According to The Diffusion Group, new research suggests that those classified as "home office workers" are neither homogenous nor early adopters as once believed. TDG's latest report reveals that while home business owners are more likely than others to subscribe to broadband and own a home network, they are not necessarily more likely to own or be interested in purchasing new media devices or services that do not have any obvious business application. Nearly one-third of self-employed home office workers own home networks, compared to 20 percent of other households. However, they are 19 percent less likely to be using wireless networking technology. "Home office workers include home business owners of many different types as well as full- and part-time telecommuters," says TDG. "In order to understand these consumers properly, it's important to make the right distinctions about the different subgroups included under the home office worker umbrella. By specifically targeting full-time home business owners in our study, we're getting a clearer picture of how this market segment actually works."
The personal computing device market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite recent fluctuations. According to the latest worldwide market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), global PC shipments are projected to reach 273 million units in 2025—a modest but significant 3.7 percent increase over the previous year. This growth reflects the market's adaptation to post-pandemic realities and evolving technology needs across the globe. Personal Computing Market Development While COVID-19 initially triggered unprecedented demand for computing devices during the shift to remote work and online education, we now see a more measured growth pattern. IDC has slightly adjusted its projections downward, indicating a market growing steadily rather than explosively. "In light of so many challenges around the world, Japan is a much-needed source of double-digit growth this year. Enterprises there as well as SMBs have been quickly replacing PCs in advance of the Window...