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The WAVE Report on Digital Media
3D --- Media Creation --- Shared Space ---Published by 4th Wave, Inc.--- Issue #0446------------------11/26/04 |
The WAVE Report is Searchable on
http://www.3dlinks.com
http://www.wave-report.com
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0446.1 Biometric Identification
Increased Civilian Projects Foreseen to Spur Growth in Global AFIS and Live-Scan Devices Markets
0446.2 New AMD Processor
AMD Rings in the Season with a New Mobile AMD Sempron Processor for Thin and Light Notebook PCs
0446.3 Battery Technology
0446.4 Application Security
0446.5 E-Commerce
Visa International Projects US$150 Billion in 2004 Global E-commerce Sales
0446.6 Media Players
0446.7 Global Trade
Azalea Software White Paper Dispels Fears Surrounding UPC Bar Code Changes
0446.8 Conferences
0446.9 Office Mailings
FP Mailing Solutions Launches Next Generation Inserting Systems
0446.10 Nanotechnology
0446.11 Retro Microphones
Silicon Valve Classic Tube Sound Makes a Comeback In A Solid State Microphone
0446.12 RFID Technology
0446.13 Semiconductor Technology
TSMC 0.18-Micron High-Voltage Technology Goes to Volume Production
0446.14 American Products & Market Research
0446.15 Homeland Security
Homeland Security Means Big Business to Innovative Entrepreneurs
0446.16 Home Appliance Shopping
0446.17 VPN Network Access
In-Stat/MDR Finds Network-Based IP VPN Equipment Helping Service Providers Grow at Reduced Cost
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0446.1 Biometric Identification
***Increased Civilian Projects Foreseen to Spur Growth in Global AFIS and Live-Scan Devices Markets
PALO ALTO, Calif.
Nov. 22, 2004
Civilian based projects such as border control, immigration, national ID, driver's license, and asylum seeker programs to prevent fraud and secure national borders are escalating the demand for automated fingerprint identification systems (AFIS) and live-scan devices.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, World AFIS and Live-Scan Devices Market, reveals that revenue in this market totaled $482.2 million in 2004 and projects to reach $1211.6 million in 2010.
To accelerate market adoption, manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants must work with customers to overcome challenges in terms of misuse of biometric data, integrity of personal data, and addressing privacy concerns of the people.
This is evident from the burgeoning use of AFIS in large-scale government security programs to control national security, terrorist activity, social welfare, and for border control and immigration. Laws and regulations passed by various countries to improve security measures in their countries directly impact these markets.
Although government agencies are the prime customers for AFIS technology providers, time-consuming bureaucratic procedures, funding issues, and fluctuating political conditions can cause barriers in the implementation of these projects.
Issues such as failed funding or the political party in favor of the project is no longer in power may cause the project to face difficulties and might even be shelved. However, mounting demand in the civilian segment is providing market growth opportunities. To move ahead, participants must focus on technical innovations to enhance product accuracy, expand usage, and reduce prices.
World AFIS and Live-Scan Devices Market, part of the Biometrics Subscription, analyzes the global demand for the civil and criminal AFIS, live-scan devices, and mobile identification devices. The research service offers a comprehensive overview of the market trends, revenue forecasts, drivers, challenges, and technological innovations to help participants identify and capitalize on the opportunities for growth. It analyzes the market by application segments (Criminal and Civil), and by geographic regions (North America, Europe Middle East Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific, and Latin America). Executive summaries and interviews are available to the press.
***AMD Rings in the Season with a New Mobile AMD Sempron Processor for Thin and Light Notebook PCs
SUNNYVALE, Calif.
Nov. 23, 2004
AMD introduced the new Mobile AMD Sempron processor 3000+ for thin and light notebooks, expanding the popular product family that has redefined everyday computing for today's mobile lifestyle with AMD's latest technology. In addition to offering best-in-class performance, this full-featured mobile processor also offers Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) designed to prevent the spread of certain malicious viruses when enabled by Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).
The new Mobile AMD Sempron processor 3000+ for thin and light notebooks offers the freedom of true mobility with extended system battery life enabled by AMD PowerNow! advanced power management technology. Like all AMD mobile processors, the Mobile AMD Sempron processor 3000+ also helps consumers and business professionals stay connected from virtually anywhere thanks to compatibility with today's most popular wireless solutions, including wireless LAN 802.11a, b and g.
New notebook PCs based on the Mobile AMD Sempron processor 3000+ are expected from Packard Bell and Gericom in time for the holiday shopping season.
The Packard Bell EasyNote E6 notebook is expected to be available from Packard Bell in France, Italy, Spain, Nordic countries and the UK later this month. Gericom is planning to offer the Blockbuster Advance Excellent 7000 notebook in Germany this month.
Other global OEMs currently offering Mobile AMD Sempron processor-based notebooks include Acer, Epson Direct Corporation, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, and Sharp.
***Microchip Technology Debuts USB-Compliant Lithium-Ion/Lithium-Polymer Charge Management Controllers with 0.5 Percent System Accuracy
CHANDLER, Ariz.
Nov. 19, 2004
Microchip Technology Inc. continues to expand its battery management IC portfolio with the introduction of two single-cell charge management controllers featuring 0.5 percent overall system accuracy for the fast-growing Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) and Lithium-Polymer (Li-Polymer) battery technologies used in consumer applications. The MCP73853 and MCP73855 devices are USB compatible and have an onboard charge safety timer; the MCP73853 also contains a cell temperature monitor.
These fully integrated solutions simplify the design and increase system reliability, while eliminating the need for a pass transistor, reverse-blocking diode, sensor resistor and thermal design, resulting in significantly lower system cost.
The +/-0.5 percent charge voltage regulation accuracy ensures maximum utilization of the cell capacity. Onboard thermal regulation eases board design and optimizes charge cycle times while maintaining device reliability. The on-chip thermal limiting allows an optimum charging rate without the thermal limitations imposed by worst-case battery and input voltage situations. The integration of a pass transistor (FET), reverse-blocking protection and current sensing minimizes external component count and board space.
USB compliance enables battery charging from a USB port or a regular wall adapter. Automatic power-down and extremely low output reverse leakage (0.24 microamps) extend battery life. Safety timers and a thermal monitor provide time- and temperature-based charge termination, even in the case of a defective battery or poor cell contact, which increases battery safety. The devices are available in 4.1- and 4.2-volt options to accommodate Li-Ion/Li-Polymer batteries with coke or graphite anodes. The temperature range is -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius.
The numerous features onboard the MCP73853 and MCP73855 make them ideally suited for any Li-Ion/Li-Polymer battery-powered equipment, cellular phones, PDAs, cordless phones, digital cameras, USB chargers, MP3 players, self-charging battery packs, medical instruments and more.
These charge management controllers complement Microchip's growing silicon solutions for battery management, including the PowerSmart product family, a wide range of DC/DC converters in power management applications and a large portfolio of PIC microcontrollers with nanoWatt Technology, which provides industry-leading low power, operation voltage range and flexible power-managed technology from DC up to 40 MHz.
***BreachGate Detect Application Security Appliance Protects Organizations from Key Security Business Concerns
CARLSBAD, Calif.
Nov. 22, 2004
Breach Security Inc. has announced the availability of BreachGate Detect, the newest member of its BreachGate family of application security appliances. Designed to protect large corporate and commercial applications from attacks by human and automated intruders that can result in identity theft, privacy and regulatory violations, BreachGate Detect is a non-intrusive, highly deployable appliance that can be implemented quickly and at remarkably low cost of ownership.
BreachGate Detect enhances network layer security at the application layer by monitoring and controlling traffic as it enters and leaves the application. It responds to the increasing demand from customers related to identity theft, information leakage, privacy infringement and other security business initiatives.
Top Security Business Initiatives
According to the company, Breach customers have identified a dozen major security business initiatives found in almost any responsible organization with Internet facing applications. The top three areas are:
-- Identity Theft & Information Leakage: Large companies who maintain databases of customers, prospects or other individuals are very concerned about having the private information of those individuals misappropriated and used in identity theft activities.
-- Privacy & Regulatory Compliance: Governmental regulations
-- including HIPAA initiatives, Sarbanes-Oxley, California Senate Bill 1386 and Assembly Bill 1950, GLBA and others
-- focus on privacy and require the implementation of security safeguards.
-- Software Outsourcing Initiatives: With application software for large enterprises now developed by teams spanning multiple organizations and political/physical geographies, there is significantly increased risk of application security holes. BreachGate lowers this security risk by providing a safe, third-party security layer around large projects that identifies any anomalous application behaviors, including use of secret back doors and other high risk security incidents.
Other business security risks at the application layer include industrial and military espionage, revenue protection and business continuance, deployment of web interfaces for core IT systems, isolated departmental application initiatives, secure content delivery and brand protection and customer confidence initiatives.
According to a recent Federal Trade Commission survey, about 3.3 million American consumers discovered within the last year that their personal information had been used to open fraudulent bank, credit card or utility accounts, or to commit other crimes. Collectively, these cases cost businesses $32.9 billion and consumers $3.8 billion.
Key Differentiators for BreachGate Detect
Unlike failed application security approaches of the past, which required arduous, manual, error-prone and costly policy development and monitoring, both at deployment and every time an application change was made, BreachGate Detect utilizes unique Adaption Behavioral Learning technology, an automated and adaptive learning process that is sensitive to acceptable behaviors in applications, even as they change.
BreachGate Detect further monitors and controls requests that enter the network and any response that leaves the network using its patented ExitControl technology. BreachTrails, a feature of the ExitControl technology, matches request and response pairs in a forensic archive when a breach is identified that dramatically reduces disclosure cost and risk in those events where a breach does occur. BreachGate's unique hybrid detect/prevent architecture combines with the power of its adaptive learning technology to create a new class of truly deployable and affordable application security products.
***Visa International Projects US$150 Billion in 2004 Global E-commerce Sales
SAN FRANCISCO
Nov. 23, 2004
Visa International has announced that it expects 2004 global e-commerce sales volume to exceed US$150 billion by the end of the year, a 56 percent increase over volume of US$96 billion a year ago.
Cross border transactions now represent 16 percent of all Visa e-commerce transactions, up from 15.2 percent a year ago. Other global Visa e-commerce highlights include:
-- Average e-commerce transaction value at US$107 versus US$70 in the physical card acceptance environment;
-- Online sales represent 7.4 percent of all transaction volume, up from 5.5 percent a year ago;
-- Online Visa sales originate in over 90 countries, purchased with Visa cards issued in over 150 countries worldwide.
Over 15 million cardholders worldwide are actively using Verified by Visa while shopping on the Internet. In its third year of operation, the program continues to grow on its own merits with key merchant participants having proved the business case and serving as models for smaller online merchants. More than 10,000 member financial institutions and 30,000 merchants are now participating in the Verified by Visa program globally.
Verified by Visa is based on the Three Domain ("3-D") Secure protocol, the payment industry's Internet authentication standard. Developed by Visa, 3-D Secure allows card Issuers to authenticate cardholders using passwords, chip cards, digital certificates, etc., during the purchase transaction. Verified by Visa can be readily integrated into existing merchant e-commerce systems with little impact on the checkout process. More than 30,000 merchants have adopted Verified by Visa and 10,000 member financial institutions make the service readily available to over 355 million consumers globally.
***FVD Format Emerges Based On Sigma Media Processors; New Format Uses WMV9 to Support Cost-Effective High Definition Content
MILPITAS, Calif.
Nov. 23, 2004
Sigma Designs announced that Sigma's EM8620L media processor is currently being used as the basis for first generation FVD players. Several manufacturers are gearing up for production of players, which are expected to be sold at retail prices of about $149 (NT$5,000) in Taiwan and about $121 (1,000 yuan) in China.
The FVD (forward versatile disc) is Taiwan's red-laser based high definition DVD-like format which was driven by Taiwan's Advanced Optical Storage Research Alliance (AOSRA) in conjunction with the government-sponsored Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). FVD based products are being launched in China and Taiwan with plans for expansion into other worldwide markets in the future, including an unveiling at the coming Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2005) taking place in January at Las Vegas. FVD has also attracted the support of Taiwan providers of digital content and several movie publishers in China. Currently, over 20 FVD titles are planned for introduction next month and over 500 titles are expected to be made available during 2005.
The FVD format differs technologically from the DVD standard in physical format, compression (encoding) and decoding, and content protection and therefore is not subject to normal DVD royalty charges. First generation FVD discs will have a storage capacity of 5.4-6GB for single-sided discs and 9.8-11GB for double-sided discs and will support resolutions of up to 1280x720. Second-generation FVD discs are expected to have a capacity of over 15GB and will support resolutions up to 1920x1080i.
Under the FVD format, content will be encoded using Microsoft's Windows Media Video 9 (WMV9) and WMA9 compression algorithms, which currently offers the advanced compression technology at a lower royalty charge than alternatives. Based on first generation capacities and resolutions, a complete 2-hour high definition movie will fit on a single FVD disc. Additionally, the FVD format secures content using an AES algorithm along with a unique ID number for each device.
Sigma's EM8620 Media Processor Provides Optimal FVD Solution
During the FVD format development, Sigma media processors were used as a key component for validating the technology, quality, and cost of the prototype FVD player. The first generation FVD platform is based on a reference design using the EM8620L along with a complete suite of disc navigation, decryption, and user interface software. FVD platform design for second generation players will get a head start in January as Sigma rolls out its new media processor with added support for WMV9 at 1080p resolution along with other enhancements.
The Sigma EM8620L provides a perfect fit for the new FVD players, offering all the video/audio codecs, high definition decode, and system control features. Key features utilized by the new FVD players include:
-- WMV9, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4 video decoding up to 720p resolution
-- Video output on composite, S-video, component, and DVI interfaces
-- WMA audio decoding (as well as MP3) with stereo or SPDIF output
-- DRM processing with hardware based AES decryption
-- On-chip CPU, graphics processing, and system control features
Over the past several months, FVD has won support from manufacturers of optical drives in China, and the first FVD players are now being launched by manufacturers from Taiwan and China. So far, companies planning to support the FVD format include leading optical-disc makers CMC Magnetics, Ritek and U-Tech Media and optical-disc-drive makers Lite-On IT, BenQ, Quanta Storage and Mustek Systems.
***Azalea Software White Paper Dispels Fears Surrounding UPC Bar Code Changes
SEATTLE
Nov. 22, 2004
Azalea Software has announced a white paper that they have published to help clarify the use of GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) and how they effect those who use bar codes. This white paper is available free of charge from their website.
The confusion stems from a new rule stating that beginning January 1, 2005 cash registers and other point of sale devices are expected to accept longer barcodes than they were originally programmed to accept. This "2005 Sunrise" as it is known, has some people thinking that they need to change their bar codes to be compliant.
GTINs have been defined as the international standard way to represent data being transferred between industries and trading partners. What's changing is the way that numeric data gets stored in computer systems, not how it's represented as a bar code.
The report can be found at
http://www.azalea.com/WhitePapers/GTIN&BarCodes.pdf
Questions about GTIN compliance should be directed to the UCC (Uniform Code Council) at
***LinuxWorld Conference & Expo Launches in Russia; The Open Source movement in Russia now has a new event - LinuxWorld Russia
MOSCOW
Nov. 23, 2004
LinuxWorld Conference & Expo Russia is the latest addition to the LinuxWorld series - the premier event exclusively focused on Linux and open source solutions in 12 countries around the world.
The show will follow the successful format of other LinuxWorld events, and will take place from 7-9 September 2005 at Moscow's premier exhibition center - Gostiny Dvor, a stones throw from the Kremlin and in the very heart of Moscow's business and government district.
Both the Conference and the Expo can be visited with one and the same entry badge, but will be positioned and marketed separately.
***FP Mailing Solutions Launches Next Generation Inserting Systems
ADDISON, Ill.
Nov. 22, 2004
Francotyp-Postalia, Inc. (FP Mailing Solutions) has introduced the FPi 2000 table-top inserting system, adding to its already established line of folders and inserters. The FPi 2000 system collates, folds and inserts documents of various sized that fit into #10 or 6" by 9" envelopes.
According to the company, the FPi 2000 series can process a range of documents that a small to mid-sized firm produces daily, as well as large direct marketing campaigns or invoice mailings at the end of the month. This next generation folder-inserter system was designed to improve productivity in the mail center by fully automating daily mail handling tasks and replacing inserters that require manual settings.
The FPi 2000 is available in three basic models - the FPi 2015, FPi 2020 and FPi 2025. The FPi 2025 model also comes in an optical marks reader (OMR) version. This inserting system makes it possible to configure it for special requirements, such as high-volume or multi-page mailings, extra capacity envelopes and online postage meter connections for assembling personalized mailings and selecting the optimal combinations of supplements.
The FPi 2000 inserting system offers the following features:
-- Equipped with two to three automatic feeder stations which can automatically feed documents and supplements such as brochures, flyers, postcards and return envelopes.
-- Control features that provide maximum operating security to make sure every envelope is complete and correctly filled, detect double-fed documents and measure the thickness of the documents being fed.
-- Processing capabilities of up to 2200 letters per hour.
-- Innovative folding technology of up to five documents in varying sizes, loose or stapled.
-- Central, easy-to-use interactive control panel, featuring a graphic display and a nine-job memory function key.
***Accelrys Launches Nanotechnology Consortium; Consortium Brings Together Industry, Scientists and Academia to Spur Nanotechnology Innovation
SAN DIEGO
Nov. 23, 2004
Enabling companies to bring nano-products to market more quickly and with reduced risk, Accelrys, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACCL) announced the launch of the Accelrys Nanotechnology Consortium. The goal of the Nanotech Consortium is to accelerate the development of software tools that enable the design of nanomaterials and nanodevices. Additionally, the Consortium will enhance nanotechnology R&D by fostering collaboration between scientists and engineers, two traditionally disparate groups within organizations. The Consortium provides a project framework and a detailed scientific proposal that addresses the challenges of rational nanomaterials and nanodevice design.
Members of the Nanotechnology Consortium include industrial researchers, academic experts, and Accelrys scientists, who are focused on developing, validating, and applying simulation to a particular research area. Members receive software, the right to provide formal input into Accelrys product plans, access to regular meetings at which experiences and ideas are shared, and dedicated application support. The Consortium also offers early access to cutting edge technology.
The consortium kicks off with a who's who list of members, partners and advisors. Charter members include Corning Incorporated, Fujitsu, e2v Technologies, Imperial College, London, and Uppsala University, Sweden.
The Consortium is an ongoing program, organized into phases of three years. The first phase runs from July 1, 2004 to August 31, 2007.
The first Nanotechnology Consortium Meeting was held October 3-6, at the New York Athletic Club on Central Park, Manhattan. It provided an opportunity for over 20 companies and institutions to learn more about the application of modeling in leading-edge industrial R&D, discuss the requirements for next-generation software tools with other experts, listen to world-leading academics talk about their work in extending the scale, precision, and functionality of molecular simulations and learn in detail about how the Consortium will translate these cutting-edge developments into software tools.
***Silicon Valve Classic Tube Sound Makes a Comeback In A Solid State Microphone
EL SEGUNDO, Calif.
Nov. 19, 2004
In a project lasting over three years, engineers at Marshall Electronics HDTV Lab in El Segundo, Calif., examined the world's most sought after classic tube microphones that were used to record the world's most famous artists in the 50s and 60s, and determined what sonic characteristics helped maintain their popularity for more then 50 years. This actually is a painstaking process as advanced test equipment can measure two circuits almost the same, but listening tests will show they sound totally different. Just ask any pro-studio and you'll always find the same answer -- "Classic tube microphones have a definitely superior sound that cannot be achieved even with the newest generations of solid state mics."
This research led to the new MXL Silicon Valve(TM) series of microphones, which provides this almost magical tube-like sound in a solid state microphone. The first in the series, the V6, was demonstrated at the recent Audio Engineering Society exhibit in San Francisco to the world's best professionals that were totally surprised at the microphone's tube-like sound.
The second in the series, the V2, with a slightly more forward sound, will be demonstrated to the music industry along with the V6 at the NAMM 2005 at the Anaheim Convention Center, Jan. 20-23, Booth #423. Other higher-end models are scheduled to be released spring 2005.
The MXL Silicon Valve V6 will be available in Jan. 2005, with a MSRP of $349.00. The V2 will be available in Feb., with a MSRP of $299.00.
***Factory Logic Announces RFID-based Material Flow Tracking & Analytics to Enhance Lean Production Management
AUSTIN, Texas
Nov. 18, 2004
Factory Logic has announced RFID Material Flow Tracking & Analytics -- an innovative new component of its Factory Logic Lean Operations Management System. Designed specifically for factories using lean production techniques, this new capability helps factory personnel further reduce waste in terms of both inventory and manpower, while ensuring a smooth, reliable production flow. The new capability combines Radio Frequency Identification technology for shop floor tracking with powerful analysis of kanban movement to provide production and supply chain managers with insight into their actual material flow that has not been possible until now. Data collection is completely transparent and non-intrusive - it does not require any action on the part of shop floor personnel, nor does it interfere in any way with visual factory controls such as kanban, heijunka boards, etc.
Used with Factory Logic's heijunka sequencing and scheduling, kanban management, and production monitoring applications, RFID Material Flow Tracking and Analytics provides factory personnel with automatic real-time tracking of kanban movement through the factory to collect precise measurements of actual production performance, including: demand, cycle time, batch sizes, inventory levels, and material velocity. It also provides automatic real time tracking of production and shipment activity to enable close monitoring of heijunka production schedules and provide early warnings of potential problems. Analysis of the collected information provides clear, actionable recommendations such as: where to reduce kanban loop sizes and supermarket inventory without any adverse impact on production; where to implement process improvements to approach optimal batch sizes, cycle times, and kanban loop sizes; and where to improve throughput via load balancing or improved capital equipment utilization.
With these capabilities and insights, managers can immediately reduce buffer inventory levels, clearly identify and prioritize opportunities for kaizen-driven process improvements, and eliminate or avoid the non-value-added manpower required to collect this valuable data.
The Factory Logic RFID-based Material Tracking and Analytics application is being piloted by a leading automotive supplier and is targeted for general availability in early 2005.
0446.13 Semiconductor Technology
***TSMC 0.18-Micron High-Voltage Technology Goes to Volume Production; New Technology is a Breakthrough for Cell Phone & Hand-Held Devices Displays
HSINCHU, Taiwan & SAN JOSE, Calif.
Nov. 23, 2004
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has announced volume production availability of the industry's first 40-volt, 0.18-micron, high voltage (HV) technology. The technology is a breakthrough that will allow designers to produce single-chip TFT LCD drivers for portable applications, thereby reducing chip count, saving real estate and power, while providing the imaging performance necessary for advanced portable displays.
Using TSMC's 0.18-micron process technology, designers can save chip count by combining a standard LCD source driver and gate driver chip with a sophisticated power management IC for extended battery life on TFT displays. At the other end of the spectrum, designers can create a highly integrated system-on-chip design, such as a graphics controller and integrated TFT or CSTN driver for high-end VGA displays supporting the leading cell phone features.
Available in 1.8-volt, 5-volt and 40-volt triple gate oxides, the process features superior isolation scheme that allows highly reliable integration of low-voltage and high-voltage circuitry for the lifetime of the device, with minimal noise and excellent immunity to latch-up.
The new process is based on, and fully compatible with, TSMC's 0.18-micron, low power process that maximizes power conservation. The process supports all logic and analog IP and libraries that are proven in TSMC's 0.18-micron low-power process, thereby providing not just a power and area savings, but a design budget savings as well. To enhance optimization of display quality for individual hand-held systems, TSMC is also developing special intellectual property (IP) elements enabling one-time programmability (OTP) and multiple-time programmability (MTP). These IP's are expected to be available in 2005 without additional process steps.
The TSMC 0.18-micron HV technology is also available on TSMC's Cybershuttle prototyping service for quick and inexpensive verification and engineering samples. Backend services, including gold bumping, are offered through TSMC as well.
0446.14 American Products & Market Research
***GMI World Poll: European Consumers Shun American Brands
SEATTLE
Nov. 22, 2004
One in five European consumers will avoid purchasing products and services offered by many American-based companies -- notably Marlboro cigarettes, American Airlines and AOL -- as a direct result of U.S. unilateral foreign policies and their discontent over President Bush's reelection, according to independent market research solutions company GMI, Inc.
GMI World Poll data links European consumers' discontent over President Bush's reelection and U.S. foreign policies directly to their willingness to purchase American goods. Key findings include:
-- 21% of French, 18% of Germans and 12% of British are less willing to buy American-made products until the U.S. alters its foreign policies
-- 35% of Europeans say their image of America is most influenced by U.S. foreign policies
-- 81% of Germans, 73% of French and 52% of British are displeased by the reelection of President Bush
-- Two-thirds of all European respondents believe the Bush administration's foreign policies are driven by self-interests and empire building
The study indicates that companies most closely associated with America and with good local non-American made substitutes were most likely to be impacted by the European consumers' boycott. GMI World Poll finds that the companies most at risk in Europe include Marlboro cigarettes, General Motors, McDonalds and United Airlines; companies least at risk include Ford and Hormel's SPAM.
GMI World Poll questions are designed to solicit opinions on numerous topical issues and critical global events. GMI surveys use highly profiled double opt-in panels from more than 500 global sources to help achieve 97% accuracy in their statistical results.
***Homeland Security Means Big Business to Innovative Entrepreneurs; Charleston, S.C. Technology Conference Showcases Idea Sharing in $8 Billion Market
CHARLESTON, S.C.
Nov. 23, 2004
Richard Gordon of the Civitas Group observed that ramping up security in this nation is dependant on sharing ideas. He also asserted that emerging technology must be built on platforms that can work together. There's also a need to recruit innovative entrepreneurs into the security industry. There's much work to be done.
There is also lots of work to go around. The U.S. government is expected to invest more than $8 billion on homeland security in 2005.
To prepare, dozens of top U.S. security officials and business leaders will meet in Charleston, S.C. Dec. 2 for the ThinkTEC Homeland Security Innovation Conference. The event is set aboard an icon of security, the U.S.S. Yorktown, and will showcase the companies, agencies and economic potential of this unique technology market.
The conference will feature live demonstrations of security technology, much of which has been developed by Charleston, S.C. companies working as U.S. government contractors. These include the unmanned Sea
Fox device developed by SPAWAR Charleston to aide in port security. Other demos feature a wearable computer combined as well as night vision technology.
Conference focus areas include how businesses can launch and build partnerships with the federal government, what technologies are in greater need of development, available funding for technology development and examples of public-private partnering that have led to high-tech breakthroughs.
ThinkTEC, an initiative of The Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, is an ongoing effort to accelerate technological growth to create and sustain a perpetual innovation economy for the Charleston tri-county region and state. With more than 2,500 members, the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce serves as the catalyst to maximize the power of business for the quality growth, economic development of the Charleston region and make our members successful.
0446.16 Home Appliance Shopping
***J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Consumer Must Look Beyond Technology When Purchasing High-End Televisions; Sony, Hitachi, Samsung and Mitsubishi Top Segment Satisfaction Rankings
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.
Nov. 18, 2004
While consumers often don't perceive significant technology differences between high-end television systems such as rear projection (LCD, DLP, LCoS) and plasma, they do recognize quality differences among brands, according to the most recent J.D. Power and Associates 2004 Television Satisfaction Study(SM).
The inaugural study, based on responses from 5,343 consumers who spent $1,000 or more on a television purchased between April 2003 and October 2004, measures customer satisfaction across three pricing segments: $1,000-$2,499; $2,500-$3,499 and $3,500 or more. Overall customer satisfaction is based on performance in five factors. In order of importance, they are: picture quality, cost, ease of use, fit/appearance and sound quality.
The study finds that higher-end television buyers will easily pay a premium for picture quality, quality of workmanship, screen size and ease of integration with other electronic components.
Almost all high-end television buyers conduct research prior to their purchase, with more than one-half (56%) using an Internet site to find information to assist in their purchase decision. While more than one-third (38%) of buyers visit an independent consumer Web site as their primary source for information, nearly as many (32%) visit television manufacturer sites. Consumers also rely heavily on salespeople for guidance, advice and information. Buyers in the highest price segment do the most research, while buyers in the lowest price segment are more influenced by point-of-sale information and marketing.
Interestingly, buyers of more expensive televisions watch less TV than those who purchase one that is less expensive. The study finds that the largest group (35%) among buyers of televisions in the $1,000-$2,499 price segment watch between 40 to 150 hours of TV a week. By comparison, the largest group (40%) among buyers in the $3,500 or more segment watch just one to 20 hours of TV per week.
Sony ranks highest in customer satisfaction in the $1,000-$2,499 price segment. Sony leads the segment in picture quality, ease of use and sound quality. Hitachi, Philips and Toshiba follow Sony in the rankings, respectively.
Hitachi ranks highest in the $2,500-$3,499 segment, receiving particularly high ratings in picture quality, cost, ease of use and sound quality. Sony, which also receives high customer ratings for picture quality, is the only other brand to perform above the segment average.
Samsung and Mitsubishi tie to rank highest in the $3,500 or more segment. Samsung leads the segment in picture quality, while Mitsubishi leads in cost. Sony also performs above the segment average.
***In-Stat/MDR Finds Network-Based IP VPN Equipment Helping Service Providers Grow at Reduced Cost
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.
Nov. 23, 2004
Network-based IP (Virtual Private Network) VPN services (MPLS IP VPN, Virtual Router and Network-Based IPSec services) are one of the important growth areas in business networking services, according to In-Stat/MDR. There are various types of equipment that enable service providers to offer these services. The high-tech market research firm estimates total worldwide sales revenues for network-based IP VPN equipment in 2003 to be $267 million. Edge routers accounted for 51% of total sales of network-based IP VPN equipment in 2003, and multiservice switches and IP services switches had quite similar market shares.
Network-based IP VPN services move VPN intelligence to the edge of the network, as opposed to initiating tunneling at the CPE, as with CPE-based VPN services. Most leading service providers offer at least one network-based IP VPN service for their business customers.
In-Stat/MDR finds some key new trends that are appearing in the way this equipment is being used to offer network-based VPN services:
-- Service providers are selling DSL access lines to small/mid-sized businesses and branch offices as a lower-cost alternative to traditional leased lines.
-- End users that are using DSL access lines to connect to network-based IP VPN services require broadband subscriber management services, and a number of vendors offer such services on the same platform as their VPN services.
-- To meet the growing demand from businesses to outsource security, edge router, IP services switch and other vendors are layering on more security services into their products, in addition to supporting IP VPN services. Some equipment vendors are also offering gateway services to connect remote users with IPSec and SSL clients to corporate sites on layer 3 or layer 2 VPN services.
The report, "Network-Based IP VPN Equipment: What Service Providers Want" (#IN0401355WN), provides a unique examination and analysis of the four categories of equipment that enable service providers to offer network-based IP VPN services. These four categories are: edge routers, multiservice switches, IP services switches and other equipment.
The key new trends shaping this market are identified. Detailed profiles are given of leading vendors from each equipment category, describing their product offerings, IP VPN services enabled, other value-added services offered, product capacities, customers and competitive strengths. Market shares for each category of network-based IP VPN equipment sales revenues in 2003 are estimated. A five-year forecast of network-based VPN equipment sales revenues is also provided.
http://www.instat.com/catalog/bcatalogue.asp?id=4
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