connecting buyers with mobile application experts. Other highlights will include the Business Apps on Cloud and Mobile, featuring the latest cloud computing solutions, the Home-grown Innovations Zone, showcasing local innovations from the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Cyberport and local tertiary and research institutions.
Forums and seminars will look at such timely topics as ICT solutions for SMEs, cloud and mobile applications opportunities, cloud computing trends on the mainland, and mobile payment technology such as Near Field Communication, market analysis on social media and software copyrights practices.
In 2012, Hong Kong exported HK$1.9 trillion ($254 billion) in electronics products, up 7 percent over 2011. Exports of information and communication technology products totalled HK$427 billion ($55 billion) in value, up 12.5 percent over the previous year.
Small-order zone
This year will see the return of the Small-Order Zone at the three fairs, offering thousands of products from more than 320 suppliers in a series of showcases at the Expo Drive entrance.
Lighting the way
The fifth edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) opens next Saturday (6 April) and continues through 9 April.
The four-day event is expected to attract more than 1,000 exhibitors, including from the Chinese mainland, France, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States, as well as new exhibitors from Finland, Greece, India, Macau and the United Kingdom.
Fair highlights include two new zones: the Hall of Display World, showcasing the latest innovations in advertising lighting and the World of Chandeliers, featuring chandeliers for sophisticated settings. Other highlights include the Hall of Aurora, showcasing quality brand products, and the Hall of LED and Green Lighting. The Asian Lighting Forum as well as seminars on the latest trends in technology, design and regulations in lighting products, will also take place.
Electronics and ICT innovations
The HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) and HKTDC International ICT Expo, 13-16 April, will welcome more than 3,200 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions to the HKCEC. Asia’s largest spring electronics fair will feature exhibitor pavilions from the Chinese mainland, Korea and Taiwan.
New product zone
The latest electronics products will be displayed in several key product zones, including Eco-friendly Products, Mobile Devices and Accessories, and Smart Homes. A new zone, Bags and Cases, caters to the growing demand for mobile device accessories. The fair’s Hall of Fame will return with some 500 leading brands, including Coby, Coway, Goodway, Haier, Lenco, Otic, TCL, Telefunken, and new exhibitors, Polaroid and Promate.
A series of seminars will spotlight trends in smart devices, wireless charging and other technology applications on consumer electronics and mobile device apps, as well as EMC regulations, and testing and certification. Philips will also release its new research findings on innovation at the fair.
Apps zone
ICT Expo will present exhibitor pavilions from Australia, Canada, the mainland and India. The expo will spotlight the new Apps Zone, connecting buyers with mobile application experts. Other highlights will include the Business Apps on Cloud and Mobile, featuring the latest cloud computing solutions, the Home-grown Innovations Zone, showcasing local innovations from the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks, Cyberport and local tertiary and research institutions.
Forums and seminars will look at such timely topics as ICT solutions for SMEs, cloud and mobile applications opportunities, cloud computing trends on the mainland, and mobile payment technology such as Near Field Communication, market analysis on social media and software copyrights practices.
In 2012, Hong Kong exported HK$1.9 trillion ($254 billion) in electronics products, up 7 percent over 2011. Exports of information and communication technology products totalled HK$427 billion ($55 billion) in value, up 12.5 percent over the previous year.
Small-order zone
This year will see the return of the Small-Order Zone at the three fairs, offering thousands of products from more than 320 suppliers in a series of showcases at the Expo Drive entrance.
UHD TV market limited, China becomes territory to fight for among panel makers
TAIWAN: According to the observations on the UHD TV market by WitsView , the display research division of the global market intelligence provider TrendForce, after the hit topics LED, 3D, and Smart TV that raised attention one after another from 2010 to 2012, OLED TV’s development was surprisingly slower than expected.
Hence, from the second half of 2012, TV brands have started to launch UHD TVs, declaring the commencement of the Super High Resolution TVs. With the trend, panel makers also begin to showcase UHD TV panels aggressively from 2013.
Based on WitsView’s observation on the overall UHD TV developments, it has been more than ten years since the transmission standard of UHD TV was proposed by NHK in 1995, and it was officially recognized as the transmission standard of the next super high resolution TV by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2012.
While the sports game programs of UHD resolution were broadcasted for trial during the 2012 London Olympic Games, the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and the 2016 Rio Olympic Games are generally expected to be keys for TV networks and TV brands to promote UHD TV sales.
According to Boyce Fan, WitsView’s research manager, under the current UHD TV panel cost structure, as the resolution lifts fourfold from FHD and the panel transparency drops, the costs of driver IC and BLU should surge inevitably. In addition, the yield drops, the overall cost will surge to about 1.4-1.6 times from the FHD models.
Taking the 55” UHD TV panel for instance, the overall cost is estimated at around USD 650-750, and the profit is around 20-30% for panel makers when comparing to the current UHD TV selling prices. In order to lift rapidly the UHD TV market volume, in addition to yield improvement, the spec. cuts in BLU, driver IC structures, and panels will be keys to trim UHD panel costs.
After the Chinese market rapidly raised penetration rates of LED, 3D, and Smart TVs in the past years, the 2013 marketing focus will be place on the UHD TV, especially the products with low-cost panels.
As Chinese TV brands have no IC solution that analyzes UHD images as the first-tier TV brands but depend on panel makers for complex transformation resolutions between panels and images, the image quality is not as superior as the first-tier TV brands, but the selling price and cost come closer to the affordable level for consumers. As a result, WitsView projects that China is likely to become the main playfield where the UHD TV market scale grows quickly and also a territory to fight for among panel makers.
Based on WitsView’s estimates, excluding China as a special case, the overall UHD TV development is still constrained by the brocasting standard, storage devices, and immature regulations such as transmission bandwidth and standard. Furthermore, the native UHD image contents are still very limited, and FHD signals are mostly upgraded to UHD signals by the IC solution for analyzing and scaling.
We can say that the existing hardware develops beyond the software, and the UHD TV penetration rate will stay below 5 percent until 2015. With the limited panel supply and elevated costs and selling prices, the penetration rate for UHD TV panels in 2013 will come to only 1.2 percent. And, the Chinese top six brands will control over 80 percent of the 2013 UHD TV market with their relatively low-priced models.
Hence, from the second half of 2012, TV brands have started to launch UHD TVs, declaring the commencement of the Super High Resolution TVs. With the trend, panel makers also begin to showcase UHD TV panels aggressively from 2013.
Based on WitsView’s observation on the overall UHD TV developments, it has been more than ten years since the transmission standard of UHD TV was proposed by NHK in 1995, and it was officially recognized as the transmission standard of the next super high resolution TV by International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 2012.
According to Boyce Fan, WitsView’s research manager, under the current UHD TV panel cost structure, as the resolution lifts fourfold from FHD and the panel transparency drops, the costs of driver IC and BLU should surge inevitably. In addition, the yield drops, the overall cost will surge to about 1.4-1.6 times from the FHD models.
Taking the 55” UHD TV panel for instance, the overall cost is estimated at around USD 650-750, and the profit is around 20-30% for panel makers when comparing to the current UHD TV selling prices. In order to lift rapidly the UHD TV market volume, in addition to yield improvement, the spec. cuts in BLU, driver IC structures, and panels will be keys to trim UHD panel costs.
After the Chinese market rapidly raised penetration rates of LED, 3D, and Smart TVs in the past years, the 2013 marketing focus will be place on the UHD TV, especially the products with low-cost panels.
Based on WitsView’s estimates, excluding China as a special case, the overall UHD TV development is still constrained by the brocasting standard, storage devices, and immature regulations such as transmission bandwidth and standard. Furthermore, the native UHD image contents are still very limited, and FHD signals are mostly upgraded to UHD signals by the IC solution for analyzing and scaling.
We can say that the existing hardware develops beyond the software, and the UHD TV penetration rate will stay below 5 percent until 2015. With the limited panel supply and elevated costs and selling prices, the penetration rate for UHD TV panels in 2013 will come to only 1.2 percent. And, the Chinese top six brands will control over 80 percent of the 2013 UHD TV market with their relatively low-priced models.
Data acquisition technology outlook 2013
USA: National Instruments released the Data Acquisition Technology Outlook 2013, which provides an overview of the company’s research into key technologies and methodologies that are impacting the data acquisition industry.
The Data Acquisition Technology Outlook discusses the following trends:
Big Analog Data and Data Acquisition: Engineers and scientists collect vast amounts of high velocity analog data every second of every day. Drawing accurate and meaningful conclusions is a growing problem, and requires specific Big Analog Data tools and technologies. See what this means for the data acquisition market.
Moore’s Law at Work in Data Logging: As the digital world we live in becomes increasingly complex, we are demanding more from the systems that monitor the physical and electrical world. Learn about the data acquisition systems and processors of today, the applications that are pushing the limits of data-logging systems and the architecture of next-generation data acquisition systems.
Emerging Bus Technologies: As the computer has evolved, so have bus technologies for connecting peripheral devices. Get an overview of the next generation of bus technologies, such as USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth SMART and LTE, and learn how they may affect data acquisition in the future.
Mobile Technology’s Influence on Data Acquisition: Advances in mobile technology are quickly influencing test and measurement solutions. Even though the technology is still young, engineers and scientists are evolving their skill sets to keep pace. Learn about the ongoing mobile OS battle, how Windows 8 tablets are changing the game and why security is critical to the success of your mobile applications.
The Data Acquisition Technology Outlook discusses the following trends:
Big Analog Data and Data Acquisition: Engineers and scientists collect vast amounts of high velocity analog data every second of every day. Drawing accurate and meaningful conclusions is a growing problem, and requires specific Big Analog Data tools and technologies. See what this means for the data acquisition market.
Moore’s Law at Work in Data Logging: As the digital world we live in becomes increasingly complex, we are demanding more from the systems that monitor the physical and electrical world. Learn about the data acquisition systems and processors of today, the applications that are pushing the limits of data-logging systems and the architecture of next-generation data acquisition systems.
Emerging Bus Technologies: As the computer has evolved, so have bus technologies for connecting peripheral devices. Get an overview of the next generation of bus technologies, such as USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, 802.11ac, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth SMART and LTE, and learn how they may affect data acquisition in the future.
Mobile Technology’s Influence on Data Acquisition: Advances in mobile technology are quickly influencing test and measurement solutions. Even though the technology is still young, engineers and scientists are evolving their skill sets to keep pace. Learn about the ongoing mobile OS battle, how Windows 8 tablets are changing the game and why security is critical to the success of your mobile applications.
Brocade advances fibre channel innovation with new fabric vision technology
USA: Brocade has announced Brocade Fabric Vision technology, an advanced storage area networking (SAN) hardware and software solution that maximizes uptime, dramatically simplifies SAN deployment and management, and provides unprecedented levels of visibility and insight into the storage network.
Brocade Fabric Vision technology is a collection of breakthrough features and tools that enhance the company’s purpose-built, data center-proven Gen 5 Fibre Channel portfolio to achieve industry-leading reliability, scalability and 16 Gbps performance.
Brocade also announced the industry’s highest-density fixed-configuration SAN switch along with enhancements to its fabric management software. The new switch, the Brocade 6520 Switch, bolsters the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of Gen 5 Fibre Channel modular, fixed port and embedded solutions, and further distances Brocade ahead of competitors with more than a year of broad customer deployment of products based on the 16 Gbps Fibre Channel standard.
Based on continued strong customer demand and market growth for Brocade Fibre Channel SAN products, coupled with its 17-year heritage as the Fibre Channel innovator, Brocade stated its commitment to develop new SAN solutions based on components that conform to the soon-to-be-ratified Gen 6 Fibre Channel industry standard.
In addition, the company is working closely with its storage partners to lead efforts in the OpenStack community to ensure that ongoing customer investments in Fibre Channel SANs are protected as enterprises and service providers move to cloud orchestration frameworks, such as OpenStack, in their data centers.
Brocade Fabric Vision technology is a collection of breakthrough features and tools that enhance the company’s purpose-built, data center-proven Gen 5 Fibre Channel portfolio to achieve industry-leading reliability, scalability and 16 Gbps performance.
Brocade also announced the industry’s highest-density fixed-configuration SAN switch along with enhancements to its fabric management software. The new switch, the Brocade 6520 Switch, bolsters the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of Gen 5 Fibre Channel modular, fixed port and embedded solutions, and further distances Brocade ahead of competitors with more than a year of broad customer deployment of products based on the 16 Gbps Fibre Channel standard.
Based on continued strong customer demand and market growth for Brocade Fibre Channel SAN products, coupled with its 17-year heritage as the Fibre Channel innovator, Brocade stated its commitment to develop new SAN solutions based on components that conform to the soon-to-be-ratified Gen 6 Fibre Channel industry standard.
In addition, the company is working closely with its storage partners to lead efforts in the OpenStack community to ensure that ongoing customer investments in Fibre Channel SANs are protected as enterprises and service providers move to cloud orchestration frameworks, such as OpenStack, in their data centers.
Fujitsu and ImageWare to enable delivery of Cloud-based biometric multi-modal solutions
USA: Fujitsu announced a contract with ImageWare Systems Inc., a leader in multi-modal biometric security management solutions, to enable the deployment of a new multi-modal biometric identity management solution and model.
The cloud-based offering is built on the Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform (FGCP) and features ImageWare's CloudID product suite, anchored by ImageWare's patented multi-modal Biometric Engine. The products will be licensed on a service or transactional basis.
The solution is expected to be introduced in North America in April, which will make it possible to collaborate on a global expansion model in the near future.
"This collaboration illustrates the ability for Fujitsu and ImageWare to respond to market needs and growth opportunity from technology and service delivery perspectives," said Joel O'Halloran, executive VP, IT Services and Retail at Fujitsu America. "Also, we anticipate this will serve as a model for other leading technology companies to define their solutions in the cloud by following the features and capabilities offered by our Global Cloud Platform."
ImageWare's IWS CloudID Product Suite is designed to deliver enterprise class, real-world solutions to meet current biometric identity management, enrollment, authentication and verification needs. This adaptable, modular structure can be scaled, modified, and enhanced as business requirements evolve.
The CloudID product suite provides for rapid adoption of any biometrics needs across various markets including healthcare, retail, facilities management, energy and power and law enforcement.
The Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform addresses performance, security, agility and reliability needs required by the enterprise.
The solution allows companies to choose their own cloud system, control their own architecture and customize applications. In addition, the Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform ensures ease of access and portability of data, is cost effective, and allows the enterprise to scale its IT environment.
The cloud-based offering is built on the Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform (FGCP) and features ImageWare's CloudID product suite, anchored by ImageWare's patented multi-modal Biometric Engine. The products will be licensed on a service or transactional basis.
The solution is expected to be introduced in North America in April, which will make it possible to collaborate on a global expansion model in the near future.
"This collaboration illustrates the ability for Fujitsu and ImageWare to respond to market needs and growth opportunity from technology and service delivery perspectives," said Joel O'Halloran, executive VP, IT Services and Retail at Fujitsu America. "Also, we anticipate this will serve as a model for other leading technology companies to define their solutions in the cloud by following the features and capabilities offered by our Global Cloud Platform."
ImageWare's IWS CloudID Product Suite is designed to deliver enterprise class, real-world solutions to meet current biometric identity management, enrollment, authentication and verification needs. This adaptable, modular structure can be scaled, modified, and enhanced as business requirements evolve.
The CloudID product suite provides for rapid adoption of any biometrics needs across various markets including healthcare, retail, facilities management, energy and power and law enforcement.
The Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform addresses performance, security, agility and reliability needs required by the enterprise.
The solution allows companies to choose their own cloud system, control their own architecture and customize applications. In addition, the Fujitsu Global Cloud Platform ensures ease of access and portability of data, is cost effective, and allows the enterprise to scale its IT environment.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Bestronics triples manufacturing facilities in San José
USA: Bestronics, provider of manufacturing, process engineering and test services for original equipment manufacturers, has tripled its manufacturing facilities to 71,750 square feet in a move to new quarters in San Jose’s International Business Park.
The company will celebrate its move at a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by San José Mayor Chuck Reed and other city officials at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at the Bestronics’ new headquarters, 2090 Fortune Drive.
“We are also celebrating the resurgence of local manufacturing in the city that launched some of the most inventive manufacturing-dependent companies in the world,” said Bestronics president, Nat Mani.
“Bestronics has seen many waves of manufacturing cycles in its 25 years in the Silicon Valley and, with these new facilities, is positioned to capture what promises to be a new groundswell of support for local manufacturing. We have already increased our team of highly-trained professionals and plan additional hires this year to support our growth.”
“I thank Bestronics for staying and growing its operations in San José and appreciate the company’s investments and commitment to create high-tech manufacturing jobs in the Capital of Silicon Valley,” said Mayor Reed. “We look forward to helping Bestronics to continue its growth in the years ahead.”
According to Mary Wadden, associate VP for Cassidy Turley who represented Bestronics in the lease: “The vacancy rate for research and development space in Silicon Valley is at the lowest levels seen since 2000. The vacancy rate is approximately 14.5 percent down from a high of 26 percent in 2003.”
Bestronics specializes in high-mix, lower-volume manufacturing for high technology companies who require exacting quality with the convenience of local sourcing at a competitive cost.
Bestronics offers facilities and trained staff supporting electro-mechanical and system assembly, reliability, precision touch-ups, in-circuit and functional tests, rework and failure analysis, final test, integration and box builds, a wide variety of SMT packaging and new clean room assembly capability.
The company will celebrate its move at a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by San José Mayor Chuck Reed and other city officials at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 27, 2013 at the Bestronics’ new headquarters, 2090 Fortune Drive.
“We are also celebrating the resurgence of local manufacturing in the city that launched some of the most inventive manufacturing-dependent companies in the world,” said Bestronics president, Nat Mani.
“Bestronics has seen many waves of manufacturing cycles in its 25 years in the Silicon Valley and, with these new facilities, is positioned to capture what promises to be a new groundswell of support for local manufacturing. We have already increased our team of highly-trained professionals and plan additional hires this year to support our growth.”
“I thank Bestronics for staying and growing its operations in San José and appreciate the company’s investments and commitment to create high-tech manufacturing jobs in the Capital of Silicon Valley,” said Mayor Reed. “We look forward to helping Bestronics to continue its growth in the years ahead.”
According to Mary Wadden, associate VP for Cassidy Turley who represented Bestronics in the lease: “The vacancy rate for research and development space in Silicon Valley is at the lowest levels seen since 2000. The vacancy rate is approximately 14.5 percent down from a high of 26 percent in 2003.”
Bestronics specializes in high-mix, lower-volume manufacturing for high technology companies who require exacting quality with the convenience of local sourcing at a competitive cost.
Bestronics offers facilities and trained staff supporting electro-mechanical and system assembly, reliability, precision touch-ups, in-circuit and functional tests, rework and failure analysis, final test, integration and box builds, a wide variety of SMT packaging and new clean room assembly capability.
Retail indoor location market to reach $5 billion in 2018
ENGLAND: Apple’s acquisition of WiFiSLAM illustrates how 2013 will be a breakout year for indoor location as initial trials shift to technology deployments, application development, and revenues.
ABI Research’s latest report “Indoor Location in Retail: Where Is the Money?” provides a complete overview of all major technologies, revenue opportunities and competitive environment.
“Analyzing across 10 retail sectors, we are seeing a lot of cross pollination as companies combine handset and infrastructure based Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and sensor location technologies. The emergence of public venue small cells and carrier Wi-Fi will also create a new wave of opportunity,” commented Patrick Connolly, senior analyst. “As a result, we expect to see a flurry of acquisitions and partnerships in 2013, as major players start to make their moves.”
In support of these technologies, ABI Research is also forecasting smartphone retail apps to break 1 billion downloads, while indoor maps will break 1 million buildings, over the forecast period.
Discussing revenue opportunities, practice director Dominique Bonte said: “Proximity and in-store analytics services will emerge as leading revenue generators in 2013. As retailers launch smartphone apps, in-store hyperlocal, aisle-level search will also become much more prevalent. Longer term, in-store advertising will represent a great way for retailers to maximize brand advertising/shopper marketing revenues, increase basket size, and improve customer engagement.”
ABI Research’s latest report “Indoor Location in Retail: Where Is the Money?” provides a complete overview of all major technologies, revenue opportunities and competitive environment.
“Analyzing across 10 retail sectors, we are seeing a lot of cross pollination as companies combine handset and infrastructure based Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and sensor location technologies. The emergence of public venue small cells and carrier Wi-Fi will also create a new wave of opportunity,” commented Patrick Connolly, senior analyst. “As a result, we expect to see a flurry of acquisitions and partnerships in 2013, as major players start to make their moves.”
In support of these technologies, ABI Research is also forecasting smartphone retail apps to break 1 billion downloads, while indoor maps will break 1 million buildings, over the forecast period.
Discussing revenue opportunities, practice director Dominique Bonte said: “Proximity and in-store analytics services will emerge as leading revenue generators in 2013. As retailers launch smartphone apps, in-store hyperlocal, aisle-level search will also become much more prevalent. Longer term, in-store advertising will represent a great way for retailers to maximize brand advertising/shopper marketing revenues, increase basket size, and improve customer engagement.”
12Gb/s SAS data storage interface advances
USA: In a digital world where data can quickly become "business critical" for server and data storage OEMs, system builders and end-users, the SCSI Trade Association (STA) announced two important developments in the advancement of the 12Gb/s Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) storage interface.
SAS is a proven storage interface based on the SCSI protocol that has the stability to tackle the most critical storage demands, without unnecessary complexities and integration challenges.
STA, a member-run industry association established to support and promote SCSI technology, first announced the InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS) Technical Committee T10 is finalizing its work on the Serial Attached SCSI 3 (SAS-3) specification which includes 12Gb/s SAS and has completed letter ballot. It is expected to be forwarded to INCITS shortly after comments have been resolved.
A letter ballot marks a significant milestone in the standardization process. In addition to the significance of this event in formalizing the specification, it also marks the beginning of the implementation phase of 12Gb/s SAS during which companies will finalize their designs. STA expects volume deployment of 12Gb/s SAS products in 2013.
STA also announced the successful completion of the 14th SAS Plugfest, the second for 12Gb/s SAS, held February 18-22, 2013, at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL). Eighteen companies, including both STA members and non-members, participated in the Plugfest event.
The 14th STA Plugfest was highlighted by the following activities:
* Physical level testing of 12Gb/s SAS technology.
* Testing of different lengths and types of cables between the initiator and the target.
* Interoperability testing of SAS products, including SAS Initiators, Expanders and SAS Targets.
* Compatibility testing of hosts with solid state drives (SSD) and hard disk drives (HDD) running at 12Gb/s SAS.
* Interoperability ramifications of the transmitter and receiver training algorithms inherent in the specification.
* Testing of SFF-8630 MultiLink SAS and the SAS portion of the SFF-8639 multi-function backplane connector.
SAS is a proven storage interface based on the SCSI protocol that has the stability to tackle the most critical storage demands, without unnecessary complexities and integration challenges.
STA, a member-run industry association established to support and promote SCSI technology, first announced the InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS) Technical Committee T10 is finalizing its work on the Serial Attached SCSI 3 (SAS-3) specification which includes 12Gb/s SAS and has completed letter ballot. It is expected to be forwarded to INCITS shortly after comments have been resolved.
A letter ballot marks a significant milestone in the standardization process. In addition to the significance of this event in formalizing the specification, it also marks the beginning of the implementation phase of 12Gb/s SAS during which companies will finalize their designs. STA expects volume deployment of 12Gb/s SAS products in 2013.
STA also announced the successful completion of the 14th SAS Plugfest, the second for 12Gb/s SAS, held February 18-22, 2013, at the University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL). Eighteen companies, including both STA members and non-members, participated in the Plugfest event.
The 14th STA Plugfest was highlighted by the following activities:
* Physical level testing of 12Gb/s SAS technology.
* Testing of different lengths and types of cables between the initiator and the target.
* Interoperability testing of SAS products, including SAS Initiators, Expanders and SAS Targets.
* Compatibility testing of hosts with solid state drives (SSD) and hard disk drives (HDD) running at 12Gb/s SAS.
* Interoperability ramifications of the transmitter and receiver training algorithms inherent in the specification.
* Testing of SFF-8630 MultiLink SAS and the SAS portion of the SFF-8639 multi-function backplane connector.
Xplore to provide rugged tablets to medical device engineering firm
USA: Xplore Technologies Corp. will provide its iX104C5 Dual-Mode Lite (DML) rugged tablets to a leading medical equipment manufacturer to be utilized as a control unit for a medical device that temporarily takes over the function of a vital organ, helping to save lives. The order, valued at more than $2.5 million, is the continuation of a relationship that began in 2012.
“Our Dual-Mode Lite is a fully rugged tablet optimized for less resource-intensive applications, increased operational efficiency and total cost of ownership,” said Mark Holleran, president and COO for Xplore. “Because it’s IP67, which makes the tablet protected against liquids and contaminants of all types, the iX104C5 is perfect for medical and biopharmaceutical applications.”
“The medical industry has a keen need for rugged devices that can handle intricate and complicated tasks while withstanding the conditions of a medical environment,” said Philip S. Sassower, chairman and CEO for Xplore. “The expansion of our medical device relationship is an example of Xplore’s growth as a trusted OEM partner not only for the medical field, but also for utility diagnostics, and military suppliers.”
Xplore Technologies’ iX104C5 is the most rugged, powerful and longest-lasting industrial tablet PC in its class. The iX104C5 DML, which is designed for less process intensive applications, utilizes the Intel Celeron processor and is ideal for ambient indoor and outdoor light conditions.
“Our Dual-Mode Lite is a fully rugged tablet optimized for less resource-intensive applications, increased operational efficiency and total cost of ownership,” said Mark Holleran, president and COO for Xplore. “Because it’s IP67, which makes the tablet protected against liquids and contaminants of all types, the iX104C5 is perfect for medical and biopharmaceutical applications.”
“The medical industry has a keen need for rugged devices that can handle intricate and complicated tasks while withstanding the conditions of a medical environment,” said Philip S. Sassower, chairman and CEO for Xplore. “The expansion of our medical device relationship is an example of Xplore’s growth as a trusted OEM partner not only for the medical field, but also for utility diagnostics, and military suppliers.”
Xplore Technologies’ iX104C5 is the most rugged, powerful and longest-lasting industrial tablet PC in its class. The iX104C5 DML, which is designed for less process intensive applications, utilizes the Intel Celeron processor and is ideal for ambient indoor and outdoor light conditions.
Security appliance market continues to grow steadily in Q4 of 2012
USA: According to the International Data Corp. (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Security Appliance Tracker, both factory revenue and unit shipment growth rose in the fourth quarter of 2012 (4Q12) compared to the previous quarter.
Worldwide factory revenue was up 7.2 percent year on year to $2.3 billion, as shipments increased 5.2 percent to 538,428 units. In the previous quarter, factory revenue growth was 6.3 percent and unit growth was 1.3 percent compared to Q3 2011.
Geographically, Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan)(APeJ) with a revenue share of 19.3 percent continued to see the highest growth at 18 percent year over year. Western Europe growth picked up in the final quarter of 2012, with factory revenue rising 3.9 percent versus Q4 2011.
Japan had the highest unit growth year over year at 25.1 percent, followed closely by APeJ at 17.4 percent. The United States recorded 4.1 percent revenue growth and a unit decrease of 1.1 percent compared to Q4 2011, indicating some softness in lower price bands and that revenue growth was driven by larger enterprises and service providers.
"Typical fourth quarter seasonality seemed to help the market a bit, with overall growth picking up thanks to end of year initiatives on the vendor side and budget flush on the buyer side," said John Grady, research manager, Security Products at IDC. "Organizations continue to prioritize security within their overall IT budget. With advanced, targeted threats a growing concern, IDC expects continued high single-digit growth in the security appliance segment."
Cisco continues to lead the overall security appliance market with 15.5 percent share in factory revenue for the fourth quarter, but this was down from 17.7 percent in the prior year period. Check Point held the number two spot with a 12.7 percent share for the quarter as revenue increased 7.8 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.
Fortinet saw the largest revenue growth among the top five vendors at 27.2 percent. The combined shares of the top five global vendors represented 46.3 percent of the market in Q4 2012 losing 2.6 points compared to a year ago. The share of Others increased primarily due to strong quarters from Blue Coat, Palo Alto Networks, Barracuda, Sourcefire, and Dell SonicWALL.
Worldwide factory revenue was up 7.2 percent year on year to $2.3 billion, as shipments increased 5.2 percent to 538,428 units. In the previous quarter, factory revenue growth was 6.3 percent and unit growth was 1.3 percent compared to Q3 2011.
Geographically, Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan)(APeJ) with a revenue share of 19.3 percent continued to see the highest growth at 18 percent year over year. Western Europe growth picked up in the final quarter of 2012, with factory revenue rising 3.9 percent versus Q4 2011.
Japan had the highest unit growth year over year at 25.1 percent, followed closely by APeJ at 17.4 percent. The United States recorded 4.1 percent revenue growth and a unit decrease of 1.1 percent compared to Q4 2011, indicating some softness in lower price bands and that revenue growth was driven by larger enterprises and service providers.
"Typical fourth quarter seasonality seemed to help the market a bit, with overall growth picking up thanks to end of year initiatives on the vendor side and budget flush on the buyer side," said John Grady, research manager, Security Products at IDC. "Organizations continue to prioritize security within their overall IT budget. With advanced, targeted threats a growing concern, IDC expects continued high single-digit growth in the security appliance segment."
Cisco continues to lead the overall security appliance market with 15.5 percent share in factory revenue for the fourth quarter, but this was down from 17.7 percent in the prior year period. Check Point held the number two spot with a 12.7 percent share for the quarter as revenue increased 7.8 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011.
Fortinet saw the largest revenue growth among the top five vendors at 27.2 percent. The combined shares of the top five global vendors represented 46.3 percent of the market in Q4 2012 losing 2.6 points compared to a year ago. The share of Others increased primarily due to strong quarters from Blue Coat, Palo Alto Networks, Barracuda, Sourcefire, and Dell SonicWALL.
Gupta Technologies announces alliance partnership with Fujitsu
USA: Gupta Technologies, a global provider of application development, database and migration software, has announced an alliance partnership with Fujitsu.
Through this partnership, Fujitsu will offer customers Gupta’s Composer Technologies migration software for modernizing Oracle Forms and Lotus Notes applications. Gupta will leverage its innovative software and expertise with Fujitsu’s legacy modernization offerings to create the synergy for increased market presence on an international basis.
“Gupta recognizes the growing demand by customers to retain the intrinsic value contained within their legacy applications and modernize them to more contemporary technologies and platforms instead of rewriting them from scratch or replacing them with commercial off-the-shelf solutions,” said Frank Verardi, GM of Gupta Technologies. “Our Alliance partnership with Fujitsu enables us to market our complementary and proven application migration portfolio to a broader base of customers worldwide.”
Fujitsu, a leading provider of customer-focused information technology solutions for the global market place, has initiated sales opportunities for the Composer portfolio in EMEA and Asia Pacific. Composer Technologies, the migration business unit of Gupta Technologies, has participated in the Fujitsu Forum and various marketing campaigns, and is the only Fujitsu Alliance Partner for Oracle Forms and Lotus Notes application modernization.
Through an active alliance partnership, customers will benefit from automated conversion technology and a proven migration methodology that will deliver a modern application ready for testing, customer enhancements and production.
Through this partnership, Fujitsu will offer customers Gupta’s Composer Technologies migration software for modernizing Oracle Forms and Lotus Notes applications. Gupta will leverage its innovative software and expertise with Fujitsu’s legacy modernization offerings to create the synergy for increased market presence on an international basis.
“Gupta recognizes the growing demand by customers to retain the intrinsic value contained within their legacy applications and modernize them to more contemporary technologies and platforms instead of rewriting them from scratch or replacing them with commercial off-the-shelf solutions,” said Frank Verardi, GM of Gupta Technologies. “Our Alliance partnership with Fujitsu enables us to market our complementary and proven application migration portfolio to a broader base of customers worldwide.”
Fujitsu, a leading provider of customer-focused information technology solutions for the global market place, has initiated sales opportunities for the Composer portfolio in EMEA and Asia Pacific. Composer Technologies, the migration business unit of Gupta Technologies, has participated in the Fujitsu Forum and various marketing campaigns, and is the only Fujitsu Alliance Partner for Oracle Forms and Lotus Notes application modernization.
Through an active alliance partnership, customers will benefit from automated conversion technology and a proven migration methodology that will deliver a modern application ready for testing, customer enhancements and production.
TestWay reference in design for excellence (DfX)
FRANCE: ASTER Technologies, the leading supplier in board-level testability and test coverage analysis products, has developed a major new release of TestWay, the reference in Design for Excellence (DfX), by incorporating an integrated workflow from design through to product delivery.
DfX also referred to “Design for Money” can be used as part of an organization’s Continuous Improvement Programme to decrease product development time, product cost and manufacturing cycle time, while increasing product quality, reliability and ultimately the customer satisfaction.
It will significantly decrease the overall cycle time from the design concept to customer delivery, which is a critical success factor. Design for Excellence makes it possible to implement a Lean Test approach that produces a lower cost product whilst maintaining the highest quality.
ASTER’s vision is articulated on two principles:
a) Using traceability and repair loop information in order to qualify the customer defect universe. The defects include design defects, manufacturing defects and functional defects.
b) Using TestWay to import the defect opportunities and identify the possible consequences of inadequate testability and test coverage on a new design.
Traditionally, manufacturing and test constraints are only considered at the end of the layout phase, prior to transfer of the CAD data to production. Due to board complexity, it is now mandatory to consider a validation stage at each step of the design and manufacturing phases. TestWay has been developed to allow users to analyze each stage of the design to delivery workflow.
This is achieved by the following stages:
Design for Component – When the key components are selected, TestWay checks ROHS, reliability, DPMO, BSDL file validation in order to guide component selection.
Electrical Design for Test – When the schematic sheets are defined, TestWay verifies electrical DfT guide lines. It includes standard checks and customer’s specific checks relating to specific company requirements. By simulating the test strategy prior to the layout phase, helps to minimize the need for physical accesses in alignment with the defect universe. It helps to reduce test point access by 30-70 percent!
Mechanical Design for Test – When the layout is finalized, TestWay optimizes test probe placement according to test strategy definitions, estimates the test coverage, models the cost and calculates the production yield and TL9000 initial return rates.
Design to Build and Design to Test -- TestWay estimates test coverage using theoretical models for a wide range of test and inspection strategies. These include APM (Automated Placement Machines), AOI, AXI, BST (Boundary-scan Test), FPT (Flying-probe Test), ICT and Functional Test. These models can be tuned to reflect the test and measurement capabilities of each individual target tester.
TestWay exports the CAD data into the native format useable by Assembly machines, Automated Optical Inspection, Automated X-Ray, In-Circuit testers, Flying –Probe testers and Boundary-Scan testers in alignment with the simulated strategy. The outputs include the assembly and test programs, or input lists and test models, as well as test fixture files.
Test for Excellence – Once the test/inspection programs have been debugged and released, TestWay can read the completed test program or test report and compare the coverage between the estimated and measured analysis. The resultant analysis reports define the test coverage using industry standard metrics that enable the user to identify any misalignment between the estimated and real coverage.
Quality traceability tools used in the diagnosis and repair of printed circuit boards can take advantage of detailed test coverage analysis to improve the diagnostic resolution and speed up the repair process.
Test for Designability – Test is an important contributor for design improvement, as soon as a feedback loop between production and design has been organized.
CAD importers supporting schematic netlist, layout, schematic graphics and design or test models are available for the wide range of EDA tools used within the industry today. This is a key differentiator from other commercial DfX tools that work only from the layout stage, which is often too late in the design process to be of use. TestWay operates directly from native CAD formats, ensuring the full interoperability between all stages across the design-manufacturing flow.
With TestWay, all these stages are managed within a single tool using an integrated methodology.
DfX also referred to “Design for Money” can be used as part of an organization’s Continuous Improvement Programme to decrease product development time, product cost and manufacturing cycle time, while increasing product quality, reliability and ultimately the customer satisfaction.
It will significantly decrease the overall cycle time from the design concept to customer delivery, which is a critical success factor. Design for Excellence makes it possible to implement a Lean Test approach that produces a lower cost product whilst maintaining the highest quality.
ASTER’s vision is articulated on two principles:
a) Using traceability and repair loop information in order to qualify the customer defect universe. The defects include design defects, manufacturing defects and functional defects.
b) Using TestWay to import the defect opportunities and identify the possible consequences of inadequate testability and test coverage on a new design.
Traditionally, manufacturing and test constraints are only considered at the end of the layout phase, prior to transfer of the CAD data to production. Due to board complexity, it is now mandatory to consider a validation stage at each step of the design and manufacturing phases. TestWay has been developed to allow users to analyze each stage of the design to delivery workflow.
This is achieved by the following stages:
Design for Component – When the key components are selected, TestWay checks ROHS, reliability, DPMO, BSDL file validation in order to guide component selection.
Electrical Design for Test – When the schematic sheets are defined, TestWay verifies electrical DfT guide lines. It includes standard checks and customer’s specific checks relating to specific company requirements. By simulating the test strategy prior to the layout phase, helps to minimize the need for physical accesses in alignment with the defect universe. It helps to reduce test point access by 30-70 percent!
Mechanical Design for Test – When the layout is finalized, TestWay optimizes test probe placement according to test strategy definitions, estimates the test coverage, models the cost and calculates the production yield and TL9000 initial return rates.
Design to Build and Design to Test -- TestWay estimates test coverage using theoretical models for a wide range of test and inspection strategies. These include APM (Automated Placement Machines), AOI, AXI, BST (Boundary-scan Test), FPT (Flying-probe Test), ICT and Functional Test. These models can be tuned to reflect the test and measurement capabilities of each individual target tester.
TestWay exports the CAD data into the native format useable by Assembly machines, Automated Optical Inspection, Automated X-Ray, In-Circuit testers, Flying –Probe testers and Boundary-Scan testers in alignment with the simulated strategy. The outputs include the assembly and test programs, or input lists and test models, as well as test fixture files.
Test for Excellence – Once the test/inspection programs have been debugged and released, TestWay can read the completed test program or test report and compare the coverage between the estimated and measured analysis. The resultant analysis reports define the test coverage using industry standard metrics that enable the user to identify any misalignment between the estimated and real coverage.
Quality traceability tools used in the diagnosis and repair of printed circuit boards can take advantage of detailed test coverage analysis to improve the diagnostic resolution and speed up the repair process.
Test for Designability – Test is an important contributor for design improvement, as soon as a feedback loop between production and design has been organized.
CAD importers supporting schematic netlist, layout, schematic graphics and design or test models are available for the wide range of EDA tools used within the industry today. This is a key differentiator from other commercial DfX tools that work only from the layout stage, which is often too late in the design process to be of use. TestWay operates directly from native CAD formats, ensuring the full interoperability between all stages across the design-manufacturing flow.
With TestWay, all these stages are managed within a single tool using an integrated methodology.
COWIN helps Sensaris certify ZAO biomedical sensor
FRANCE: Sensaris has announced that it has developed a novel, multi-sensor device for monitoring vital signs. Called the ZAO, it is currently going through the certification process and will be available mid 2013.
Roughly the same size as a thick paperback book, it is designed to provide professional level diagnostic data so that it can be used by medical professionals and yet its low target volume price point of around €550 means that it can also be used by the home health market.
This compact, battery-powered device measures glucose level, body temperature, oximetry (saturation level of a patient's haemoglobin) and blood pressure and uses WiFi to deliver the information to Android or iOS devices such as smartphone, tablets and computers.
Data can also be sent to a remote server for centralised processing and monitoring. The ZAO weighs 310 g and measures 129 x 44 x 135 mm with a built in, rechargeable 3.7V lithium battery and a Microchip processor.
Sensaris was founded in 2001 as a wireless sensor consultancy. In 2010, it started looking at the mobile health (m-health) market that had been predicted to be big since 2005, but there were barriers preventing this.
Biomedical manufacturers tend to be very specialized (either for blood pressure monitor, pulse oxymeters or glucometers) and cannot keep up with the quickly changing mobile landscape. For hospital monitoring, chronic disease management or homecare, users typically have to not only purchase various devices, read several manuals, juggle different chargers, but also need to ensure that the various software packages are compatible with their mobile devices.
This is far from an easy task. By combining its existing sensor technologies into a single, all-in-one design, and mastering the latest web based software technologies, Sensaris has been able to create a low cost, professional grade solution that is very simple to deploy and use, is compatible with 90 percent of the mobile devices sold today and addresses interoperability and security issues using the latest web and mobile technologies.
"As a small company, it is very challenging to find your way through all certification processes to bring a medical device to market," explained Michael Setton, the CEO of Sensaris.
"In late 2012, we came across COWIN, which is a European initiative to help facilitate the take-up of advanced technologies. Part of their remit is to provide advice, coaching and consultancy to European companies especially start-ups. As this is funded by the EU, it does not cost us anything and it also means that we can be confident that the advice is impartial from people who really understand our industry and are not driven by having to meet sales targets.
"I have found that people who are experts in the biomedical field rarely have the breadth of experience that encompasses designing and bringing a product to market. I am very impressed with the mentor that COWIN has provided us with as he has actual experience of all this and going through the approvals and certification processes which will really cut down the time to market. He also gives us pep talks when the going gets tough which happens frequently in a small company!".
Emmanuel Cohen-Laroque, COWIN Biotech/MedTech expert and senior partner at YOLE Finance in charge of M&A and fundraising operations, who is the COWIN mentor helping Sensaris, added: "My brief is not only to help Sensaris bring its product to market but also to help the company with all the other challenges that a small start-up faces such as raising finance. For example, we helped them review and negotiate the term sheets for the recent angel round that will fund the certification process and bring the product to market. We also monitor the global market for rival product offerings and for new technologies that could be used in the ZAO."
COWIN will help Sensaris to explore the various business models for bringing the product to market such as direct sales, distributors, medical equipment specialists and also via mobile phone operators. "We have already developed and validated an app that runs on Android and iOS devices to display vital sign data in real time," added Setton.
"It was very important from a patient point of view to use familiar devices that they already use in everyday life. In general, we think that the whole design of the solution is the key for product acceptance. From the user experience to the end-product design." Sensaris has also found from discussions with possible users that patients are really keen to embrace new technology especially if it can help them get better faster.
ZAO's real time monitoring of their health status provides reassurance that they are making a speedy recovery rather than having to wait for checkups. Patients and caregivers also like the reassurance that real time monitoring immediately flags up an issue so that it can be quickly addressed. "There are strong expectations both from patients and caregivers to help patients address their health with serenity and the development of plug-and-play devices for monitoring health from home is now a reality," explained Setton.
Geraldine Andrieux-Gustin, the COWIN coordinator, added: "There is a perception that the EU only helps teams of big companies. In reality, the COWIN initiative is designed to help start-ups through to medium sized companies use new technologies to provide innovative solutions to the market.
"Importantly, COWIN also provides them with independent business advice to commercialise technologies and products from a team of people who have first-hand, practical experience of running companies and bringing products to market. Technology is the key to creating new jobs, new companies and wealth within the EU and COWIN is the key driver enabling this to happen."
Roughly the same size as a thick paperback book, it is designed to provide professional level diagnostic data so that it can be used by medical professionals and yet its low target volume price point of around €550 means that it can also be used by the home health market.
This compact, battery-powered device measures glucose level, body temperature, oximetry (saturation level of a patient's haemoglobin) and blood pressure and uses WiFi to deliver the information to Android or iOS devices such as smartphone, tablets and computers.
Data can also be sent to a remote server for centralised processing and monitoring. The ZAO weighs 310 g and measures 129 x 44 x 135 mm with a built in, rechargeable 3.7V lithium battery and a Microchip processor.
Biomedical manufacturers tend to be very specialized (either for blood pressure monitor, pulse oxymeters or glucometers) and cannot keep up with the quickly changing mobile landscape. For hospital monitoring, chronic disease management or homecare, users typically have to not only purchase various devices, read several manuals, juggle different chargers, but also need to ensure that the various software packages are compatible with their mobile devices.
This is far from an easy task. By combining its existing sensor technologies into a single, all-in-one design, and mastering the latest web based software technologies, Sensaris has been able to create a low cost, professional grade solution that is very simple to deploy and use, is compatible with 90 percent of the mobile devices sold today and addresses interoperability and security issues using the latest web and mobile technologies.
"As a small company, it is very challenging to find your way through all certification processes to bring a medical device to market," explained Michael Setton, the CEO of Sensaris.
"In late 2012, we came across COWIN, which is a European initiative to help facilitate the take-up of advanced technologies. Part of their remit is to provide advice, coaching and consultancy to European companies especially start-ups. As this is funded by the EU, it does not cost us anything and it also means that we can be confident that the advice is impartial from people who really understand our industry and are not driven by having to meet sales targets.
"I have found that people who are experts in the biomedical field rarely have the breadth of experience that encompasses designing and bringing a product to market. I am very impressed with the mentor that COWIN has provided us with as he has actual experience of all this and going through the approvals and certification processes which will really cut down the time to market. He also gives us pep talks when the going gets tough which happens frequently in a small company!".
Emmanuel Cohen-Laroque, COWIN Biotech/MedTech expert and senior partner at YOLE Finance in charge of M&A and fundraising operations, who is the COWIN mentor helping Sensaris, added: "My brief is not only to help Sensaris bring its product to market but also to help the company with all the other challenges that a small start-up faces such as raising finance. For example, we helped them review and negotiate the term sheets for the recent angel round that will fund the certification process and bring the product to market. We also monitor the global market for rival product offerings and for new technologies that could be used in the ZAO."
COWIN will help Sensaris to explore the various business models for bringing the product to market such as direct sales, distributors, medical equipment specialists and also via mobile phone operators. "We have already developed and validated an app that runs on Android and iOS devices to display vital sign data in real time," added Setton.
"It was very important from a patient point of view to use familiar devices that they already use in everyday life. In general, we think that the whole design of the solution is the key for product acceptance. From the user experience to the end-product design." Sensaris has also found from discussions with possible users that patients are really keen to embrace new technology especially if it can help them get better faster.
ZAO's real time monitoring of their health status provides reassurance that they are making a speedy recovery rather than having to wait for checkups. Patients and caregivers also like the reassurance that real time monitoring immediately flags up an issue so that it can be quickly addressed. "There are strong expectations both from patients and caregivers to help patients address their health with serenity and the development of plug-and-play devices for monitoring health from home is now a reality," explained Setton.
Geraldine Andrieux-Gustin, the COWIN coordinator, added: "There is a perception that the EU only helps teams of big companies. In reality, the COWIN initiative is designed to help start-ups through to medium sized companies use new technologies to provide innovative solutions to the market.
"Importantly, COWIN also provides them with independent business advice to commercialise technologies and products from a team of people who have first-hand, practical experience of running companies and bringing products to market. Technology is the key to creating new jobs, new companies and wealth within the EU and COWIN is the key driver enabling this to happen."
PBBA market resumes growth in Q4 of 2012
USA: Worldwide purpose-built backup appliance (PBBA) factory revenues posted a 9.7 percent year-over-year increase, totaling $859.5 million, in the fourth quarter of 2012 (4Q12), according to the International Data Corp. (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Purpose-Built Backup Appliance Tracker.
However, the total PBBA open systems market posted just under $567.5 million in revenues, representing 16.4 percent growth from the prior year's fourth quarter. The total worldwide PBBA capacity shipped reach 455,254 terabytes, growing 42.9 percent year over year.
"The total worldwide PBBA market resumed robust growth in the fourth quarter of 2012. Overall, the worldwide PBBA market experienced strong growth in revenue, capacity, and shipments," said Robert Amatruda, research director, Data Protection and Recovery. "Long-term, we expect the worldwide PBBA will continue to outpace the overall data protection and recovery software and hardware market as customers continue to embrace turnkey systems to alleviate their backup and recovery challenges."
EMC maintained its lead in the overall PBBA market with 66.5 percent revenue share in the fourth quarter, followed by Symantec and IBM and with 11.8 percent and 8.4 percent market share, respectively. Symantec exhibited strong year-over-year growth in the PBBA market in the fourth quarter of 2012 while HP and IBM saw their revenues decline.
However, the total PBBA open systems market posted just under $567.5 million in revenues, representing 16.4 percent growth from the prior year's fourth quarter. The total worldwide PBBA capacity shipped reach 455,254 terabytes, growing 42.9 percent year over year.
"The total worldwide PBBA market resumed robust growth in the fourth quarter of 2012. Overall, the worldwide PBBA market experienced strong growth in revenue, capacity, and shipments," said Robert Amatruda, research director, Data Protection and Recovery. "Long-term, we expect the worldwide PBBA will continue to outpace the overall data protection and recovery software and hardware market as customers continue to embrace turnkey systems to alleviate their backup and recovery challenges."
EMC maintained its lead in the overall PBBA market with 66.5 percent revenue share in the fourth quarter, followed by Symantec and IBM and with 11.8 percent and 8.4 percent market share, respectively. Symantec exhibited strong year-over-year growth in the PBBA market in the fourth quarter of 2012 while HP and IBM saw their revenues decline.
Friday, March 22, 2013
IAR Systems launches tools for developing powerful automotive apps based on Renesas’ RH850 core
SWEDEN: IAR Systems released a suite of tools for developing embedded applications based on Renesas Electronics’ new RH850 core. IAR Embedded Workbench for RH850 includes user-friendly features and powerful optimizations that enable developers to fully benefit from the high performance offered by the new RH850 core.
The RH850 microcontrollers are targeted for automotive applications and are the industry’s first with embedded 40nm flash technology. The series addresses functional safety and security requirements, while combining high performance and low power consumption. It offers features such as ultra-low power, high temperature tolerance, multi-core technology and compliance with the standardized automotive software architecture AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture).
IAR Embedded Workbench for RH850 provides a complete set of development tools, with build tools and the comprehensive C-SPY debugger incorporated in a user-friendly integrated development environment with a feature-rich text editor and source browser.
Tapping into the success of IAR Systems’ well-proven tools for Renesas V850, IAR Embedded Workbench for RH850 brings architecture-specific adaptations and optimizations for the RH850 architecture. One of the focal points during development has been to maximize the code performance and the IAR C/C++ Compiler for RH850 generates very compact, extremely fast-performing code by applying several levels of generic and processor-specific optimizations.
The tools are well tested and comply with industry standards. They use the standard ELF/DWARF object format, and are compliant with Renesas ABI (Application Binary Interface), which gives users the possibility to incorporate libraries created with other Renesas ABI-compliant software tools. Integrated automatic checking of MISRA-C rules helps ensure the safety and reliability of the applications designed.
The C-SPY Debugger supports Renesas E1/E20 emulators, as well as kernel-aware debugging with built-in plugins for a large number of real-time operating systems (RTOSes).
The RH850 microcontrollers are targeted for automotive applications and are the industry’s first with embedded 40nm flash technology. The series addresses functional safety and security requirements, while combining high performance and low power consumption. It offers features such as ultra-low power, high temperature tolerance, multi-core technology and compliance with the standardized automotive software architecture AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture).
IAR Embedded Workbench for RH850 provides a complete set of development tools, with build tools and the comprehensive C-SPY debugger incorporated in a user-friendly integrated development environment with a feature-rich text editor and source browser.
Tapping into the success of IAR Systems’ well-proven tools for Renesas V850, IAR Embedded Workbench for RH850 brings architecture-specific adaptations and optimizations for the RH850 architecture. One of the focal points during development has been to maximize the code performance and the IAR C/C++ Compiler for RH850 generates very compact, extremely fast-performing code by applying several levels of generic and processor-specific optimizations.
The tools are well tested and comply with industry standards. They use the standard ELF/DWARF object format, and are compliant with Renesas ABI (Application Binary Interface), which gives users the possibility to incorporate libraries created with other Renesas ABI-compliant software tools. Integrated automatic checking of MISRA-C rules helps ensure the safety and reliability of the applications designed.
The C-SPY Debugger supports Renesas E1/E20 emulators, as well as kernel-aware debugging with built-in plugins for a large number of real-time operating systems (RTOSes).
February large-sized panel shipment dropped 1.8 percent MoM
TAIWAN: According to the survey by WitsView , the display research division of the global leading market intelligence provider TrendForce , the large-sized panel shipment in February 2013 attained 58.6 million units, dropping 1.8 percent MoM and surging 1 percent YoY.
Due to fewer working days in February, along with the slow season effect and clients’ adjustment of inventory level, the February TV panel shipment declined 10.9 percent MoM to a total amount of 16.60 million units, similar to the same period last year. The IT panel demand was even weaker as the February monitor panel shipment declined 4.9 percent MoM to 12.02 million units, sliding 22 percent from the same period last year.
Contrarily, the above 10.1” NB panel market, after the shipment bottom and the lowered basis period in January, showed a 7.6 percent MoM shipment growth in February to 13.58 million units, but still saw a worrying situation of a 30 percent drop from the same period last year.
The tablet shipment continued to hold growth mainly because the 9.7” panel shipment nearly tripled in February after the January shipment bottom, lifting the tablet shipment to 16.39 million units, growing 4.1 percent MoM.
WitsView’s research manager Jeffy Chen says that the large-sized panel shipment, after the shipment bottom and the low basis period in February, sees a significant shipment leap in all panel applications in March with the emergence of restocking for China’s May 1st holidays and the new sizes and new spec. mass-produced by panel makers.
Based on WitsView’s projections, the March TV panel shipment will show a MoM growth as high as 21-22 percent as it is stimulated by the restocking for China’s May 1st holidays, the demands for 4K2K(UHD) panels of 39”, 50”, 58”, 55”, 65”, as well as the shipment of international brands’ Spring models of new spec. (narrow bezel, slim D-LED TV).
The monitor panel shipment will grow around 16-17 percent MoM as AUO joins the 19.5” mass-production and some panel makers increase the 18.5” production in response to the dropping supply. On the other hand, the NB and tablet shipments will climb as much as 21 percent and 12 percent, respectively.
Chen indicates that the tablet panels adopted by main brands apply mostly IPS wide-viewing angle technology, but the shipment ratio between IPS and TN tablet panels has come to 8:2 in February as some PC brands have started to use TN panels to gain the mid and-low end market with low-priced products.
The IPS tablet market is mainly controlled by the two Korean makers, holding a 70 percent market share, while the TN tablet market is almost dominated by Taiwanese makers, such as Innolux, CPT, Hannstar, and AUO, and the four have a market share close to 80 percent. It clearly reveals that the TN tablet market is growing and brings significant opportunities to Taiwanese makers.
Due to fewer working days in February, along with the slow season effect and clients’ adjustment of inventory level, the February TV panel shipment declined 10.9 percent MoM to a total amount of 16.60 million units, similar to the same period last year. The IT panel demand was even weaker as the February monitor panel shipment declined 4.9 percent MoM to 12.02 million units, sliding 22 percent from the same period last year.
The tablet shipment continued to hold growth mainly because the 9.7” panel shipment nearly tripled in February after the January shipment bottom, lifting the tablet shipment to 16.39 million units, growing 4.1 percent MoM.
WitsView’s research manager Jeffy Chen says that the large-sized panel shipment, after the shipment bottom and the low basis period in February, sees a significant shipment leap in all panel applications in March with the emergence of restocking for China’s May 1st holidays and the new sizes and new spec. mass-produced by panel makers.
The monitor panel shipment will grow around 16-17 percent MoM as AUO joins the 19.5” mass-production and some panel makers increase the 18.5” production in response to the dropping supply. On the other hand, the NB and tablet shipments will climb as much as 21 percent and 12 percent, respectively.
The IPS tablet market is mainly controlled by the two Korean makers, holding a 70 percent market share, while the TN tablet market is almost dominated by Taiwanese makers, such as Innolux, CPT, Hannstar, and AUO, and the four have a market share close to 80 percent. It clearly reveals that the TN tablet market is growing and brings significant opportunities to Taiwanese makers.
Soft demand before May 1st, panel prices show distinct trends
TAIWAN: Based on the panel price survey for the second half of March released on 20th March by WitsView , the display research divisions of TrendFroce, despite the March demand bounces from the bottom, panel prices still see downward pressure.
The 39”, the 42”, and the 50” LCD TV panels and open cells are supported by the pre-May 1st demand in China, showing steady prices. The price drop is around $1-3 for other main sizes. Besides, impacted by the dropping panel supply, the 18.5” monitor panel price may see a small increase, while the price drop is around $0.5-1 for other sizes.
NB panel prices showed gradually trimmed declines after several months of price cuts, and the price decline in the second half of the month is around $0.2-0.3.
According to WitsView’s research director Burrell Liu, even China’s pre-May 1st distribution is activated, the March LCD TV panels still face price-cutting pressure due to the three main reasons:
1. China’s new regulations of energy-saving products are more strict and the subsidy is unclear;
2. Chinese brands’ inventories at the retail channels are high;
3. Panel makers’ LCD TV utilization is lifted.
As a result, even the peak season of May 1st impends, only some sizes show flat prices. The global LCD TV set shipment attained 18.14 million units, declining 3 percent MoM. The February shipment continued to drop 22-25 percent, and the March shipment is expected to grow 26-28 percent on the newly launched models and the surging pre-May 1st demand.
However, the February TV panel shipment dropped 10.9 percent MoM, and the March shipment is projected to get rid of the bottom in February, growing 12-15 percent MoM. Based on the current estimates, the April panel demand may be weaker than expected and slip 0-3 percent from March, leading to a small QoQ growth of 2-5 percent and suggesting an unclear May 1st effect.
The prices for the 39” and the 50” panels and open-cells remain flat for the current month, and a few low-priced 39” possibly show slight price increases due to previously low prices. The 42” price also stays steady, while other sizes see price declines of $1-3. The 46” may show larger price drop on Chinese makers’ price-cutting pressure, and the 40” narrows the gap with the 39”, which impacts to the 39” and the 42” need to be observed.
The February monitor shipment (including AIO) was relatively low, declining 13-15 percent MoM. The March shipment rebounds from the bottom, surging 14-17 percent MoM. Besides, on profitability concern, panel makers’ 18.5” shipment declined to 1.74-1.94 million units in January and February from 2.86 million units in October 2012, leading to some brand clients’ temporarily shortage.
The 18.5” panel price stays at least flat in the current month and may even see small increase. The price drop is around $0.5 for the under 21.5”, the price drop is $0.5-1 for the 21.5”-23”panels, and the average price drop is at least $1 for the 23.6”, the 24”, and the 27”.
For the NB shipment, the Q2 shipment is projected to grow 5-7 percent on new model shipments, Haswell, and Microsoft’s subsidy. However, downstream clients’ relatively high inventory and the Win8 effect that lost the luster have become the issues that damped the market confidence. Hence, even panel makers’ February shipment grew 7.6 percent to 13.58 million units, and the March shipment growth is even projected at 18-20 percent, they still dropped 18 percent and 2-4 percent from the same periods last year, underscoring that some panel makers continue to trim supply significantly.
The 11.6”, supported by Microsoft’s subsidy and the touch models actively showcased by brands, will see the panel price drop narrowing to $0.1-0.2, and other sizes show $0.2-0.4 price drops.
WitsView indicates that the LCD TV panel capacity accounts for 70 percent of the overall capacity, implying the LCD TV demand and supply can impact the pricing. Looking forward to the promotional peak during the May 1st holidays in China, Taiwanese panel maker prepare anxiously for the face-to-face battle, contrarily, Korean makers are more cautious and conservative, having a distinct attitude.
If the issues of weak end demand and high inventory cannot be solved, along with panel makers’ intention to maintain high utilization, Korean panel makers, who have held a defensive attitude for the past year, may be forced to attack instead. With their stable outlets and advantageous costs, Koreans control the market share with low prices and indirectly make rivals to lower utilization, leading to a vicious circle to the industry.
As a result, despite prices of some sizes stabilize in March, the structural inventory issue must emerge after May 1st as the next subsidy policy is unclear and the slow season will come for consumer electronics from May to June. If panel makers are unable to adjust utilization in time, the concerns of widening panel price drop may surface again.
The 39”, the 42”, and the 50” LCD TV panels and open cells are supported by the pre-May 1st demand in China, showing steady prices. The price drop is around $1-3 for other main sizes. Besides, impacted by the dropping panel supply, the 18.5” monitor panel price may see a small increase, while the price drop is around $0.5-1 for other sizes.
NB panel prices showed gradually trimmed declines after several months of price cuts, and the price decline in the second half of the month is around $0.2-0.3.
1. China’s new regulations of energy-saving products are more strict and the subsidy is unclear;
2. Chinese brands’ inventories at the retail channels are high;
3. Panel makers’ LCD TV utilization is lifted.
As a result, even the peak season of May 1st impends, only some sizes show flat prices. The global LCD TV set shipment attained 18.14 million units, declining 3 percent MoM. The February shipment continued to drop 22-25 percent, and the March shipment is expected to grow 26-28 percent on the newly launched models and the surging pre-May 1st demand.
The prices for the 39” and the 50” panels and open-cells remain flat for the current month, and a few low-priced 39” possibly show slight price increases due to previously low prices. The 42” price also stays steady, while other sizes see price declines of $1-3. The 46” may show larger price drop on Chinese makers’ price-cutting pressure, and the 40” narrows the gap with the 39”, which impacts to the 39” and the 42” need to be observed.
The February monitor shipment (including AIO) was relatively low, declining 13-15 percent MoM. The March shipment rebounds from the bottom, surging 14-17 percent MoM. Besides, on profitability concern, panel makers’ 18.5” shipment declined to 1.74-1.94 million units in January and February from 2.86 million units in October 2012, leading to some brand clients’ temporarily shortage.
The 18.5” panel price stays at least flat in the current month and may even see small increase. The price drop is around $0.5 for the under 21.5”, the price drop is $0.5-1 for the 21.5”-23”panels, and the average price drop is at least $1 for the 23.6”, the 24”, and the 27”.
The 11.6”, supported by Microsoft’s subsidy and the touch models actively showcased by brands, will see the panel price drop narrowing to $0.1-0.2, and other sizes show $0.2-0.4 price drops.
WitsView indicates that the LCD TV panel capacity accounts for 70 percent of the overall capacity, implying the LCD TV demand and supply can impact the pricing. Looking forward to the promotional peak during the May 1st holidays in China, Taiwanese panel maker prepare anxiously for the face-to-face battle, contrarily, Korean makers are more cautious and conservative, having a distinct attitude.
If the issues of weak end demand and high inventory cannot be solved, along with panel makers’ intention to maintain high utilization, Korean panel makers, who have held a defensive attitude for the past year, may be forced to attack instead. With their stable outlets and advantageous costs, Koreans control the market share with low prices and indirectly make rivals to lower utilization, leading to a vicious circle to the industry.
As a result, despite prices of some sizes stabilize in March, the structural inventory issue must emerge after May 1st as the next subsidy policy is unclear and the slow season will come for consumer electronics from May to June. If panel makers are unable to adjust utilization in time, the concerns of widening panel price drop may surface again.
LSI demos 12Gb/s SAS performance with LSI SandForce enabled SSDs
TAIWAN: LSI Corp. is showcasing industry first-to-market 12Gb/s SAS solutions together with SSDs driven by award-winning LSI SandForce Flash storage processors.
The performance demonstration at the annual LSI APAC Storage Forum brings together the LSI 12Gb/s SAS I/O controller and the LSI 12Gb/s SAS expander, connected to 6Gb/s SATA SSDs from multiple customers and SandForce Driven members, including ADATA, Kingston and Transcend.
The LSISAS3008 I/O controller along with the LSISAS3x48 SAS 12Gb/s expander deliver the end-to-end 12Gb/s enterprise performance that next-generation servers and storage systems require. The demonstration shows performance throughput of over 6,000MB/s sustained reads across twelve 6Gb/s SATA SSDs.
To take advantage of 12Gb/s speeds with existing 6Gb/s drive infrastructure, the demo features LSI DataBolt technology. DataBolt technology, when combined with the extended bandwidth of PCIe 3.0, is designed to deliver double the throughput performance today while using 6Gb/s SAS or SATA drive solutions.
DataBolt technology provides unmatched flexibility to adapt to future changes, and that helps protect customers' HDD and SSD investments.
The performance demonstration at the annual LSI APAC Storage Forum brings together the LSI 12Gb/s SAS I/O controller and the LSI 12Gb/s SAS expander, connected to 6Gb/s SATA SSDs from multiple customers and SandForce Driven members, including ADATA, Kingston and Transcend.
The LSISAS3008 I/O controller along with the LSISAS3x48 SAS 12Gb/s expander deliver the end-to-end 12Gb/s enterprise performance that next-generation servers and storage systems require. The demonstration shows performance throughput of over 6,000MB/s sustained reads across twelve 6Gb/s SATA SSDs.
To take advantage of 12Gb/s speeds with existing 6Gb/s drive infrastructure, the demo features LSI DataBolt technology. DataBolt technology, when combined with the extended bandwidth of PCIe 3.0, is designed to deliver double the throughput performance today while using 6Gb/s SAS or SATA drive solutions.
DataBolt technology provides unmatched flexibility to adapt to future changes, and that helps protect customers' HDD and SSD investments.
High-value MEMS market dips after encountering weak medical electronics and industrial sectors
Richard Dixon
USA: The high-value microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) market characterized by the lofty average selling prices of sensors experienced soft growth last year, mainly due to weakness in medical electronics and the various industrial sectors on which the business was most reliant, according to an IHS iSuppli MEMS High-Value MEMS market tracker report from information and analytics provider IHS.
Revenue in 2012 for high-value MEMS amounted to $1.63 billion, equivalent to growth of 6.5 percent from $1.53 billion in 2011. While revenue was up, growth was noticeably down from the 12.5 percent expansion of 2011.
This year will see a slightly improved 7.4 percent increase to $1.8 billion as the industry starts to recover during the second half. Growth then picks up by 2014 and rises to 10.3 percent, with 2015 and 2016 also forecast to experience solid upturns north of 9.0 percent.
The decline in growth last year was from continuing slow sales in medical electronics as well as a broad-based industrial downturn. In medical electronics, for instance, market performance has been sluggish for the last 18 months, echoing global economic uncertainties. The same macroeconomic headwinds also curtailed end-user demand in industrial electronics semiconductors, inflicting further pain.
The high-value MEMS market was slightly helped by strong performance in the telecom, aerospace, and oil and gas sectors, which served to ameliorate the negative effects of the slow-moving sectors.
Despite the diminished growth of 2012, the high-value MEMS market remains the second-fastest-growing area in the broader MEMS space, coming after the MEMS mobile and consumer market but ahead of the MEMS data processing and MEMS automotive segments.
High-value MEMS accounted for 19 percent of the total MEMS industry last year, despite extreme fragmentation of the space with well over 100 suppliers. The average selling prices of sensors used in high-value MEMS are also much higher than the prices of sensors used in other MEMS segments, which gives the high-value MEMS industry its strength and importance.
Results sluggish in most high-value MEMS segments, except for military and civil aerospace
Six sectors make up approximately 95 percent of the high-value MEMS market. The largest is medical electronics, accounting for more than 80 percent of total high-value MEMS shipments last year.
The majority of medical electronics sensors are used for diagnostics, patient monitoring and therapy. For instance, tens of millions of pressure sensors are used and thrown away annually, with the sensors deployed to monitor the blood pressure of patients during and after major operations. Pressure and flow sensors are also used in devices like ventilators and respirators; implantable devices such as cardiac monitors; thermometers; and infusion pumps for introducing fluids, medication or nutrients into a patient’s circulatory system.
The depressed performance in medical electronics was present in other high-value MEMS segments. The test and measurement space, especially in semiconductor testing and wafer processing, was flat to down last year. Likewise, the industrial segment governing power tools and transportation exhibited anemic results.
Two high-value MEMS segments registered growth but were weak at best: Building and home control on the one hand, with smart meters declining last year; and manufacturing and process automation on the other, because of low growth in areas like industrial motors.
In the energy generation and distribution segment, results were mixed. Spending on utilities was down and wind turbine deployments were slowing, but oil and gas showed strong demand in the third quarter based on shale discoveries.
The one segment of the high-value MEMS industry that was up strongly last year was military and civil aerospace. Despite a decelerating missiles and munitions market, the segment more than made up with the extremely robust commercial aircraft sales of the Airbus from Pan-European maker EADS, as well as of the Dreamliner planes made by U.S maker Boeing.
Six devices made up 83 percent of the high-value MEMS market last year. The biggest was microbolometers—tiny arrays of heat-detecting sensors sensitive to infrared radiation—used in firefighting, law enforcement and surveillance systems.
Other prominent high-value MEMS devices include pressure sensors, optical MEMS in telecommunications, wafer probes for semiconductor testing, inkjet printer heads, and accelerometers for gadgets like pacemakers.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
USA: The high-value microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) market characterized by the lofty average selling prices of sensors experienced soft growth last year, mainly due to weakness in medical electronics and the various industrial sectors on which the business was most reliant, according to an IHS iSuppli MEMS High-Value MEMS market tracker report from information and analytics provider IHS.
Revenue in 2012 for high-value MEMS amounted to $1.63 billion, equivalent to growth of 6.5 percent from $1.53 billion in 2011. While revenue was up, growth was noticeably down from the 12.5 percent expansion of 2011.
This year will see a slightly improved 7.4 percent increase to $1.8 billion as the industry starts to recover during the second half. Growth then picks up by 2014 and rises to 10.3 percent, with 2015 and 2016 also forecast to experience solid upturns north of 9.0 percent.
The decline in growth last year was from continuing slow sales in medical electronics as well as a broad-based industrial downturn. In medical electronics, for instance, market performance has been sluggish for the last 18 months, echoing global economic uncertainties. The same macroeconomic headwinds also curtailed end-user demand in industrial electronics semiconductors, inflicting further pain.
The high-value MEMS market was slightly helped by strong performance in the telecom, aerospace, and oil and gas sectors, which served to ameliorate the negative effects of the slow-moving sectors.
Despite the diminished growth of 2012, the high-value MEMS market remains the second-fastest-growing area in the broader MEMS space, coming after the MEMS mobile and consumer market but ahead of the MEMS data processing and MEMS automotive segments.
High-value MEMS accounted for 19 percent of the total MEMS industry last year, despite extreme fragmentation of the space with well over 100 suppliers. The average selling prices of sensors used in high-value MEMS are also much higher than the prices of sensors used in other MEMS segments, which gives the high-value MEMS industry its strength and importance.
Results sluggish in most high-value MEMS segments, except for military and civil aerospace
Six sectors make up approximately 95 percent of the high-value MEMS market. The largest is medical electronics, accounting for more than 80 percent of total high-value MEMS shipments last year.
The majority of medical electronics sensors are used for diagnostics, patient monitoring and therapy. For instance, tens of millions of pressure sensors are used and thrown away annually, with the sensors deployed to monitor the blood pressure of patients during and after major operations. Pressure and flow sensors are also used in devices like ventilators and respirators; implantable devices such as cardiac monitors; thermometers; and infusion pumps for introducing fluids, medication or nutrients into a patient’s circulatory system.
The depressed performance in medical electronics was present in other high-value MEMS segments. The test and measurement space, especially in semiconductor testing and wafer processing, was flat to down last year. Likewise, the industrial segment governing power tools and transportation exhibited anemic results.
Two high-value MEMS segments registered growth but were weak at best: Building and home control on the one hand, with smart meters declining last year; and manufacturing and process automation on the other, because of low growth in areas like industrial motors.
In the energy generation and distribution segment, results were mixed. Spending on utilities was down and wind turbine deployments were slowing, but oil and gas showed strong demand in the third quarter based on shale discoveries.
The one segment of the high-value MEMS industry that was up strongly last year was military and civil aerospace. Despite a decelerating missiles and munitions market, the segment more than made up with the extremely robust commercial aircraft sales of the Airbus from Pan-European maker EADS, as well as of the Dreamliner planes made by U.S maker Boeing.
Six devices made up 83 percent of the high-value MEMS market last year. The biggest was microbolometers—tiny arrays of heat-detecting sensors sensitive to infrared radiation—used in firefighting, law enforcement and surveillance systems.
Other prominent high-value MEMS devices include pressure sensors, optical MEMS in telecommunications, wafer probes for semiconductor testing, inkjet printer heads, and accelerometers for gadgets like pacemakers.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
EMEA thin client market to grow by 6.2 percent in 2013
CZECH REPUBLIC: The volume of thin client shipments in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) in 2012 increased by 9.2 percent year on year to more than 1.7 million units, according to results published by market research and advisory company IDC. In the coming year, IDC expects thin client shipments to maintain stable 6.2 percent growth over 2013.
"Although commercial desktop PC shipments are shrinking, the thin client market remains buoyant," says Oleg Sidorkin, a senior research analyst at IDC. "Vendors now offer attractive thin client solutions that meet the needs of different vertical markets, such as healthcare, banking, education, or retail. Increased security concerns, easier administration, lower maintenance costs, and lower power consumption are among the main reasons why companies may choose thin clients over traditional PCs."
Standalone thin clients accounted for 96.2 percent of the total thin client shipments in EMEA in 2012. Although interest in all-in-one thin client models has been increasing, they remain niche products in terms of market volume. HP and Dell dominated the EMEA thin client market in 2012, shipping more than 55 percent of the region's total volume.
"Growth potential on the thin client market is still high in the EMEA region. We expect total thin client shipments in 2013 to grow fastest in France, Germany, and Russia – at more than 10 percent," says Sidorkin.
"This growth is driven by demand from healthcare entities, financial institutions, and public-sector customers, which are looking for a centralized desktop environment with high level of security and reliability. As the lifecycle of the current PC installed base among many companies is coming to an end, more organizations will consider thin clients as a viable alternative to desktop PCs in the coming years."
"Although commercial desktop PC shipments are shrinking, the thin client market remains buoyant," says Oleg Sidorkin, a senior research analyst at IDC. "Vendors now offer attractive thin client solutions that meet the needs of different vertical markets, such as healthcare, banking, education, or retail. Increased security concerns, easier administration, lower maintenance costs, and lower power consumption are among the main reasons why companies may choose thin clients over traditional PCs."
Standalone thin clients accounted for 96.2 percent of the total thin client shipments in EMEA in 2012. Although interest in all-in-one thin client models has been increasing, they remain niche products in terms of market volume. HP and Dell dominated the EMEA thin client market in 2012, shipping more than 55 percent of the region's total volume.
"Growth potential on the thin client market is still high in the EMEA region. We expect total thin client shipments in 2013 to grow fastest in France, Germany, and Russia – at more than 10 percent," says Sidorkin.
"This growth is driven by demand from healthcare entities, financial institutions, and public-sector customers, which are looking for a centralized desktop environment with high level of security and reliability. As the lifecycle of the current PC installed base among many companies is coming to an end, more organizations will consider thin clients as a viable alternative to desktop PCs in the coming years."
Interlink Electronics and Introtek intro medical technology for improving patient safety
USA: Interlink Electronics Inc. announced the integration of its FSR 402 sensor in Introtek’s PRO Occlusion Detector, a passive non-invasive, free-entry sensor designed for medical, laboratory, pharmaceutical and packaging applications.
Interlink Electronics’ FSR 402 is now built into Introtek’s PRO Occlusion Detector, a non-invasive, free-entry sensor designed to detect occlusion in soft tubing and produce corresponding output signal for medical devices, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing and automated packaging applications.
The PRO Detector was the result of a steadily growing interest in the global community of medical device manufacturers and offers a unique solution to accurately monitor tubing occlusion.
FSR 402 is part of Interlink Electronics FSR 400 series, the most versatile force sensor technology on the market. FSRs are robust polymer thick film (PTF) two-wire devices that exhibit a decrease in resistance with increase in the force applied to the surface of the sensor.
This force is optimized for use in human touch control of electronic devices in diverse applications such as medical systems, electronics, automotive, industrial control and robotics. FSR 400 sensors are cost effective, ultra thin, robust, simple and easy to integrate into a wide range of user interface and data capture solutions.
Interlink Electronics’ FSR 402 is now built into Introtek’s PRO Occlusion Detector, a non-invasive, free-entry sensor designed to detect occlusion in soft tubing and produce corresponding output signal for medical devices, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing and automated packaging applications.
The PRO Detector was the result of a steadily growing interest in the global community of medical device manufacturers and offers a unique solution to accurately monitor tubing occlusion.
FSR 402 is part of Interlink Electronics FSR 400 series, the most versatile force sensor technology on the market. FSRs are robust polymer thick film (PTF) two-wire devices that exhibit a decrease in resistance with increase in the force applied to the surface of the sensor.
This force is optimized for use in human touch control of electronic devices in diverse applications such as medical systems, electronics, automotive, industrial control and robotics. FSR 400 sensors are cost effective, ultra thin, robust, simple and easy to integrate into a wide range of user interface and data capture solutions.
BRIC cinema box office revenue set to rival North American market by 2017
USA: After doubling from 2008 to 2012, the combined cinema box office revenue for the BRIC countries of Brazil, India, China and Russia is set to double again by the end of 2017, making their collective proceeds equal in size to North America, the world’s largest movie theater market.
The BRIC box office total expanded dramatically in just five years, rising to $6.2 billion in 2012, up from $3.08 billion in 2008, according to a new IHS Screen Digest Cinema Intelligence Report.
By 2017, the box office value of the BRIC regions is projected to hit $12.1 billion—approximately equal to the IHS forecast for the North American box office that same year.
“The rapid growth of the BRIC cinema market is being driven by two principal factors: increasing ticket prices and new screen construction,” said Charlotte Jones, principal analyst for cinema at IHS.
“However, other variables are also helping spur the BRIC cinema markets, including the loosening of market regulations in China for 3-D and IMAX films, the popularity of premium films in Russia and the rise of shopping centers in Brazil. Driven by all these factors, the BRIC countries by the end of 2016 will account for one quarter of global cinema box office revenue, up from 18 percent in 2012.”
Impressive box office
To put the growth of the BRIC region in context, the territories recorded a combined average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9 percent at the box office from 2008 to 2012. Such a rate is impressive when compared to other international markets that rose by just 5.5 percent, and is even more remarkable when viewed against the 2.2 percent CAGR of a mature region like North America.
The future forecast for the BRIC box office also shows a CAGR of 14.4 percent through 2017, displaying only a minor slowdown from the previous period.
International rankings
All four of the BRIC markets were in the Top 12 world rankings last year in both cinema admissions and box office revenue.
China led the way with more than $2.7 billion in 2012, and the country was also the No. 2 world market by size, behind the U.S. India was the next largest market, sixth overall in the world in 2012, while Russia climbed to the ninth position. Brazil, the only country in the Top 12 not to reach the $1 billion plateau, came in at No. 12.
By 2017, both Russia and India will be among the Top 5 box office markets with a projected $2 billion in revenue, putting them ahead of the U.K. and France. Meanwhile, Brazil is forecast to be ranked No. 10 by 2017, ahead of Mexico and Italy.
Rated “D” for digital
At the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of the world’s modern screens had been upgraded to digital cinema (d-cinema) technology. However, of the four territories comprising the BRIC region, only China is ahead of this penetration rate with more than 85 percent of screens upgraded in 2012. This higher rate was driven by new screen constructions, with 100 percent of all new screens based on the d-cinema standard. China now has more than 12,400 d-cinema screens in 2,926 sites.
Russia is second among BRIC countries in d-cinema with a total screen penetration reaching 58.3 percent in 2012, below the world average. The rollout in Russia has been driven almost entirely by 3-D, with a large 83 percent of the 2,100 d-cinema screens 3-D-enabled, compared to a global digital to 3-D screen ratio of just 50.8 percent for the full year of 2012.
The other two BRIC countries have a long way to go to reach the world average. Brazil ended 2012 with just 32.1 percent being converted to digital, and India’s d-cinema penetration stood at only 10.2 percent (there are also 5,500 e-cinema screens).
Still, given such low penetration rates, the future growth path of these countries will open up a flood of activity for d-cinema equipment suppliers in the coming years.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
The BRIC box office total expanded dramatically in just five years, rising to $6.2 billion in 2012, up from $3.08 billion in 2008, according to a new IHS Screen Digest Cinema Intelligence Report.
By 2017, the box office value of the BRIC regions is projected to hit $12.1 billion—approximately equal to the IHS forecast for the North American box office that same year.
“The rapid growth of the BRIC cinema market is being driven by two principal factors: increasing ticket prices and new screen construction,” said Charlotte Jones, principal analyst for cinema at IHS.
“However, other variables are also helping spur the BRIC cinema markets, including the loosening of market regulations in China for 3-D and IMAX films, the popularity of premium films in Russia and the rise of shopping centers in Brazil. Driven by all these factors, the BRIC countries by the end of 2016 will account for one quarter of global cinema box office revenue, up from 18 percent in 2012.”
Impressive box office
To put the growth of the BRIC region in context, the territories recorded a combined average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.9 percent at the box office from 2008 to 2012. Such a rate is impressive when compared to other international markets that rose by just 5.5 percent, and is even more remarkable when viewed against the 2.2 percent CAGR of a mature region like North America.
The future forecast for the BRIC box office also shows a CAGR of 14.4 percent through 2017, displaying only a minor slowdown from the previous period.
International rankings
All four of the BRIC markets were in the Top 12 world rankings last year in both cinema admissions and box office revenue.
China led the way with more than $2.7 billion in 2012, and the country was also the No. 2 world market by size, behind the U.S. India was the next largest market, sixth overall in the world in 2012, while Russia climbed to the ninth position. Brazil, the only country in the Top 12 not to reach the $1 billion plateau, came in at No. 12.
By 2017, both Russia and India will be among the Top 5 box office markets with a projected $2 billion in revenue, putting them ahead of the U.K. and France. Meanwhile, Brazil is forecast to be ranked No. 10 by 2017, ahead of Mexico and Italy.
Rated “D” for digital
At the end of 2012, more than 70 percent of the world’s modern screens had been upgraded to digital cinema (d-cinema) technology. However, of the four territories comprising the BRIC region, only China is ahead of this penetration rate with more than 85 percent of screens upgraded in 2012. This higher rate was driven by new screen constructions, with 100 percent of all new screens based on the d-cinema standard. China now has more than 12,400 d-cinema screens in 2,926 sites.
Russia is second among BRIC countries in d-cinema with a total screen penetration reaching 58.3 percent in 2012, below the world average. The rollout in Russia has been driven almost entirely by 3-D, with a large 83 percent of the 2,100 d-cinema screens 3-D-enabled, compared to a global digital to 3-D screen ratio of just 50.8 percent for the full year of 2012.
The other two BRIC countries have a long way to go to reach the world average. Brazil ended 2012 with just 32.1 percent being converted to digital, and India’s d-cinema penetration stood at only 10.2 percent (there are also 5,500 e-cinema screens).
Still, given such low penetration rates, the future growth path of these countries will open up a flood of activity for d-cinema equipment suppliers in the coming years.
Source: IHS iSuppli, USA.
Cyber Innovation Labs and NEC’s cloud in a vault
USA: Cyber Innovation Labs LLC (CIL), a premier enterprise-class managed Infrastructure-as-a-Service provider, and NEC Corp. of America (NEC), a leading provider and integrator of innovative IT, biometrics, network, and communications products and solutions, today announce the utilization of Cloud in a Vault (CiaV) for the deployment of next-generation "big data" solutions.
The explosion of big data has resonated throughout virtually every business initiative across all verticals. Whether they are healthcare organizations enhancing efficiency and quality of patient services or financial firms assessing risk and forecasting market trends, companies worldwide utilize big data for predictive analytics.
While the phenomenon has limitless applications, the support of such massive and often complex data sets requires reliable and cost-effective computing support complete with ample storage capabilities and elasticity.
CiaV is a 100 percent dedicated, fully managed, and scalable private cloud offering that combines NEC’s Nblock integrated IT infrastructure with security, compliance and monitoring in a hosted environment.
CiaV enables organizations to quickly and easily align business projects with infrastructure costs by allowing them to consume only the infrastructure they need, incurring only monthly operational expenses and zero capital expenses for equipment. Ideal for the processing, delivery and archiving of big data sets, CiaV provides organizations with access to resources on-demand.
The explosion of big data has resonated throughout virtually every business initiative across all verticals. Whether they are healthcare organizations enhancing efficiency and quality of patient services or financial firms assessing risk and forecasting market trends, companies worldwide utilize big data for predictive analytics.
While the phenomenon has limitless applications, the support of such massive and often complex data sets requires reliable and cost-effective computing support complete with ample storage capabilities and elasticity.
CiaV is a 100 percent dedicated, fully managed, and scalable private cloud offering that combines NEC’s Nblock integrated IT infrastructure with security, compliance and monitoring in a hosted environment.
CiaV enables organizations to quickly and easily align business projects with infrastructure costs by allowing them to consume only the infrastructure they need, incurring only monthly operational expenses and zero capital expenses for equipment. Ideal for the processing, delivery and archiving of big data sets, CiaV provides organizations with access to resources on-demand.
Lava tablet scores over competition
INDIA: In a latest report released by a leading technology portal has rated Lava’s new Etab Xtron ahead of its completion.
According to the webportal fonearena.com, “On Quadrant Benchmark: It tops and is ahead of Samsung Tab 2/Tegra 3 powered Nexus 7. On An tutu Benchmark: With top score of 2.9 An tutu, it beats Samsung Tab 2 / Micromax / Zync etc. On Vellamo Benchmark: It again is at no. 1 position.:
In quadrant benchmark Lava Etab Extron’s scoring is 3938, followed by Ausus Nexus 7 3649, Samsung Galaxy tab 2720, Micromax fun book 2057, Zink Z999 1807 and Datawind Akahs-II 1412. Similarly at AnTuTu Lava Xtron’s scoring is 7663 highest among the all above.
Lava International Ltd, a leading Indian mobile handsetplayer has recently launched its Future Now' 7-inch tablet- ETAB XTRON in the Indian market, which is getting overwhelming response.
It combines the best-in-class features in hardware and software and comes preloaded with enriching applications – making ETAB XTRON a must have device. The tablet is powered byAndroid 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, Dual-core, 1.5 GHzprocessor, that deliversunmatched performance.
It is also the first tablet in its price range to feature a 7-inch IPS screen with multi-touch display with a high resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. The screen provides users with rich colors, great viewing angles and is readable even under the direct sunlight as it uses IPS (In plane switching) panel technology. The bright display combined with a revolutionary design makes the tablet ideal for reading books, watching videos as well as playing games on-the-go.
Offering a plethora of value added features;Lava has tied up with various well known content partners for ETAB XTRON. Tablet users will get an entertainment package worth Rs 2,000 free from Hungama.com as well as one month unlimited online movie package from BigFlix for just Rs 1.
There is also a free vedicmaths package, discounts worth Rs 4,000 from meritnation.com, a free career booster package and additional 20 percent discount from edukart. With Uahoy, users canalso win unlimited prizes everyday through pre-installed apps.
According to the webportal fonearena.com, “On Quadrant Benchmark: It tops and is ahead of Samsung Tab 2/Tegra 3 powered Nexus 7. On An tutu Benchmark: With top score of 2.9 An tutu, it beats Samsung Tab 2 / Micromax / Zync etc. On Vellamo Benchmark: It again is at no. 1 position.:
In quadrant benchmark Lava Etab Extron’s scoring is 3938, followed by Ausus Nexus 7 3649, Samsung Galaxy tab 2720, Micromax fun book 2057, Zink Z999 1807 and Datawind Akahs-II 1412. Similarly at AnTuTu Lava Xtron’s scoring is 7663 highest among the all above.
Lava International Ltd, a leading Indian mobile handsetplayer has recently launched its Future Now' 7-inch tablet- ETAB XTRON in the Indian market, which is getting overwhelming response.
It combines the best-in-class features in hardware and software and comes preloaded with enriching applications – making ETAB XTRON a must have device. The tablet is powered byAndroid 4.1.1 Jelly Bean, Dual-core, 1.5 GHzprocessor, that deliversunmatched performance.
It is also the first tablet in its price range to feature a 7-inch IPS screen with multi-touch display with a high resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels. The screen provides users with rich colors, great viewing angles and is readable even under the direct sunlight as it uses IPS (In plane switching) panel technology. The bright display combined with a revolutionary design makes the tablet ideal for reading books, watching videos as well as playing games on-the-go.
Offering a plethora of value added features;Lava has tied up with various well known content partners for ETAB XTRON. Tablet users will get an entertainment package worth Rs 2,000 free from Hungama.com as well as one month unlimited online movie package from BigFlix for just Rs 1.
There is also a free vedicmaths package, discounts worth Rs 4,000 from meritnation.com, a free career booster package and additional 20 percent discount from edukart. With Uahoy, users canalso win unlimited prizes everyday through pre-installed apps.
VectorNav announces partnership with NavtechGPS to market VN-200 GPS/INS
USA: VectorNav Technologies, a leading provider of inertial navigation solutions to the industrial and military markets, announced a new strategic partnership with NavtechGPS to market and include the VN-200 GPS/INS and the VN-100 IMU/AHRS into their extensive catalogue of GNSS-related products.
Released in July of 2012, VectorNav's VN-200 is the world's first GPS-aided inertial navigation system (GPS/INS) in a surface mount package. Incorporating a suite of individually calibrated, MEMS-based 3-axis accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, along with a barometric pressure sensor and a high-sensitivity GPS module, the VN-200 provides users with a coupled position, velocity and attitude solution at rates of up to 200 Hz.
"We see an ever-increasing demand for low-cost, small size, high-performance solutions that couple attitude [orientation] information with GPS-based position and velocity measurements," says NavtechGPS VP and CTO, Franck Boynton. "The VectorNav VN-200 GPS/INS is the first OEM surface mount we know of to address this need, and we are pleased to offer this miniature inertial navigation solution to our customers."
Released in July of 2012, VectorNav's VN-200 is the world's first GPS-aided inertial navigation system (GPS/INS) in a surface mount package. Incorporating a suite of individually calibrated, MEMS-based 3-axis accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, along with a barometric pressure sensor and a high-sensitivity GPS module, the VN-200 provides users with a coupled position, velocity and attitude solution at rates of up to 200 Hz.
"We see an ever-increasing demand for low-cost, small size, high-performance solutions that couple attitude [orientation] information with GPS-based position and velocity measurements," says NavtechGPS VP and CTO, Franck Boynton. "The VectorNav VN-200 GPS/INS is the first OEM surface mount we know of to address this need, and we are pleased to offer this miniature inertial navigation solution to our customers."
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