A WHITE PAPER ON:

WORLDWIDE INDUSTRIAL MARKETS FOR WIRELINE AND WIRELESS ETHERNET INFRASTRUCTURE

COMPONENTS AND NETWORK SOFTWARE

Prepared by:

James K. Taylor,Group Manager for Industrial Automation

Venture Development Corporation

May 2004

All rights reserved

TECHNOLOGY MARKET RESEARCHERS AND STRATEGISTS SINCE 1971One Apple Hill Drive, Ste. Box 8190, Natick Massachusetts 01760-9904 U.S.A.

Phone: 508.653.9000 Fax: 508.653.9836 Email: info@vdc-corp.comwww.vdc-corp.com

INTRODUCTION

The following white paper presents some of the top-level findings from VDC’s multi-client market study, Worldwide Industrial Markets for Wireline and Wireless Ethernet Infrastructure Components and Network Software. The products covered in the study were:

Wireline Products Wireless Products

Industrial-Grade Interconnect Products AntennasConnectorsCable/Cord Sets Access Point/Networking ComponentsDistribution Boxes Bridges

Console ServersNetworking Components Device ServersBridges Distributed/Remote I/OConsole Servers Gateways (protocol servers)Device Servers HubsDistributed/Remote I/O ModemsFiber Optic Transceivers RepeatersGateways (protocol converters) RoutersHubs SwitchesModems TransceiversMultiplexersRouters Network SoftwareSwitches Analysis

ManagementNetwork SoftwareAnalysisManagement

MARKET SIZES, SEGMENTATIONS AND FORECASTS

World Markets

Use of networking continues to expand in industrial facilities for both facility infrastructure (HVAC, lighting, security, etc.) and for operations in the facilities.

Functionally, communications, monitoring and control are provided over the networks. Most of this expansion is of wireline (including fiber optic) networks, with a smaller developing market for wireless types.

Much of this growth is in use of Ethernet. Exhibit 1 shows estimated 2003 worldwide shipments, and forecasts through 2006 for the wireline and wireless Ethernet infrastructure products. The high growth rates forecast are linked to the perceived advantages of using Ethernet versus other network technologies, and the advantages of using wireless networks. These include:

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Perceived Ethernet Advantages:

Lower cost – The cost of connecting devices and infrastructure products to an Ethernet network, even when using industrial-grade connectors and cables, is less than that of other open standard and proprietary buses/networks;

Plant-wide uniformity – With Ethernet, the same types of networks can be used in both office and the plant floor, saving on infrastructure, training, support and other costs;

Greater determinism – New Ethernet protocols and products have greater determinism than previous generation products, allowing Ethernet to be used in a greater range of applications, including fast real-time implementations; and

Commercial-grade products – Hardened and ruggedized infrastructure products are not needed in all applications and places on the plant floor. The availability of commercial-grade products allows users flexibility concerning environments and reliability.

Perceived Wireless Advantages:

Easier maintenance – Wireless networks can allow more efficient maintenance and repair, thereby lowering maintenance costs and downtime;

Enables mobile applications – For example, portable operator interfaces having wireless monitoring and control capabilities. This allows operators, engineers, maintenance personnel, and others to interface with equipment without having to be in fixed locations;

Lower cost components – Extensive and growing use of wireless Ethernet or Wi-Fi in high-volume commercial and consumer markets is leading to inexpensive components compared to those of other wireless networks;

Lowers cost of wireline – Wireless networks negate the cost of the wire previously needed to connect devices and controllers. Wireless solutions allow networks to be established over distances or in applications where the price of cable might have been prohibitive, and

Offers more flexibility – Wireless solutions offer greater flexibility for ease of change-outs and expansion. This is especially valuable in applications where change-outs and/or expansions are frequent and expensive.

Exhibit IWorldwide Shipment and Shipment Forecasts, For Use in Industrial Facilities, of the Wireline

and Wireless Ethernet Infrastructure Components and Network Software(Dollar in Millions)

Base Year Forecast CAGR2003 2004 2005 2006 2003-2006

For Wireline Networks 879.5 1070.5 1305.7 1596.3 22.0%For Wireless Networks 75.1 100.9 136.0 183.4 34.7%

Commercial- Versus Industrial-Grade Products

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Ethernet infrastructure components installed in industrial facilities can be exposed to a variety of environments, depending on the application and industry for which these are being used. In some cases, the components are kept in separate rooms or areas away from harsh environments or housed in separate ruggedized enclosures. In these cases, commercial-grade products may meet user needs, as there is less chance these would be damaged by harsh environments. In many cases, however, the infrastructure components must be located on the plant floor, outside, or in other harsh environments where commercial-grade products may have unacceptable reliability. As a result, there are vendors offering Ethernet infrastructure components suitable for use in these conditions. In addition to physical protection characteristics, industrial-grade Ethernet infrastructure products must also provide a high degree of availability and reliability.

Representative environments that industrial-grade Ethernet infrastructure components may have to withstand include:

Dust and other airborne contaminants;

Exposure to chemicals, grease, oil, etc.;

Exposure to corrosive materials;

Exposure to explosive atmospheres;

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation;

High humidity levels;

High levels of EMI/RFI interference;

High levels of shock/impact;

High levels of vibration;

Immersion in liquids;

Power source voltage surges, and other transients;

Splashing by liquids;

Wide temperature ranges; and

Wide voltage deviations of power sources.

Insuring reliable operation of the industrial-grade products in these environments are accomplished by means such as:

Having built in failure alarm features;

Having EMI/RFI shielding;

Having optically isolated I/O;

Having redundant power supplies, surge protection, and power supplies that can handle wide voltage variations;

Locking devices for connector interconnections;

Selection of components and materials which can withstand these conditions; and

Use of housings and constructions that can withstand these conditions, such as being sealed, meeting IP or NEMA enclosure ratings, being intrinsically safe or explosion proof, etc.

Both commercial and industrial-grade Ethernet infrastructure components are used in industrial facilities. For all the component types under study, there are expected shifts toward greater use of

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industrial-grade products as Ethernet becomes more popular in industrial facilities, and as vendors offer more products designed for this market.

Exhibit II shows the overall trends expected between commercial and industrial-grade product shipments of access point/networking components for the markets under study.

Exhibit IIWorldwide Current and Forecast Shipment Shares of Wireline and Wireless Ethernet

Infrastructure Access Point/Networking Component Shipments SegmentedBetween Commercial and Industrial-Grade Products

A) Wireline Networking Components

In 2003 In 2006

B) Wireless Access Point/Networking Components

In 2003 In 2006

It should be noted, however, that there are large differences between the market shares in commercial versus industrial-grade shipments for the individual product categories. For example in 2003, worldwide shipments of wireline Ethernet console servers for industrial use was about 95% of commercial-grade products, versus only about 9% for Ethernet distributed/remote I/O products. Reasons for the considerable differences involve the location of the product types (on

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the plant floor, in an office, or enclosed in a cabinet, for example) and the number of vendors offering industrial-grade products.

Geographic Markets

Markets in the Americas (North, Central and South America) accounted for about 42% in the worldwide shipments of the wireline Ethernet infrastructure products under study for industrial applications in 2003. EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) accounted for almost 40%. The Asia-Pacific region accounted for about 17%, with countries in the rest of the world accounting for the remainder.

In the wireless Ethernet infrastructure products, the Americas 2003 market share was much higher at about 66%, with EMEA having about a 22% share, the Asia-Pacific region about 11%, and again with the remainder to countries in the rest of the world.

The highest regional market growth rate for the wireline Ethernet infrastructure products in forecast for the Asia-Pacific region. This will be due to the regions overall high growth rate for manufacturing (specifically in China and India), the increasing level of automation, the specification of Ethernet in new plants, and the retrofitting of old plants.

The highest regional market growth rate for the wireless Ethernet infrastructure products is forecast for the EMEA region. Although Europe has adapted wireless industrial facility networking more slowly than North America, the regions’ wireline Ethernet markets for industrial applications are similarly sized, suggesting the EMEA region’s implementation of wireless Ethernet will catch up, although not during the forecast period.

Industry Markets

Worldwide the largest 2003 consuming markets for the Ethernet infrastructure products under study in ranked order were:

For Wireline Products:

1. Electric Power2. Water/Waste Water Utilities3. Oil Refining & Petrochemical4. Chemical5. Pharmaceutical

Combined, these accounted for about 54% of total worldwide shipments.

For Wireless Products:

1. Oil & Gas2. Water/Waste Water Utilities3. Electric Power4. Oil Refining & Petrochemical

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5. Automotive

Combined these accounted for about 66% of total worldwide shipments.

The forecast fastest growing worldwide industry market segments, in ranked order are:

For Wireline Products:

1. Military/Aerospace2. Telecommunication Equipment Production3. Electrical Products4. Automotive

For Wireless Products:

1. Semiconductor and Pharmaceutical3. Pulp & Paper4. Mining

In general, the largest industry markets are not expected to be the fastest growing. Typically the larger market segments are the more mature ones where there have been more early adopters of the technology. Also, overall expectations of expenditures for capital equipment within the various industries on a geographic basis enter into the forecasts. Although growth rates are varied by industry, rapidly increasing consumption of both wireline and wireless Ethernet infrastructure products are expected in all segments.

CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION

Sales Organizations

In 2003, field sales personnel accounted for the largest share of sales organizations for the wireline Ethernet industrial-grade interconnect products and networks components, while inside sales personnel accounted for the largest share for network analysis & management software. Little change is expected in the share of sales between sales organizations through 2006.

Field sales personnel accounted for the largest share of sales organizations for wireless Ethernet access point/networking components in 2003, while inside sales personnel accounted for the largest shares for antennas and network analysis & management software. A trend toward increasing sales shares by manufacturers’ representatives and agents is expected for the wireless hardware products through the forecast period, at the expense of inside sales personnel. This will result from firms enlarging their sales forces.

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Customer Classes

The majority of worldwide sales of the wireline Ethernet infrastructure industrial-grade interconnect products, networking components, and network analysis & management software sold in 2003 for use in industrial facilities were through distributors. Lesser sales shares were direct to end users, OEMs, systems integrators, and others.

In 2003, the largest worldwide sales shares of the wireless Ethernet infrastructure access point/networking components, and network analysis & management software under study for use in industrial facilities were through distributors. OEMs accounted for the majority of antenna sales, as these are most often designed into infrastructure access point/networking components. A smaller but significant sales share for the antennas was through distributors.

In general, sales shares of the wireline and wireless hardware products through distribution tend to be higher for the commercial-grade products compared to industrial-grade models. There is more direct selling of the industrial-grade products where customers are seeking more detailed technical support.

USER REQUIREMENTS AND PREFERENCES

As part of this study, VDC surveyed users (end users, OEMs, and systems integrators) about their needs in regards to the products under study. The following summarize some of the more significant findings of this survey:

Perception of Wireline Versus Wireless Ethernet

When asked how they would contrast wireline versus wireless Ethernet solutions for their industrial applications, users most identified the signal security provided by wireline, and the lack of signal interference (see Exhibit III). The third most-cited advantage of wireline Ethernet was wider bandwidths.

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Exhibit IIIPerceived Benefits and Drawbacks of Wired Versus Wireless

Ethernet Networks for Use in Industrial Facilities(Percent of User Respondents)

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Others Under 5% Each:- Wireless More Suitable for Temporary Installations- Wireline Cables Can be Damaged- Wireline is Simpler to Install- Wireline Requires Minimal Training of Maintenance Personnel

The benefits most cited for wireless Ethernet were greater location flexibility, use for mobile applications, being more suitable for remote locations, and ease of installations.

User views on the relative cost of wireline versus wireless Ethernet were mixed. Views expressed included those on hardware, installation, maintenance, and total cost of ownership:

Hardware Prices – User respondents indicated that the wireless hardware is more expensive. There were no contrary views.

Installation Costs – The largest share of the users indicated that wireless has lower installation costs. A smaller share indicated that wireless is less expensive if the networking is for large areas, long distances, and remote locations. An even smaller share felt that in general the installation costs are about the same.

Maintenance Costs – The largest share of respondents indicated that maintenance costs on wireless networks are lower. However, some expressed the view that wireless has higher operating costs due to more downtime resulting from lower reliability, and some others cited wireline maintenance costs as being lower without any specific reasons given.

Total Costs – The largest share of users indicated that in general wireline networks are less expensive. A much smaller share indicated that wireless is less expensive, and a slightly lower share that the overall costs are about the same. Some indicated that wireless is less expensive if the location covered is not easily accessible.

Primary Motivations in Choosing Networks

The most cited reasons for choosing wireline Ethernet were high reliability and high security (see Exhibit IV). Cost was the third most-cited factor. It should be kept in mind that the users may have also considered other non-Ethernet wireline and/or wireless networks. Wireline Ethernet solutions can be considerably less expensive than these because of the extensive use of wireline Ethernet components and products in non-industrial facility markets.

Exhibit IVPrimary Motivations for Using Wireline and Wireless Ethernet Networks in Industrial Facilities

(Rankings Based on User Responses)

Ranking For Wireline For Wireless

1 High Reliability Need for Mobile Applications2 High Security Flexibility/Ease of Expansion/Relocation3 Cost Provides Long Distance/Remote Coverage4 Established/Proven Technology Easy/Fast Installations5 Ease of Integration With Existing Networks Low Cost Installations6 Availability of Products For & To Use With Need Where Installing Wireline Would Not Be

Possible, or Very Costly

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The most-cited reason for choosing wireless Ethernet was for use with mobile applications, such as wireless interfaces to portable terminals used by operators, maintenance personnel, and engineers. The second most-cited reason was flexibility in ease of expansion and relocation provided by wireless Ethernet networks, followed by the ability to provide long distance/remote coverage.

Networks Being Used

Most wireline Ethernet users were found to be currently using 10 Mbps Ethernet and/or Fast Ethernet (100 Mpbs) networks. Only a small portion of the respondents identified use 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet). However, 1000 Mbps usage is expected by more than half in 2006.

Among the wireless Ethernet users, the largest share indicted current usage of the IEEE 802.11b standard in their industrial facilities. Only 20% of the respondents identified use of IEEE 802.11g, although this standard is expected to be used by about three-quarters of the respondents in 2006, but not nearly as many as for the IEEE 802.11 g standard.

Protocol Usage

Among wireline Ethernet users, the “network” and “transport” layer protocol, TCP/IP was most identified as being used and is expected to be used by the largest share in 2006. Ethernet/IP was the most identified “application layer” protocol, for both 2003 and 2006.

Among these users, larger share usage is expected in 2006 for a broad range of protocols. The largest increase is expected for the XML (Extensible Markup Language) protocol. The second largest share increase is expected for PROFInet, and the third largest share gain for the Foundation Fieldbus HSE protocol.

Among the wireless Ethernet users, HTML (HyperText Markup Language) was most identified as a protocol being used. It also is expected to be used by the largest number is 2006, although by few. Significantly more of the user respondents expect to be using the XML (Extensible Markup Language) protocol in 2006 than in 2003.

Communication Connectivity

Data transfer over wireline or wireless Ethernet networks is possible between the general enterprise and several classes of systems and products found in industrial facilities, including:

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems);

HMI (Operator Interfaces);

Controllers (PLCs, motion, temperature, etc.);

Distributed/Remote I/O; and

Device Level Components (actuators, sensors, etc.).

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Data transfer over wireline or wireless Ethernet networks also is possible between these systems and products within the industrial facilities.

In general, the fewest shares of the surveyed wireline Ethernet users are using these networks to provide communications with distributed/remote I/O and device level components. However, the largest gains in shares are expected for these types of data communication.

Among the wireless Ethernet users, the largest shares were found to be using these networks in data transfer between:

The enterprise and HMI (operator interfaces);

The enterprise and controllers; and

Controllers and distributed/remote I/O.

The lowest shares were for data transfer with device level components.

More of the users expect to be using wireline and wireless Ethernet as a communication network between all the classes of devices above in 2006.

Interference Problems

Signal integrity is of major concern to users and potential user of wireless Ethernet networks in industrial facilities. Interference problems most cited can be summarized as:

Interference from other wireless networks/products operating in the vicinity – such as cell phones and other wireless LANs networks;

Transmissions causing problems with other equipment;

RF interference from multiple sources – all sorts of devices operating in the spectrum being used or generating noise in this spectrum; and

Signal blockage and multi-path disturbances due to walls, ceilings, buildings, equipment and metal structures.

The most cited means of preventing or overcoming interference problems can be summarized as:

Add access points, antennas, and repeaters to provide better coverage;

Careful choice in type and size of antennas – i.e. directional or omni as appropriate for the site to give optimal coverage and to minimize interference;

Channel selection to minimize interference;

Conduct antenna site surveys to insure good signal reception coverage;

Employ contractors skilled in RF technology to perform the installations;

Increase transmission power, if possible;

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Limit transmission distances where signals are creating problems for other equipment;

Provide loss of signal alarms;

Reduction in sources of RF interference if possible; and

Shift to higher frequency band (IEEE 802.11a at 5 Ghz) where there are fewer interference sources.

Security Problems

Security of wireless signal transmissions is of concern in terms of unauthorized persons, either within or outside the facility, being able to receive and use the data. Security of wireless signal receptions is of equal concern, as receipt of unauthorized transmissions – again from within or outside the facility – as legitimate signals can result in serious consequences.

Wireless Ethernet users most identified the need for software to provide security protection by requiring log-on access codes with frequent code changes, and encryption of signals. Some of the means identified in the prevention and solution to interference problems also were cited as being applicable to improving security:

Careful choice in type and size of antennas – i.e. directional or omni as appropriate for the site to give optimal coverage where desired, but to minimize coverage elsewhere;

Conduct antenna site surveys to insure good signal reception coverage where desired, and to minimize coverage elsewhere;

Employ contractors skilled in RF technology to perform the installations; and

Limiting power to prevent out of desired coverage area reception of signals.

Product Selection Criteria

Users were asked what are their most important selection criteria in choosing wireline and wireless Ethernet infrastructure products for industrial facilities. Those most identified in ranked order were:

For Wireline Interconnect Components:

1. Price2. Quality/Reliability3. Being Industrial-Grade4. Durability5. Ease of Use

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For Wireline Networking Components:

1. Price2. Quality/Reliability3. Being Industrial-Grade4. Ease of Installation/Connection/Configuring5. Ease of Use

For Wireline Network Analysis & Management Software:

1. Ease of Use2. Price3. Reliability4. Diagnostic Capabilities

For Wireless Network Infrastructure Antennas:

1. Price2. Reliability3. Small Size4. Gain/Range5. Durability

For Wireless Access Point/Networking Components:

1. Price2. Reliability3. Security Features4. Being Industrial-Grade5. Range

For Wireless Network Analysis & Management Software:

1. Price2. Ease of Use3. Reliability4. Ease of Installation/Configuration5. Diagnostic Capabilities

Enclosures/Mountings of Access Point/Networking Components

For each of the wireline Ethernet infrastructure networking component types, the largest share of respondents indicated use of DIN rail mountings (see example in Exhibit V-A) – except for multiplexers – where the largest share indicated use of rack-mount products.

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Exhibit VExamples of DIN Rail Mount Wireline and Wireless Ethernet Infrastructure Networking Components

A) Wireline Ethernet Device Server

(Courtesy of Lantronix)

B) Wireless Ethernet Repeater

(Courtesy of Prosoft Technology)

For each of the wireless Ethernet infrastructure access point/networking component product types, the largest share of respondents also indicated use of DIN rail mountings (see example in Exhibit V-B) – except for console servers – where the largest share indicated use of bench/desk/table top products.

Trends in Power Sources

Users were asked how the wireline and wireless Ethernet access point/networking components they purchased in 2003 for use in industrial facilities are powered, and how the ones they will purchase in 2006 are likely to be powered. The largest share for each category purchased is of products that are powered over AC or DC power cords or cables. This is expected to still be so in 2006, except for wireless device servers, although fewer expect to be purchasing products powered in this manner. Among the wireless device server users, more expect to be purchasing battery-powered units in 2006 rather than those powered by AC or DC power cords and cables.

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For most of the wireless Ethernet access point/networking component products, more users expect to purchase units in 2006 that are:

battery powered;

powered by the products in which these are installed;

powered over Ethernet (POE); and

solar powered.

Also, more of the wireline Ethernet networking component product users expect to be purchasing products powered over the Ethernet (POE).

There appears to be confusion among some of these users, either relative to our survey question or their understanding of power over Ethernet (POE) and its applicability. Some identified POE as being a function of the products, and not necessarily as the method in which the products are powered. It is likely that some of these infrastructure products are and will be power over Ethernet sources for other devices (i.e. PSE-Power Sourcing Equipment), rather than being powered over Ethernet (i.e. PD-Powered Devices). It is clear, however, that there are strong growth expectations among these users regarding the purchase of both wireline and wireless Ethernet infrastructure products with POE functionality, whether these are PSE or PD products.

The need to run power cords and cables to fixed location infrastructure products and other devices are seen as a hindrance to industrial adoption of wireless technologies for non-mobile applications. If power cabling has to be installed, then it is not that considerably more expensive to also install signal cabling, thus eliminating the need for wireless usage. Alternative power sources such as use of batteries and solar power eliminate the cabling need, and also open up fixed location wireless applications where cabling would not be practical at all. POE does not eliminate the cabling, but simplifies it by combining the signals and power in the same cable.

Installers

Electrical contractors were cited the most as installers of the wireline Ethernet infrastructure hardware (see Exhibit VI-A). However, a number of user departments were cited almost as often, as were systems integrators. User maintenance departments were cited the most as installers of the wireless Ethernet infrastructure hardware, followed by user IT departments (see Exhibit VI-B).

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Exhibit VIOrganizations Most Identified as Installers of Wireline and

Wireless Ethernet Infrastructure Hardware in Industrial Facilities(Percent of User Respondents for Each)

A) Wireline Hardware

B) Wireless Hardware

Note: Percentages sum to over 100% due to multiple responses

User IT departments were most cited as doing both the wireline and wireless network analysis & management software installations, with systems integrators being the second most identified (see Exhibit VII).

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Exhibit VIIOrganizations Most Identified as Installers of Wireline and Wireless Ethernet

Network Analysis & Management Software for Industrial Facilities(Percent of User Respondents for Each)

A) Wireline Hardware

B) Wireless Hardware

Note: Percentages sum to over 100% due to multiple responses

Sources of Information on Products and Vendors

Among the surveyed users, the most identified sources of information about wireline and wireless Ethernet infrastructure products and vendors were the Internet and trade periodicals, particularly articles and ads. Significant shares also identified product literature and catalogs of the vendors, word of mouth, and trade shows.

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VENDOR ANALYSIS

In 2003, the overall worldwide market leaders in the wireline Ethernet infrastructure components and network software under study for use in industrial facilities were:

1. Cisco2. Emerson3. Invensys Foxboro4. Hirschmann5. Schneider

Only Cisco had a market share of over 10%. The top five suppliers to the market accounted for about 44% of worldwide shipments in 2003.

Worldwide, the leading suppliers in 2003 of the major wireline infrastructure product classes under study for industrial use were:

Industrial-Grade Interconnect Products

1. Siemens2. Harting3. Woodhead4. Lumberg5. Turck

Networking Components

1. Cisco2. Emerson3. Invensys Foxboro4. Hirschmann5. Schneider

Network Analysis and Management Software

1. Hirschmann2. Westermo3. Cisco4. Network Vision5. N-Tron

In 2003, the overall worldwide market leaders in the wireless Ethernet infrastructure products and network software under study for use in industrial facilities were:

1. Cisco2. Intermec3. Microwave Data Systems4. Proxim

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Cisco, Intermec and Microwave Data Systems all had market shares over 10%. The top four suppliers to the market accounted for about 41% of worldwide shipments in 2003.

The leading worldwide suppliers in 2003 of the wireless Ethernet infrastructure products under study for use in industrial facilities by types were:

Antennas

1. Centurion Wireless Technologies2. Amphenol3. Cushcraft4. Maxrad

Access Points/Networking Components

1. Cisco2. Intermec3. Microwave Data Systems4. Proxim

Network Analysis and Management Software

1. Intermec2. Digi International

The reports contain more detailed shipments and market shares of vendors for each of the individual product categories covered in this investigation. These are provided for worldwide shipments, and for shipments to markets in the major geographic regions covered.

ABOUT THE STUDY

The VDC market study “Worldwide Industrial Markets for Wireline and Wireless Ethernet Infrastructure Components and Network Software” provides market sizes, segmentations and forecasts for these products. The results of extensive investigation into user needs regarding the network infrastructure components and analysis & management software are presented. Vendor market shipments and market shares are presented by types of products, both worldwide and for the major geographic regions covered. Detailed profiles of major vendors are provided.

Market segmentation and forecasts are provided by geographic regions-the Americas, Asia-Pacific, EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa), and Rest of World, by consuming industries (worldwide and in major geographic regions), and by channels of distribution (sales organizations and customer classes-both overall and for the major geographic regions).

The study provides strategies and recommendations on how vendors can enhance their market positions. These cover products, industrial markets, geographic markets, channels of distribution, meeting customer needs, promotion, and other key success factors.

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The study results are available in two volumes: one for the wireline Ethernet products and the other for the wireless Ethernet products. The wireline product volume is available for purchase at a price of $5,950 in PDF file by e-mail. The wireless product volume is available for a price of $4,450. Both can be purchased together for a price of $7,450. Printed copies are an additional $200 each.

Study Source

Venture Development Corporation is a technology research and management consulting firm serving the worldwide electronics industry. It was founded in 1971 by graduates of the Harvard Business School and MIT. VDC offers in-depth market research, as well as custom strategic planning and consulting services in the areas of industrial automation, instrumentation, electronic components, computers and peripherals, communications, office equipment, and consumer electronics.

For further information, please contact:

James K. Taylor jimt@vdc-corp.comMarc Regberg – msr@vdc-corp.com

VENTURE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONOne Apple Hill Drive, Suite Box 8190, Natick, MA 01760

Tel: 508.653.9000 Fax: 508.653.9836www.vdc-corp.com

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