Wireless Networks Will Spread to New Applications and Platforms
The global adoption of wireless networks, excluding cellular, could top $33 billion by 2007, according to a recent report by Allied Business Intelligence (ABI), an Oyster Bay, N.Y., research firm. Along with advanced 2.5G and 3G cellular networks, other technologies such as wireless local area networks (WLAN), Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), and ultra wideband (UWB) networks are coming to the forefront. Wireless technologies are commonly used for voice communications, but they are now penetrating new applications and platforms. For example, RFID can remotely identify crates, boxes, and individual items through smartlabels. According to ABI research, these applications currently represent 1% of total RFID transponder shipments, but by 2007, they will represent about 46%.
Fiber-to-Home Market Could Reach More Than 1 Million by 2004
Can you say new business opportunity? Although only 1% of all new homes in the United States are now built with an available fiber connection, a recent study from the Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council shows that the number of homes built with a fiber connection will increase by 337% in 2003 from 72,100 homes to 315,000 homes. By 2004, FTTH installations are expected to reach between 800,000 and 1.4 million. The study also found that the market for broadband technologies like DSL and cable modem are growing at a rate of about 72% a year. With new housing starts at an all-time high, this is one market you can't ignore.
Demand for Micropower to Increase by 10% Annually Through 2006
The U.S. market for micropower products and systems is expected to reach $6.5 billion by 2006. The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm, found that advancing technologies in the fuel cell and microturbine market will reduce the costs per kilowatt of capacity installed. An increased demand for energy will also boost the photovoltaics and wind power market. The table above shows the past and future growth rate of micropower.