The global market for imaging components was worth $40.4 billion in 2007. It should reach $58.7 billion by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various types of imaging components for the image capture, image analysis and image display stages, and for medical, mass consumption and industrial-scientific defense groups.
• The current global market status for imaging components, with trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Technological issues including the latest trends and a thorough patent analysis
• Regional growth trends of end-user equipment
• Profiles of major industry players.

The global market for advanced intelligent wireless microsystems (IWM) increased from $132 million in 2007 to an estimated $138 million by the end of 2008. It should reach $1.3 billion by 2013, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 56.4%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various intelligent wireless microsystems (IWM) technologies including applications for metal production, petroleum refining, plastics manufacturing, beverage manufacturing, chemicals manufacturing, electrical apparatus manufacturing, food manufacturing, special purpose machinery manufacturing, pulp and paper processing, and transportation
• The current market status for IWM, trends and forecasts for growth over the 5-year period 2008 through 2013
• Profiles of companies pioneering IWM technology and a thorough patent analysis
• Analysis of the IWM industry on a worldwide basis, from both a market and applications perspective
• A discussion of the demand for pollution control systems in applications amenable to conversion to IWM.

The global market for photonic crystals will increase from an estimated $13.9 million in 2007 to $32 million by the end of 2008. It should reach $666.4 million by 2013, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 84%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various applications of phototonic crystals, including light emission, information technology, optical sensing, energy conversion and light energy delivery
• An outline of the basic physical principles of microstructured fibers and multidimensional photonic crystals, highlighting important issues in materials selection, manufacturing and integration
• The current market status for photonic crystals, trends, and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Discussion of technologies along with a thorough patent analysis
• Analysis of several governmental programs with funding targeted specifically at photonic crystal application development.

The global market for telemedicine increased from $4.8 billion in 2006 to an estimated $5.8 billion in 2007. It should reach $13.9 billion by 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various telemedicine technologies including hardware, software, telecom and network applications
• The current market status for telemedicine, trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Discussion of cutting edge technology development, value-added services, and newer applications
• Thorough analyses of 91 patents
• Information about industry players, their strategic directives, product portfolios, and operational presence.

The global market for biometrics increased from $1.95 billion in 2006 to an estimated $2.7 billion by the end of 2007. It should reach $7.1 billion by 2012, a compound annual growth rate of 21.3%. This report contains:

• Descriptions of various types of biometrics technologies including fingerprint, face recognition and hand geometry, with their current and potential applications
• The current global market status of biometrics, trends and forecasts for growth over the next 5 years
• Technological issues, including the latest developments and a patent analysis
• A discussion of the biometrics industry on a worldwide basis from the standpoint of both manufacturing and consumption, along with profiles of leading companies
• An examination of government initiatives related to biometrics, including regulations, standards and issues such as individual privacy.

The global market for electronics products has grown at an average rate of about 12.6% per year, from $1.4 trillion in 2004 to an estimated $2.0 trillion in 2007. By 2012, the global market is expected to reach approximately $3.2 trillion. This report contains:

• Descriptions of the various types of electronics products and technologies that have been commercialized to date
• The current market status of electronics products, trends and forecasts for growth over the next five years
• Discussion of the impact of demographic, economic and other factors that will drive future demand for electronics products
• Identification of promising new electronics technologies and products still in the development and testing stages
• Information about the leading manufacturers of electronics products.

The global market for key enabling HPC hardware technologies was worth some $13.5 billion in 2006, a figure that is expected to increase to $14.9 billion in 2007 and $22.9 billion in 2012, a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% over the next five years. This report contains:

• Descriptions of enabling technologies and products for HPC (microprocessors, system memory, interconnects, data storage, thermal management, and software) with the greatest commercial potential in the near to mid-term (2007-2012)
• Analysis of the key drivers that will shape the market for HPC enabling technologies over the next 5 years
• Estimates of the current and future demand for HPC technologies and products
• A patent analysis and company profiles of developers and vendors.

Commercial and medical artificial sensing applications were valued at $6.6 billion in 2006, and are estimated to rise another 32% to $8.7 billion in 2007. They should reach $10.9 billion by 2012 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.6% between 2007 and 2012. This report contains:

• Descriptions of the different categories of artificial sensing technologies, brief histories of each sensing category, research and medical efforts, trials and commercial ventures within each category
• The current market status of artificial sensing applications and forecasts for growth to over the next five years
• Discussion of cross-category applications including multisensor data fusion, pattern recognition and some artificial intelligence (AI) research initiatives and AI-enhanced applications
• An examination of factors affecting industries directly related to artificial sensing.
• A comprehensive patent analysis, and profiles of leading players.

By 2012, the worldwide mobile telematics industry will sell systems valued in excess of $52 billion. The automotive telematics sector will expand at a modest 3.6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) to reach more than $48 billion in 2012. This report contains:

• Descriptions of the technologies and market forces driving mobile telematics
• Analysis of the use of telematics systems by the agricultural, aircraft, construction, intelligent transport, maritime and railroad industries
• An examination of the industry and forecasts of the demand for 170 components and subsystems used to manufacture 16 generic types of mobile telematics systems
• More than 2,400 application-specific tables including forecasts for system requirements and their projected costs; each forecast is presented as a table that separately addresses U.S. and worldwide markets.

The Mobile Telematics Handbook is the companion to the technology market research report Mobile Telematics: Global Markets and Technologies (IFT062A). Together the report and the handbook provide both a macro-view and micro-view of the global impact of the convergence of telecommunications, digital display, and control systems on all forms of on-road and off-road transportation.

Global shipments of analog and mixed signal ICs were $31.7 billion in 2005, increasing to $37 billion in 2006. By 2011, analog and mixed signal IC shipments will reach $67.6 billion, a CAGR of 12.8%. This report contains:

• Information on the global market for analog and mixed signal ICs, with up-to-date market data, estimates, and forecasts to 2011
• The entire range of semiconductor products that are used to process analog signals alone or in combination with digital signals, including: power management ICs, data converters, amplifiers and comparators, switches and multiplexers, interfaces, application-specific ICs
• A discussion of major products and applications for analog and mixed signal devices
• A detailed review of important technologies and patents developed over the past several years, and a discussion of how each has had an impact on the market
• Profiles of the major businesses involved in the industry.

The total global market for optical network processing unit purchases was worth more than $2.1 billion in 2005 and over $2.2 billion in 2006. At a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.5%, this market will reach almost $2.7 billion by 2011. The scope of this report is broad, and contains:

• An overview of the global optical network components market, with historic and emerging business usage trends, market demographics, government regulatory issues, and expenditures for technology, products, and applications.
• Detailed market forecasts for various applications, including NPU optical network components, SOC optical network components, transceiver network components, and backplane network components, with compound annual growth rates and five-year projections through 2011
• An important technology review that discusses critical developments and potential trends in the upcoming market, as well as a detailed analysis of patents over the past few decades
• Company profiles and detailed background information for all the major players in the industry.

The global market for mobile computing was almost $55.6 billion in 2005 and $63.5 billion in 2006. At an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 7.0%, this market will reach more than $88.9 billion by 2011. This report:

• Provides comprehensive market assessment of mobile computing and the sector's growth potential through 2011. Covers devices such as computers, notebooks, tablet PCs, handhelds, smartphones, and all other mobile devices. Analysis includes markets for chipsets and internal processors, operating systems, application software, wireless technologies and broadband connections.
• Examines the current position of mobile computing via five major platforms. Within each platform, an overview of the key advantages, an analysis of market factors that will impact demand and projected shipments of mobile computing products and their value for 2005, 2006 and 2011 are presented.
• Estimates the unit distribution of mobile computing activity by businesses and consumers, and analyzes units of each platform by application.
• Analyzes the mobile computing industry on a worldwide basis, including manufacturing capability and consumption in various regional markets. This study also analyzes industry involvement in standards and evaluates other pertinent factors related to the success of mobile computing.
• Profiles leading companies in the mobile computing business and recent industry developments, includes patent analysis, market shares and more.

BCC estimates the U.S. healthcare IT market size at $16.38 billion in 2005 and forecasts that it will grow to $18.5 billion in 2006. By 2011 it is expected to reach $34.7 billion in sales, a 13.4% AAGR. This report contains:

• The market for healthcare information technology in the U.S., providing an overview of the healthcare IT market
• Current and future market estimates for healthcare information systems with a detailed analysis of trends and market size and forecasts through 2011
• Highlights upcoming and emerging technologies, as well as new developments that are likely to impact the future of the market
• Business activities on the entire major market players and a detailed profile of the top companies in the industry.

The value of the worldwide conformal coatings market was $800 million in 2005. It is projected to reach $1.6 billion by 2010, an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 15.2%. The report includes:

• An analysis of global markets for conformal coating materials, dispensing systems, supporting consumables and a discussion of trends and sales in these markets through 2010
• Study of factors influencing the adoption of new technologies, growth and demand, along with the range of conformal coating uses in a number of key markets, and profiles of key companies within the conformal coating supply chain
• Examination of the impact of global shifts toward China, Korea, Taiwan and South East Asia, as well as the effects of changing environmental controls, international specifications and standardization.
• Summaries of typical uses of conformal coatings, plus key emerging areas of potential high growth such as implantable biomedical devices, flexible electronics, nano coatings and ultrathin films. Also, areas of technical innovation, which will be of significant commercial impact by 2010
• Study of key existing classes of materials including acrylates, urethanes, silicones, epoxies, and parylenes, as well as emerging materials such as refractory metals, alloys and dielectric oxides.
• Discussion of advanced deposition processes and novel application areas driven by significant changes in film formation processing, electronics use environments and introduction of new circuit materials.

The global market for self-service machines was nearly $11.3 billion in 2005. By 2010, the market will cross the $24 billion mark, growing at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 17%. This report:

• Investigates growth in key market segments.
• Provides 5-year forecast periods to 2010.
• Presents an in-depth look at prospects in international markets.
• Appraises industry innovations and technological advancements.
• Profiles the major market leaders.

The value of worldwide shipments of electronic gaming equipment reached $12.6 billion in 2005. Shipments are projected to grow in value at a 9.7% rate to reach $13.8 billion in 2006, and at an average annual rate of 9.8%, to reach $22.1 billion by 2011. This report contains:

• Information on high-tech game consoles that play electronic games from television, DVDs, and the Internet; handheld consoles that perform the same functions from a distance; personal computers that play a variety of games from their hard drives or downloaded from the Internet; the latest cell phones that can download games; and the age-old arcade machines that still play video games in public locations
• The value of the global electronic gaming industry, including manufacturing capability and consumption by various regional markets and a five-year forecast to 2011
• An Analysis of industry involvement, standards, and other pertinent factors related to the success of electronic gaming.
• Reviews of market drivers and the impact of new technologies.

The worldwide annual market for telecommunications test equipment used for performance monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting will grow from $6.0 billion in 2005 to $11.0 billion in 2010, an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 12.9%. This report:

• Groups test equipment into 13 categories.
• Discusses the status and trends of telecommunications networks together with their impact on the requirements for testing.
• Analyzes four different sectors in the market: North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia and the Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Examines and forecasts the market over a five year period.
• Profiles the major companies in the industry
• Offers a complete patent review.

The worldwide market for power supply and management for electronics ¾ software and semiconductors ¾ is estimated at $27.54 billion in 2005. It is expected to rise at an average annual growth of 9.6%, to reach $43.64 billion by 2010. The report contains:

• Descriptions of the major types of power supply and management semiconductor devices
• Analysis of each device and its impact on future markets worldwide
• Estimates of current market size, with forecasts through 2010
• Coverage of the major vertical markets, along with various applications and subproducts in each vertical
• Discussion of major technological issues, including the latest industry trends
• Coverage of related issues, such as the regulatory environment and value chain.

Chip suppliers will see the unit shipments rise at an average annual growth rate of 10.3% from 242 million to 397 million for network semiconductors. Spending on network semiconductors will to $3.7 billion in 2010. The report contains:

• Examination of the silicon used to connect complex servers, next-generation phones, networks, etc.
• Definitions of the different market segments
• Outlines of the immediate and long-term commercial opportunities for vendors
• Analysis and forecasts through 2010 of market trends in each segment and the long-term economic, business, and other macro issues raised
• Delineation of technology trends
• Identification of markets leaders

The global market for digital image capture, storage, transfer and display devices and technologies is expected to approach $305 billion in 2005 and surpass $701 billion by 2010, at an average annual growth rate of 18.1%. The report contains:

• Identification of key enabling technologies for digital image capture, storage and transfer and their specific applications
• Descriptions of the main groups of end users for digital imaging technologies
• Estimates of sales of enabling technologies and devices incorporating them, and identifies major market drivers
• Forecasts by product/service, technology, application segment end-user groups through 2010
• Analysis of the structure of the digital imaging industry, including competitive conditions and market shares
• Identification of technological, economic, regulatory and other trends that may have a significant impact on the market.

The combined market for magnetic and optical storage materials, estimated at $19.8 billion in 2005, is expected to rise to $39.9 billion in 2010, at an average annual growth rate of 15.1%. The report contains:

• An overview of magnetic and optical data storage technology, devices and materials
• Detailed information about the structure and material components of hard disk media and recording heads, magnetic recording tapes, compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), and emerging data storage media
• A summary of recent technological advancements and market developments in the industry
• A concise analysis of trends in storage-related patents over the past five years
• Identification of key producers of data storage media and materials
• Analysis of technology and market trends affecting demand for data storage media and materials
• Market forecasts through 2010.

The world market for embedded software will grow from about $1.6 billion in 2004 to $3.5 billion by 2009, at an average annual growth rate of 16%. The report contains:

• Examination of trend lines, potential drift cycles and relationship formulae between the high-tech and semiconductor industries
• Analysis of new technology innovations in end-use markets
• Analysis of geographic trends
• Analysis of recent developments and current trends in the market in six major applications: computing, communications, consumer electronics, automotive, medical and office equipment, and industrial and military electronics with forecasts through 2009
• Identification of significant drivers of revenue growth in specific product categories
• A discussion of the competitive aspects of each segment, along with successful suppliers' strategies in the market
• Profiles of a selection of the leading embedded vendors.

Total U.S. smart network device expenditures will show an average annual growth rate of 9.3%, rising from about $1.62 billion in 2004 to $2.53 billion by 2009. The report contains:

• An overview of all aspects of smart building device technologies and services
• Analysis of communications infrastructure software, networking and hardware used for the construction, operation, servicing and maintenance of networked smart devices
• Discussion of historic and emerging demographic and use trends
• Analysis of the U.S. market for all technologies and services with forecasts through 2009
• An examination of the emerging dynamics of growing markets
• A discussion of international aspects
• Outlines of the current positioning of key players in technological and end-user markets.

Worldwide wireless infrastructure expenditure currently is estimated at $177.5 billion for 2004. Expected to expand at an average annual growth rate of 2.5%, this market will reach $201.4 billion by 2009. The report contains:

• Coverage of key product segments, including spending on wireless infrastructure equipment for a variety of services
• Examination of factors fueling growth in wireless local area networks (LANs)
• Examination of the software carriers needed to operate wireless networks
• Explanations of the various technologies used and easy-to-follow discussions of the level of maturity of the different technologies
• Descriptions of steps that must be taken so use of these products and services can become more common
• Sales forecasts and projections through 2009 for the number of individuals using the services, revenues they generate and anticipated growth rates.

The global market potential for building management systems (BMS) is estimated at $37.7 billion in 2004. Rising at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 2.9%, the available market is expected to reach $43.6 billion in 2009. The report contains:

• Discussion of BMS for commercial, office, institutional and high-rise residential buildings control
• Analysis of component systems, including audio/video, integration, energy management, environmental controls, fire and life safety, lighting management and security and access control systems
• Market forecasts through 2009 based on historic activity and current opportunities, government initiatives and policies, and the status of the construction and renovation industries
• Thorough analyses of construction industry practices in the target regions, along with trends toward uptake of BMS products
• Examination of geographic and environmental factors influencing requirements and national and international responses to environmental challenges

The global value of the AON market for all technology types is expected to rise at an average annual growth rate of 5% and reach $178 billion by 2008. The report provides:

• Market forecasts by technology, including TDM, WDM and components
• Market forecasts by application, including broadcast television, telemedicine/video-conferencing, tactical internetworking and legacy telecom/network systems
• Forecasts for deployment and implementation of all optical networks in domestic, European, Asian and other markets
• Analysis of research and development, funding and deployment limitations.
  

Total advanced intelligence expenditures in the U.S. are expected to rise at an average annual growth rate of 7.8% from $25.1 billion in 2003 to $36 billion by 2008. The report covers:

• The most critical developments in intelligence-related technologies over the past several years
• Near-term commercial opportunities and challenges
• All aspects of intelligence technologies and services in the U.S., including infrastructure hardware, software and networking equipment and telecommunications devices
• Expanding government and corporate markets, with forecasts to 2008
• International aspects.

The total U.S. market for products and processes using RF technologies is projected to rise at an average annual growth rate of 33% reach $100.5 billion in 2008. The report contains:

• An overview of the RF industry
• Analyses of new RF technologies and applications
• Market size and segmentation, 2000 through
• 2008
• Market drivers and constraints
• Detailed market projections by market segments, through 2008
• Analysis of industry performance and structure (sales, market shares, recent M&A transactions)
• Discussion of the long-term outlook for the U.S. RF industry.

The total worldwide AI market is expected to increase at an average annual growth rate of 12.2% in the next 4 years. The report covers:

• Major markets where AI-related applications are being used
• Clearly defined AI-related technologies and ongoing research and patents
• Five-year forecasts of growth and development of each technology and application
• Current status of AI in association with conventional technologies and markets
• Worldwide applicability and implementation of AI-related technologies
• Industry structure, company profiles and market shares.

The total market will grow to just under $3.4 billion by 2007. This report covers:

• The industry in overview, including its importance and history
• Technologies and future developments
• Markets by product type, with five-year forecasts
• Markets by application and industry, with five-year forecasts
• Company profiles
• International markets and operations.

Shipments of smart card units will grow at an AAGR of 23.7% from 2002 to 2007. Noticeable trends include the anticipated dominance for the JavaCard platform and the use of smart cards in the flourishing national ID market. This report covers:

• Major smart card technologies
• Smart card types, platforms, and standards
• Applications of smart cards
• Market scenarios of the smart card industry
• Markets that are divided geographically and breakdowns given by region
• Projections for the period 2000 through 2007
• Various smart card projects being implemented or planned worldwide.

The worldwide market for semiconductor memory will grow at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 13.9% for the period through 2007. Volatile memory, growing at an AAGR of 14.3% will outpace nonvolatile memory. The report provides:

• A detailed analysis of the market and technology issues associated with the computer memory industry
• Primary focus on Flash and DRAM chips
• Information on companies that produce memory integrated circuits broken down into four different industry categories, and, secondarily, on companies that offer technology that competes with memory integrated circuits
• Industry sales by company and product types
• Five-year forecast for computer memory by product type: nonvolatile, volatile and specialty
• Examination of computer memory products and associated patents Extensive business reference information: an address book with worldwide headquarters sites and company contacts.

The overall Web services market is projected to have an average annual growth rate of 83%, fueled in large part by growing sales of Web services enabled applications and associated professional services. This report is an analytical business tool whose primary purpose is to describe the emerging market for Web services. It covers the following topics:

• Industry structure
• Market size and segmentation, including market drivers and historical and projected sales by product/market segment (e.g., geographical markets, end-user industry and company size)
• User requirements and success factors
• Early market leaders
• Conclusions and future trends: emerging technologies and impact of Web services on the software industry.

The storage networking market, over the next five years, will be a primary driver of demand for storage software and services, which will see an average annual growth rate of 12.2% through 2007. This analysis:

• Describes the mass storage industry including its dynamics, influences, inhibitors and legal challenges
• Explains the technology, its application and use
• Quantifies and projects product and applications markets
• Isolates industry challenges and avenues of opportunity
• Assesses the industry's competitive environment and strategic direction
• Examines market potential for products, applications and geographic regions.

The number of individuals working in virtual home offices will increase by 15.1 million during the next five years, reaching 59.1 million. The report outlines immediate and long-term commercial opportunities for vendors interested in servicing the virtual home office user market segment. Key product segments covered include

• Computer hardware (desktop systems, portable devices and peripherals)
• Software (collaboration and security systems)
• Network services (wireline and wireless services designed for small offices and home offices)
  The study also offers:
• Crisp explanations of the various technologies supporting these workers
• Discussions of the levels of maturity of the different technologies, and steps needed for these products and services to become more common.
• Data about past purchases
• New user requirements
• Perspectives of key industry insiders and sales forecasts and projections through the year 2007.

Globally, there will be in excess of 300 million users of voice-enabled applications by 2007 while the voice recognition technologies market rises at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 15% between 2002 and 2007. This analysis provides coverage of:

• The main voice recognition categories
• Top supplier market share
• New technologies and the unique challenges faced by each category
• Markets segmented by voice recognition categories as well as end-use markets with five year forecasts
• Research and development funding
• The organizational and economic makeup of the voice recognition industry
• Legislative, political and environmental issues
• Changing dynamics of the international market.

Worldwide spending on retail banking solutions grew by more than 20% per year between 1998 and 2000, slowed to a 14% growth rate in 2001, and is expected to drop to about 3% in 2002. This report is an analytical business tool whose primary purpose is to describe the international market for retail banking technology. It consists of the following major sections:

• Industry structure
• Market size and segmentation, including market drivers and historical and projected sales by product/market segment (e.g., geographical markets, enduser industry and company size)
• User requirements, competition and market shares
• Conclusions: trends in retail banking technology/functionality, emerging markets, industry structure.

The global end-user GPS market reached nearly $12 billion in 2001 and is projected to rise to $22.9 billion in 2006 at an AAGR (average annual growth rate) of 14.6%. This report provides coverage of:

• GPS technology including its three major components
• Military applications, including smart weapons, vehicle navigation and intelligence
• Civilian applications, including public safety, recreational vehicle navigation and gaming, automotive /intelligent vehicle navigation, asset tracking, agriculture, mining and geological, construction/civil engineering, marine surveying and oceanography and precision timing
• Unit and dollar sales of GPS applications and forecasts through 2006.

The global WMS market, including software, hardware and professional services, has grown steadily since the first systems were introduced in the mid-1980s. The growing popularity of the Internet as a sales channel helped propel total WMS sales to more than $1.8 billion in 2001. This report is an analytical business tool whose primary purpose is to describe the international market for WMS and related software, hardware and consulting services, and consists of the following major sections:

• Industry structure
• Market size and segmentation, including market drivers and historical and projected sales by product/market segment, end-user industry and company size
• User requirements, competition and market shares
• Conclusions: trends in WMS technology/functionality and emerging markets
• An appendix contains profiles of major vendors of WMS products and services.

Total banking assets are expected to climb at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 7.1% from $6,772 billion in 2001 to $9,537 billion in 2006. This report provides coverage of:

• Traditional commercial banking product areas from credit cards and paper checks to mortgages and mutual funds
• The burgeoning competitive field opened by new technology
• The nontraditional, and often nonbanking, competitors in various product areas and what challenges they pose
• The psychology of the commercial banking customer and the extent to which he or she seeks, and will seek products from the e-marketplace
• Deregulation, industry consolidation and shifts in borrowing and lending patterns
• Strategic partnerships, cross industry mergers and major players.

The purchase of goods and services over the Internet will rise from $325 billion in 2001 to $3.5 trillion in 2006 at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 60.4%. This report provides coverage of:

• The current state of the e-commerce environment
• Payment alternatives for online purchases of goods and services
• The mechanics of these options
• Growth of e-commerce through 2006 and the major growth categories
• Dollar volumes of e-commerce expenditures for each major e-payment alternative
• Companies providing e-payment alternatives.

New console introductions should invigorate the market, driving worldwide console, peripheral and video game software sales to a peak of $35.8 billion in 2003. This report provides coverage of:

• The history of video games
• Video game genres in detail
• Current and upcoming console systems, and perspectives on piracy and game ratings
• Sales forecasts for console units and video game software, as well as for other sectors, such as the online gaming market
• Companies and organizations involved in various aspects of the industry, from studio development to retail.

The wireless infrastructure market was valued at just under $100 billion at the end of 2000. This report provides coverage of:

• Major equipment of the wireless infrastructure
• The various wireless technologies
• The industry's vendors and their operating strategies
• The wireless infrastructure market size and potential
• Historical perspectives and current wireless industry developments
• Various risks and government regulation of the industry.

With the advent of digital photography and imaging, it is no longer a question of whether digital will take over both film and video in the still and motion arenas, but when. In the second quarter of 2000, digital still cameras sales overtook film camera sales in terms of gross revenues, and while film cameras remain far more prolific (present in 90 percent of American homes), digital cameras (present in 10 percent) are outperforming their traditional counterparts by an outstanding rate. In response to the seemingly insatiable demand of both consumers and professionals, particularly Internet-related business, for digital photographic and finishing products and services, a slew of start-ups have raced into the market. What they have inevitably found, however, is that the old standards like Kodak and Konica have begun to flex their market muscle as well. The ability to offer services for film as well as digital photographic equipment remains a distinct advantage in this rapidly growing market, and many new, online-only start-ups are learning the hard way that they must backtrack into the traditional market in order to remain viable. This study will explore the tremendous opportunities that exist for both emerging and well-established photographic equipment and processing companies, with sales forecasts provided through the year 2005.

With increased emphasis by corporations and large organizations on returning to core competencies, there has been an increasing push toward outsourcing data processing and related computer services. This study provides a thorough and up-to-date assessment of emerging trends and developments for third-party data processing (credit card transaction, mutual funds, payroll, HR, medical claims, etc.) as well as facilities management, Internet infrastructure and other network services. The trade-off between corporate shared services and outsourcing, the role of e-commerce, and the economics of the industry are analyzed in detail. As well as providing forecasts to 2006, the study also includes a complete review of end-use markets, technology, and industry structure, and provides profiles of leading players in this dynamic market.

"In a few years", pioneer computer scientist J.C. Licklider wrote prophetically in 1968, " men will be able to communicate more effectively through machines than face-to-face." While few would argue that electronic information and communication networks are a replacement for face-to-face communication, it's become clear to all that networks have utterly transformed practically every aspect of daily personal and business life. This report will delineate the most important developments in electronic information and communication technologies over the past few decades. These will include voice networks such as public switched telephone, private leased line, wireless, voice-over IP and satellite, data networks including the Internet, proprietary LANS and WANS and wireless messaging, financial transaction networks including electronic funds transfer, EDI and Internet e-commerce, as well as video networks, whether enabled through cable, satellite or the Internet. It will also examine the near and longer term commercial opportunities and challenges of a number of emerging technologies, products and applications in each of these areas. Through the study of historic patterns, new technological innovations and the perspectives of key industry insiders, forecasts and projections are made of user markets, network traffic and expenditures through the year 2004.

Local area network (LAN) is a high-speed communications system that links independent computers and other data processing devices within a confined geographic area. It not only establishes communication between computers, but also enables users to share vital information and expensive computing resources, which enormously increases their usefulness and productivity, such that the relationship is synergetic. This study will cover the different types of LANs: from the almost ubiquitous Ethernet and its various types, such as Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet and the Token Ring, to other switched and high-speed LANs such as Copper Distributed Data Interface (CDCI), Fiber Distributed Interface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). It will consider the Apple Talk network system used in most Macintosh computers and the Wireless Local Area Networks (LANs) for mobile systems. Their relative advantages and benefits, market size, manufacturers and vendors in the global marketplace will all feature in this study.

This study reveals in depth those forces that have caused the card business to play an increasingly important and huge role in the conduct of commerce throughout the world. The process is reviewed primarily in terms of the institutions or companies which issue cards (card issuers), the card users (card members), and the merchants, vendors, businesses, agencies, etc. who honor the cards. The study provides quantitative data from 1999 through 2005 in relation to the usage of credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, proprietary cards, prepaid cards, etc. It also concerns itself with alternative card usage, i.e., security access, loyalty programs, confirmation of personal identification, etc. Antitrust activities in the card business are reviewed. The major card issuers are profiled as to number of cards issued, size in terms of assets, size in terms of number of ATMs, and number of cardmembers relative to $1 million of assets. Proprietary cards are analyzed in terms of retailers, communications, travel, etc. Prepaid cards are analyzed in the areas of mass transit, communications, and all others. The study projects industry growth through 2005 in terms of AAGRs (average annual growth rates). Research sources include interviews with industry activists as well as traditional areas of information gathering.

The on-line banking segment has exploded in recent years, after getting off to a slow start in the mid-80s. This report analyzes this complex and fast-growing market, in which upstart on-line-only banks are competing with the cyber-storefronts of the world's largest commercial and savings banks. This in-depth study recounts the present status and future outlook of federal banking regulation, on-line bank account growth, on-line banking institution growth, regional outlooks, asset and deposit growth, as well as the growth of new banking technologies including on-line credit cards, e-money and on-line brokerage-banking partnerships. Market forecasts project the market from the year 2000 through 2005.

Advances in telecommunications and information technologies are leading to a revolution in the U.S. payment industry. This study seeks to answer such questions as "How will consumers and businesses invoice and pay others in the future?" Diverse payment products such as cash (coin, currency, and digital cash), paper and electronic checks, electronic funds transfer (EFT), credit cards, debit cards, smart cards, electronic bill payment and presentment (EBPP), other PC-based payments, telephone payment and other emerging electronic payment products and services are analyzed in detail. Underlying socioeconomic of currents, technology developments, market conditions and opportunities and five-year forecasts are also examined. The roles of the Internet and e-commerce are reviewed in the contexts of business-to-business, consumer-to-business and other payment relationships, as well as the emergence of new competitors such as "infomediaries." This comprehensive BCC study analyzes the current U.S. market and identifies the most promising electronic and other payment opportunities for the next five years.

This BCC study assesses the recent technological and market changes taking place within the multibillion-dollar recording industry. Liquid Audio and MPEG Audio Layer-3 digital compression technologies are examined in depth as well as new disc formats in audio DVD and Super Audio CDs. The study analyzes trends in every marketable audio genre including all forms of pop music and audio books. In addition, there are numerous interviews with recording industry executives who reveal their insight and inside information. Projections, given through 2003, are presented with emphasis on consumer profiles, production costs, and market segmentation.

E-commerce has become a real part of the daily lives of consumers and businesses alike. It has become the next stage in the electronification process of doing business. There are two facets of EC: business to consumer and business to business (B2B). The study addresses Internet access, issues and concerns (consumers and merchants), payment alternatives, regulatory considerations and strategic alliances, as well as profiles of impact companies and consumer and B2B activity (volumes). Consumer e-commerce expenditures (1999, 2000, 2004) are forecast by line item ... computers, software, travel and entertainment, housewares, books and publications, specialty items and home entertainment. B2B, in addition to computer-related outlays, contains e-forecasts for expenditures (1999, 2000, 2004) in automotive, government (federal as well as state and local), healthcare, energy and EC facilitators. There are also forecasts for types of Internet access devices (PCs, TV set top, wireless), number of Internet households, fraud losses, etc.

Multiple networks blanket the nation today for wireless data via traditional radio technology. This includes two-way communications for headquarters updates of mobile transactions, as well as one-way transmission, primarily for paging. New players include packet data over cellular telephones, digital transmission via PCs, and mobile satellites. Will any of these technologies offer a reasonable alternative for Internet access, or for residential use? This question and others are addressed in this BCC report.

The electronic education and training report will examine the variety and evolution of new electronic instructional, assessment and evaluation technologies introduced into educational settings over the past 20 years (including computer aided training, television, distance learning, networks and the Internet) and the industries which they have spawned. The growth of key educational and training programs, and the military will be analyzed and quantified in detail, as will their emerging patterns of technology use and spending.

Embedded systems are rapidly becoming a catalyst for change in the computing, data communications, telecommunications, industrial control and entertainment sectors.  Because embedded systems may take different forms, very few individuals without an engineering background have any great depth of knowledge about the potential of this technology.  This BCC report is designed to enlighten readers about the applications of embedded systems, the embedded systems technology, and the impact of the technology on various markets.  Forecasts are provided through 2010.

The domestic telecommunications business reaches beyond the original premise of local and long distance services. Telecommunications companies are competing in voice and data services markets (including their traditional footholds) with computer and cable companies. As these companies cross into each other's traditional territory and new services are invented, a hybrid market emerges.