Topic of the day
Technology Trends Today
Technology is all around us and influences everything we do – in our work and in our spare time. We depend on it in so many aspects of our daily lives – from the web and email, to mobile communication and entertainment devices, even to our car’s electronics to get us safely to our destinations, not to mention healthcare, and much more.
This is a fast-paced industry characterized by constant innovation and short product cycles – in some cases, not unlike the fashion business. It is made up of large corporations, niche players and up-and-coming heroes. Competitive markets are the norm, with ever-falling product prices requiring effective cost management. With change the only constant, technologies are converging, sales and distribution channels shifting, and new markets opening up all the time. Several disruptive new technologies will further fuel the pace of change.
Topic of the day
Technology Trends Today
Just look at the way tablets and smartphones have begun to overtake PCs in the marketplace and mobile internet access will soon become the most common form of web use. Along with PCs, local servers, too, may soon be passé, as cloud computing takes off, with data and software stored centrally at powerful server farms offsite. Or, witness how complex objects can now be manufactured on the desktop with 3D printing.
Nor is it just the technologies that are in flux – markets, too, are changing. Low-profile contract manufacturers in Asia that made products for the major global brands are now using their cost advantage to become brand names and global players in their own right. And, emerging economies in Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa are becoming the new epicenters of consumer demand.
Topic of the Day
Technology Trends Today
China is a key global market for business and consumer technology products like smartphones. Africa, too, is emerging as an important market, with the more than 500 million mobile subscriptions across the continent expected to swell to 850m by 2015 – of which about 250m will be on mobile broadband.
All of these technology advances and market shifts will have far-reaching consequences on business and society, and will have a huge impact on technology supply chains. This week, we explore the challenges and opportunities in the global technology market and the supply chain solutions that help companies in the sector keep up with consumer demand and stay ahead of the competition.
