Communications Sector Still Provides Greatest Opportunity for Embedded Merchant Computer Boards

The rebound of the communications industry coupled with a growing trend toward use of standards-based - rather than proprietary - architectures promises healthy growth for merchant computer board consumption. To help companies make the best of these opportunities, VDC is preparing to launch the Merchant Computer Boards for Embedded/Real-Time Applications Market Intelligence Program, 2004 - 13th Edition.

Natick, Massachusetts (PRWEB) May 23, 2004 - According to VDC's 2002/2003 Embedded Merchant Computer Board Market Intelligence Program, the communications sector continues to consume more embedded merchant computer boards than any other vertical market.

Embedded Merchant Computer Board Shipments, Segmented by Vertical Market, 2003 (% of Dollar Volume Shipments)

Year 2003 Total Shipments = US$ 2,227 Million

Communications: 38%
Industrial Control, Automation & Instrumentation: 21%
Medical: 12%
Military/Aerospace: 15%
Transportation: 5%
Enterprise, incl. Storage: 3%
Security: 3%
Other: 3%

Note: Does NOT include Expansion Slot Cards or COM Carriers

This applies to the overall board market (including all types covered in the report), and in particular the following products:

- Standards-based Embedded Blades - Over 84% of standards-based embedded blade shipments went into communication applications in 2003.

- Single Board Computers - The communications industry consumed nearly 43% of single board computer shipments in 2003. For 2004, demand for SBCs in communications is expected to increase, with a greater number of boards going toward edge applications such as wireless infrastructure.

- Mezzanine Cards - More than 42% of mezzanine card shipments went to the communications sector in 2003. Use of mezzanines in communications applications is expected to increase by about 15%, while use in many other markets (with the notable exception of Military/Aerospace) is expected to decline.

The rebound of the communications industry coupled with a growing trend toward use of standards-based - rather than proprietary - architectures promises healthy growth for merchant computer board consumption. To help companies make the best of these opportunities, VDC is preparing to launch the Merchant Computer Boards for Embedded/Real-Time Applications Market Intelligence Program, 2004 - 13th Edition.

About VDC's Merchant Computer Boards for Embedded/Real-Time Applications Market Intelligence Program

As part of VDC's ongoing commitment to analyzing the global embedded hardware market, VDC is pleased to present the launch of our 2004 market intelligence program covering the global market for merchant computer boards for embedded/real-time applications.

Elements of the market intelligence program include:

- Six market reports, including:
a. Slot Single Board Computers and Embedded CPU Blades
b. Embedded Motherboards
c. Mezzanine Cards and Computers-on-Modules
d. Stackables (PC/104 Family, EBX, etc.)
e. Slot Expansion Boards
f. Global Embedded Merchant Board Market Overview and Outlook

- On-site presentation

- Inquiry Privileges

- Retainer services

- In-depth global analysis of market demand for embedded merchant computer board products

- Vertical market and application estimates and forecasts - for all product types

- OEM/integrator analysis evaluating the opportunities and requirements to support existing and emerging applications

- Industry structure and influences, including detailed profiles and share analysis of leading and emerging embedded merchant computer board suppliers

- Key success requirements for suppliers of embedded merchant computer board products

VDC is now accepting founding sponsors for this research. Benefits of becoming a founding sponsor include:

- Save up to $5,500 off the post publication price.
- Save $500 and receive a CD-ROM of the report with printable PDF files, Excel files, and a site license to post the report on your network.
- Guarantee your specific needs are included in the research scope. You will have the opportunity to review and revise a number of research tools, including questionnaires, surveys and profile templates.
- Receive research updates. You will receive updates during the research process alerting you to our interim findings.
- Receive a personal presentation. Schedule a time to meet with our analysts and probe for additional insights about your industry and market. VDC's study team will be available to present findings to any sponsor at their location of choice, subject to availability and client payment of travel expenses.

To view the press release, including tables, go to:
http://www.vdc-corp.com/embedded/press/04/pr04-28.html

Report Availability:
http://www.vdc-corp.com/embedded/annual/04/br04-08.html

ABOUT VDC

Founded in 1971, VDC is a technology market research and consulting firm that specializes in industrial and commercial electronics, computing, communications, software and power systems markets.

For more information about VDC's "Merchant Computer Boards for Embedded/Real-Time Applications Market Intelligence Program, 2004 - 13th Edition," contact:

Marc Regberg
Vice President
Venture Development Corporation
508-653-9000, ext. 111
msr@vdc-corp.com

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