***Taiwan's IA Market Grows
According to a report released by the MIC under the Institute for
Information Industry (III), Taiwan's total IA (information
appliance) production in 2000 reached an estimated 6.47 million
units for a total value of US$1.325 billion, 68.8% growth. By the
end of 2001, the MIC projects, the output of local IA products
will reach 10 million units, with the output values increasing to
US$2 billion. The figure for 2003 is estimated to be more than
250 million units, which will be 30% of the global market.
According to the MIC, the four major sectors of the island's IA
industry are thin-client, NetTV, screen phone, and smart handheld
device (SHD). MIC Director Chan Wen Nan said that IA production
in 2000 only accounted for 3% of Taiwan's total information
industry production but is expected to reach 6-7% this year. This
figure will continue to grow and MIC indicates that the IA
industry will need more time and commitment before it can replace
PCs as the driving force behind the country's economy.
Wave Issue 0102 1/9/01 Article 7-02