ABI Research Launches Revolutionary New Short-Range Wireless Connectivity Research Service.

OYSTER BAY, N.Y. -- The uptake of one technology can no longer be viewed in isolation from its effects on the use of others. This is especially true of short-range wireless connectivity. Converged services, converged networks, and converged devices are driving all parties in the wireless connectivity value chain to reassess their attitudes to connectivity support. The evolution of communications networks, and the convergence between fixed and mobile technologies, mean that devices support more usage scenarios, have greater functionality, and must connect to a variety of other devices in user-friendly and efficient ways.

To provide incisive analysis of short-range wireless technologies and their markets, ABI Research has launched a "Short-Range Wireless Research Service" focused specifically on these topics.

As principal analyst Stuart Carlaw points out, "The short-range wireless market will evolve to a point at which it is no longer appropriate to assess the total market opportunity by the penetration of a single technology, such as Bluetooth. New service clusters will drive new usage scenarios and further develop old ones. To meet consumer demands, this will require clusters of wireless connectivity technologies, not just individual ones." The analysis presented in the Service reveals the symbiotic relationships between some connectivity solutions, and contrasts them to those areas in which they will compete with each other.

The Service also profiles one of the most under-studied aspects of the connectivity market place--the user groups and usage scenarios that are driving growth--and provides the missing piece in understanding the wireless connectivity jigsaw. It maps connectivity-enabled device shipments to user populations and to the major usage scenarios that drive uptake today and are forecast to drive growth in the future. Without this insight it is impossible to accurately plan product introductions and identify opportunities for future business growth.

The Short Range Wireless Research Service addresses key growth drivers for Bluetooth, UWB, NFC, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee, evaluating the competitive and complimentary nature of the technologies. It identifies application-specific needs and opportunities, and the barriers to market adoption. It includes individual research reports, regular market updates, a forecast database, ABI Insights, and analyst inquiry time.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations supporting annual research programs, intelligence services and market reports in broadband and multimedia, RFID and M2M, wireless connectivity, mobile wireless, transportation and emerging technologies. For information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.