Consumers Report Digital Home Challenges in Large Numbers; On-Site and Remote Home Technology Support Services Will Grow in Response to Home Computer and Network Problems.DALLAS -- As the digital home creates new technical challenges, more consumers will turn to professional on-site or remote support services support services Psychology Non-health care-related ancillary services–eg, transportation, financial aid, support groups, homemaker services, respite services, and other services for help with their home technology problems, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. Parks Associates' Managing the Digital Home: Installation and Support Services. This survey of more than 6,000 U.S. and Canadian home Internet users Internet user n → internauta m/f Internet user Internet n → internaute m/f found that in the past 12 months, over 41 million U.S. users had problems associated with Internet security ''This article or section is being rewritten at Internet security is the process of protecting data and privacy of devices connected to internet from information robbery, hacking, malware infection and unwanted software. , over 21 million had home computer hardware and software issues, and nearly 11 million had problems with a home network. While most consumers are personally solving the issue or relying on a friend or family member, more than 60% express interest in software that automates basic home computer maintenance functions, and one-third are interested in subscription-based technical support and troubleshooting Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving. It is the systematic search for the source of a problem so that it can be solved. Troubleshooting is often a process of elimination - eliminating potential causes of a problem. services. "Digital technologies such as broadband broadband Term describing the radiation from a source that produces a broad, continuous spectrum of frequencies (contrasted with a laser, which produces a single frequency or very narrow range of frequencies). , home networks, consumer electronics, and PCs provide great benefits to users and significant challenges to the companies supporting their distribution," said Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst for Parks Associates. "As the average household uses more digital services and products, there will be substantial risk to the bottom line for both service providers and manufacturers as their technical support costs escalate es·ca·late v. es·ca·lat·ed, es·ca·lat·ing, es·ca·lates v.tr. To increase, enlarge, or intensify: escalated the hostilities in the Persian Gulf. v.intr. ." There are also revenue opportunities, according to Scherf. Current consumer spending Consumer demand or consumption is also known as personal consumption expenditure. It is the largest part of aggregate demand or effective demand at the macroeconomic level. for additional warranties and accident protection contracts on new electronics and computer products, in addition to more positive responses to preventative maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting services, demonstrates a consumer willingness to pay Willingness to pay (WTP) generally refers to the value of a good to a person as what they are willing to pay, sacrifice or exchange for it. See also
"Consumers want access to trusted third-party providers of information, support, and how-to services when it comes to their digital home products and services," Scherf said. "Whether the service comes at no charge as part of an existing broadband contract or is provided as a monthly subscription or one-off service call, there is substantial interest for services and solutions that help end users better manage their digital home environment." Managing the Digital Home: Installation and Support Services is a survey of 6,116 U.S. and Canadian home Internet users. The study focuses specifically on the acquisition and use of communications and entertainment services, product ownership and new product purchases, and the role of specific technologies -- the Internet, home computers, and home networks -- as they relate to potential problems. For more information about this study, please contact Parks Associates at 972-490-1113 or sales@parksassociates.com or visit http://www.parksassociates.com. About Parks Associates: Parks Associates is a market research and consulting firm Noun 1. consulting firm - a firm of experts providing professional advice to an organization for a fee consulting company business firm, firm, house - the members of a business organization that owns or operates one or more establishments; "he worked for a focused on all product and service segments that are "digital" or provide connectivity within the home. The company's expertise includes home networks, digital entertainment, consumer electronics, broadband and Internet services, and home systems. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, multiclient studies, consumer research, workshops, and custom-tailored client solutions. Parks Associates also hosts several fall events and co-hosts CONNECTIONS(TM) (in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association) each year. www.parksassociates.com |
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