Various technological forces, including the spread of smartphones and tablets, increasing use of bring-your-own-device policies as well as the growing Internet of Things, have bolstered smart connected devices markets across the globe. The latest bit of news regarding SCDs comes out of Europe, where analysts expect the technology to continue gaining traction.
According to IDC analysts, the robust European SCD market will be particularly influenced by the rising popularity of tablets in the region. Tablet shipments are expected to increase 17.6 percent in 2014, continuing healthy growth vectors witnessed during the course of the previous year. Tablet sales increased 51.4 percent from 2012 to 2013, with the number of moved units in Western Europe totaling more than 45 million. Researchers noted that the forecasted slowdown in 2014 will be the result of the market naturally readjusting after hitting such a high peak. Even with the lower rate of adoption, tablet sales are expected to maintain double-digit growth for the next three years.
"The accelerated adoption of tablets is having a significant impact on the way consumers and businesses use and consider their computing devices. The frontiers between private and professional are blurring and new form factors are supporting increasing versatility, opening new usage scenarios and new growth opportunities for the industry," said IDC research manager Chrystelle Labesque.
The figures coming out of Europe fall in line with trends reported on a global scale as tablets and other mobile devices enjoy soaring popularity across the world. These factors directly contribute to growing interest in SCD technology in markets ranging from Western Europe to mainland China. According to another recent IDC study, the number of SCD users in China tripled over the past two years. Those researchers predicted China would experience a similar slowdown to that witnessed in Europe as the SCD market transitions from a growth phase to a development-based one.
There's little doubt at this point that mobile devices present the future of computers as consumers and business users alike ditch their desktops for versatile smartphones and tablets. These trends are not likely to slow down anytime soon.
