Android Tablets and Apple IPad expected to capture the market
A new research report has revealed that much of the growth in the computer market for 2011 is estimated to come from the tablet/pad market, which will ship some 52 million units this year. Of these shipments, Apple is expected to account for over 75%, leaving approximately 12 million units for other vendors.
Researchers anticipate that the iPad’s success will continue, and even accelerate, with the arrival of the thinner, lighter and faster iPad 2. This growth means, however, that ‘traditional’ PC companies, notably Microsoft, Intel and AMD, are likely to lose market share during the year.
Pads are disrupting the PC refresh cycle in highly penetrated markets. Their innovative user experience has captured the imagination of consumers, who are extending the life of their existing hardware, while taking an interest in pads.
Researchers also urge vendors not to dismiss the opportunity for pads in business: The number of affluent, highly-mobile executives buying pads will increase quickly in 2011. Likewise, vertical market adoption of pads, especially in healthcare and education, will gain momentum, as more appropriate applications are built.
For every 10 pads sold this year, researchers estimate that five netbook or notebook sales will be lost, across both consumer and enterprise markets. This trend will be most pronounced in developed markets, such as the United States, Canada, France, Germany, the UK, the Nordics, Benelux, Australia and Japan.
It is also expected that the notebook PC category will grow nearly 8% in 2011, despite the impact of pads, thanks to the ongoing Windows 7 refresh and improving business confidence in the commercial sector. Netbooks, however, will decline by about 13% to 34 million units.
Overstocked retail channels in many countries, including the United States, much of Western Europe, China and Indonesia, will further hinder notebook growth in the first part of the year. Even Russia, where high oil prices have led to a PC boom, has become oversupplied.
CIOs raise security concerns about ‘Backdoor’ mobile devices
A research has unearthed that employee owned, ‘Backdoor’ mobile devices entering the corporate network and the ‘WikiLeaks’ affair highlight the ongoing security challenges with enterprise mobility.
According to researchers, enterprise mobility may well be a business imperative, but it remains a massive risk. Indeed, 67% of organizations today are more concerned about mobile data security because of the recent ‘WikiLeaks’ revelations. But, this is only part of a more complex problem that most businesses face today.
Attempts to improve the management of mobile devices such as smartphones and more recently laptops, netbooks and tablets as they connect over cellular networks are hampered by a number of challenges. For example, IT strategies such as simplifying management by standardizing on specific devices or platforms are regularly overturned by users, who now want to bring their own devices into the enterprise. First, it was in the mobile phone arena. Now, we see employees bring in computing devices like the iPad and Galaxy tablets.
According to the survey, 76% of CIOs say employee-owned mobile devices are creating security headaches. 78% don’t even know what devices are connected to the corporate network. Consequently, 77% of enterprises have no idea what data is on all of these devices. In fact, 1 in 3 isn’t able to track data on devices that they themselves issue to employees. More worryingly, in the likely event that a device is ever lost or stolen, only 56% of businesses are able to secure them. Unlike traditional IT infrastructures, mobile platforms tend to be fragmented and are changing at a fast rate. This means that unique processes are required, even for standard management tasks such as security, software updates, device configuration and trouble shooting.
These processes must also be performed over-the-air, as the device is often off the corporate network and becomes costly to recall for everyday support issues. Point solutions do exist to address the problem, but have significant limitations in terms of cost, as large upfront CAPEX investments are needed as well as the ability to keep up to date with the latest devices.
In fact, 77% of CIOs say that unlike management of traditional computing devices that are on the network, limited time and budget, coupled with increasing complexity has led to a lack of maturity when it comes to managing mobile devices.
AT&T Introduces Pay-As-You-Go International Data Packages for Laptops and Netbooks
AT&T today announced the launch of AT&T DataConnect Pass Global — a lineup of international pay-as-you-go data packages now available on AT&T-certified laptops and netbooks. The announcement expands AT&T’s portfolio of pay-as-you-go data services, providing domestic and now international data passes designed to meet individual needs and budgets without a long-term commitment.
Ideal for international business travelers and vacationers alike, the passes provide data coverage in more than 100 countries, including Canada, Mexico, countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia. Available in 30-day session increments, packages can help travelers better manage their data usage abroad and at rates significantly lower than pay-per-use service. Data packages include:
DataConnect Pass Global 20MB for $24.99
DataConnect Pass Global 50MB for $59.99
DataConnect Pass Global 100MB for $119.99
DataConnect Pass Global 200MB for $199.99
Data sessions may be purchased at AT&T DataConnect Pass Sessions, using a credit card or a debit card. Customers can also bill the charges to their wireless bill provided the postpaid wireless account has been active more than 90 days and has no past due charges. Set up is easy: customers create a username and password, provide their laptop or netbook SIM card and device serial numbers, complete the billing information and select the desired data package.
Once purchased, customers have the flexibility to specify when they want the 30-day session to begin, based on their travel itinerary. As a helpful reminder, customers will receive a courtesy text and email when their plan is close to expiring or when they are close to depleting the amount of data available with their session.
International packages are available to existing AT&T netbook or laptop customers. For complete details, visit AT&T DataConnect Pass Sessions.
Restrictions apply. Time begins expiring immediately upon activation whether you are using the service or not. Once you consume your allotted data or your time expires, whichever occurs first, your data access will cease. Plans should be purchased before traveling outside the U.S., Puerto Rico or the U.S.V.I. For available countries and carriers, see DataConnect Legal Documents. Availability, quality of coverage while roaming are not guaranteed. Plans must begin within 365 days of purchase. Fees are non-refundable. For complete terms and conditions see DataConnect Pass/iPadâ„¢/Session-Based Wireless Data Services Agreement on Wireless Legal Documents.
DataConnect Pass Global packages are available to customers with an AT&T enabled LaptopConnect Card, embedded Laptop Card or netbook that have a domestic AT&T Laptop Connect plan currently. Customers that already have their own AT&T compatible device, but do not currently subscribe to a domestic Laptop Connect Plan, may need to purchase a new SIM card to activate service.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates AT&T operating companies are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T | DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine.
Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.
SLT reaches 200,000 ADSL Broadband customer milestone
Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT), the nation’s number one integrated telecommunications service provider and the leading broadband services provider in the country is proud to announce that 200,000 Sri Lankan homes and businesses (including entrepreneurs, small, medium & large organizations) now access broadband services via ADSL 2+ technology on SLT’s island wide Broadband network.
This achievement represents more than 70% of Sri Lanka’s total broadband consumer base and over 20% of SLT Megaline (PSTN/wireline) telephone customer base. The company has succeeded in achieving its target for the year 2010 ahead of time, mainly due to the recently concluded island-wide broadband campaign, SLT Broadband Twenty20 Promotionâ€.
Mr. P.E. D. A. Silva of PULASTIGAMA (situated in Polonnaruwa District), was the 200,000th customer to be connected with SLT Broadband services. The SLT broadband service was already activated for him by enabling broadband access through the Entr©e package.
This attractive broadband promotional campaign was SLT’s response to the huge demand for ADSL broadband services that has arisen from all parts of the country and is also an attempt by the company to popularize broadband services among all Sri Lankans by providing them access to information and entertainment contents whenever they want. During year 2010, a total of 80,000 new customers got connected with SLT Broadband services for High-speed internet and IPTV (PeoTV) services.
Customers have benefitted greatly from ADSL broadband due to its ALWAYS ON connection, higher speed, reliability and uninterrupted service provided by wireline with benefits of cost savings and affordability. The ability to make and receive calls simultaneously while browsing the internet is among the great values it offers. Furthermore, through SLT Broadband, customers receive access to multiple services of voice, broadband internet & TV/multimedia and all other benefits through a single wireline connection. SLT started offering IPTV through its broadband platform in year 2008 and has succeeded in covering almost all the provinces in the country.
Customers have the freedom and flexibility to choose from a wide selection of broadband plans at affordable prices to meet their individual needs. Services include downstream speeds of up to 4 Mbps for SLT Broadband internet customers.
For customers with a wireline home/business telephone, SLT provides a broadband connection starting at Rs. 500/= per month without a connection fee. SLT Broadband services provides high speed internet access (downstream) through seven different packages: Entr©e (512Kbps – Volume based), Home (512Kbps – Unlimited), Xcite (1Mbps – Unlimited), Office (2Mbps – Unlimited), Office 1IP (2Mbps Unlimited, 1Static IP), Xcel (4Mbps – Unlimited) and Xcel 1IP (4Mbps Unlimited, 1Static IP). The Entr©e package has a huge demand and is considered as the internet surfers’ initial choice. Office, Office 1IP, Xcel and Xcel 1IP packages have been especially designed to suit the requirements of small and medium sized enterprises. The popularity of Wi-Fi (wireless internet zones) services in home and office environments also has grown tremendously. Customers prefer to access information using their Wi-Fi enabled smartphones, laptops, netbooks and other devices that provides them greater freedom easily. Therefore customers can decide to have a wireless ADSL modem or router at their home or office to create a wireless internet zone at any time if they have an ADSL broadband connection.
SLT Broadband uniquely offers its customers unparalleled services coupled with the unmatched reliability and robustness provided by its superior wireline technology, ADSL/ADSL 2+. With the range of different broadband internet packages on offer, SLT customers can enjoy a host of value added services such as VoIP services, IPTV, Time Shift TV (TSTV), Video on Demand (VoD), e-learning as well as gaming. The company’s IPTV (SLT PeoTV) services are pioneering IP based TV broadcasting services in Sri Lanka.
SLT has continuously carried out its broadband rollout throughout the island to cater to the broadband demand of the company’s valuable consumers. During this year, SLT has expanded and upgraded its broadband infrastructure by reaching areas away from main cities like; Hingurana, Pottuvil, Uhana (in AMPARA), Badalkumbura, Bibila, Mahiyanganaya (in BADULLA), Dummalasooriya, Kalpitiya, Palavi, Udappu (in CHILAW), Beliaththa, Walasmulla, Weeraketiya (in HAMBANTOTA), Chavakachcheri, Kilinochchi, Kopay, Manipai, Shithankarni (in JAFFNA), Bopitiya, Gonagalpura, Megahatenna, Moragahahena (in KALUTARA), Akkareipattu, Thirukkovil (in KALMUNAI), Walawela, Udasgiriya, Pallepola (in MATALE), Hanguranketha, Hatharaliyadda, Galaha, Medawela, Rikilagaskada (in KANDY), Ambanpitiya, Hiriwadunna, Ganethenna, Molagoda, Kotiyakumbura, Randiwela, Undugoda, Uthuwankanda, Uyanwatte (in KEGALLE), Dambadeniya, Digampitiya, Galgamuwa, Mahawa, Melsiripura, Narampola, Bandarakoswatta, Ingaradaula, Kandanegedara, Kobeigane (in KURUNEGALE), Ayagama, Kalawana, Nivitigala, Rakwana (in RATNAPURA), Kanthale, Medirigiriya, Wathumulla, Buttala etc.
These has brought about numerous infrastructure developments including laying fibre optic cables, copper network expansion, upgrade exchange capacities, add more switching capacities, copper line quality improvements and ISP bandwidth upgrades among many others.
SLT expanded its fibre optic information superhighway to the Northern Peninsula in Sri Lanka very recently, as part of its continuing network investment to support the growing demand for communication services, following the end of the conflict. Quick deployment of the Broadband infrastructure in the Northern Peninsula has provided the company with great opportunities to serve the newly opened up markets of the Northern and Eastern provinces., This fibre optic cable project connects Mannar, Vavuniya, Trincomalee and Jaffna along the A9 main road. In addition new telephone exchanges at Mankulam and Mulathivu, located in the Northern part of Sri Lanka, will enhance basic communication facilities and Broadband coverage for customers in the areas.
Nokia Siemens Networks Launches MQA for Mobile Broadband
Nokia Siemens Networks has launched a Mobile Quality Analyzer (MQA) for Mobile Broadband that uses a mobile device client to report on the quality of 3G connections. It can combine this data with subjective feedback from subscribers, as they download data or surf the Internet, to get a clearer picture of their mobile broadband experience, effectively ‘crowd-sourcing’ mobile network optimization. The application is part of the company’s Insight & Experience Framework.
According to Jari Eskola, Insight & Experience Solution Expertise, Nokia Siemens Networks, the mobile broadband market is growing rapidly and improved broadband service quality is fast becoming a differentiator for operators globally. MQA for Mobile Broadband provides operators with information to plan and efficiently adjust their network capacity as well as speed up resolution of customer complaints.
Nokia Siemens Networks advises that operators clearly outline to subscribers the client application’s use, exactly what sort of data it collects and how their privacy is protected. Take-up rate could be improved by offering bonuses such as additional SMS and voice minutes or data allowances to those who accept its use. MQA for Mobile Broadband can also provide real-time insight into device and network operation to customer service agents helping them accurately troubleshoot and resolve user issues.
MQA for Mobile Broadband consists of a client-server architecture based on technology from Ciqual. The measurement client can be downloaded by subscribers to their laptops, netbooks or notebooks with external or embedded 3G Modems. The client app evaluates signal strength in the cell and measures if broadband throughput rates are sufficient for the online services being accessed. The results are then sent to a measurement server for real-time display and analysis.
To complete the active tests that measure connectivity quality, MQA for Mobile Broadband can also periodically present an optional, brief questionnaire to assess the user’s personal experience. The client-software can be used without affecting price plans or causing tangible effects on speed of the broadband connection or even battery life.
$3 billion earned by AT&T in Q4
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: With more than 25 percent increase from year-ago total, a net income of $3 billion for the fourth quarter of 2009 has been earned by AT&T. The mobile operating revenue rose 7.6 percent to $13.8 billion compared to year-ago revenue of $12.9 billion. The total wireless subscriber base also rose to 85.1 million.
While the increase in the revenue has been attributed to the continued subscriber growth, the increase in the users’ base is credited to adoption of smartphones and emerging hardware such as ereaders, netbooks and navigation devices.
26.3 percent year-over-year increase from $805 million to $3.9 billion has been recorded by AT&T in the wireless data revenue from messaging, access to applications and related services. Besides, 2.6 percent increase in postpaid subscriber ARPU and 70% increase in Text messages has also been recorded by the operator.
China Mobile’s TD-SCDMA subscriber base to reach 7Mn mark – analysis
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: China Mobile, the world’s largest telco, is anticipated to touch the 7Mn mark of TD-SCDMA subscribers by in 2009. Based on its telecommunication strengths, i.e. TD-SCDMA netbooks and wireless phones, will enable the operator to achieve its goal.
China Mobile started commercial trials in the country on April 1, 2008, and now it faces a problem which is the expansion of its TD-SCDMA subscriber base.
The Chinese incumbent ended 2008 with a subscriber base of 419,000.
