According to the latest Strategy Analytics report, "Cellular Beats Convergence in In-Building Voice Battleground," the U.S. market will lead adoption of fixed mobile convergence (FMC), as the rest of the world sees FMC play second fiddle to cellular-only substitution. Seven percent of voice telephony users will use a FMC product in the U.S. by 2010, compared with only two percent outside the U.S. "North America will buck the global trend, where cellular based solutions rather than converged fixed-mobile voice services will dominate. Advanced penetration of WiFi networks, a robust cellphone replacement market, spotty in-building cellular coverage and a dynamic broadband and cable industry will combine to keep cellular-only users at bay in the U.S.," comments David Kerr, Vice President, Strategy Analytics' Global Wireless Practice. "Players like Time Warner, Comcast and Cox have most to gain in terms of revenue opportunities, with early FMC moves by BellSouth a clear indication that they need to protect their entrenched positions in the fixed and mobile voice markets."
Technology is a compelling catalyst for economic growth across the globe. Artificial intelligence (AI) rides a seismic wave of transformation in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region — a market bolstered by bold government initiatives, swelling pools of capital, and vibrant tech ambition. The latest IDC analysis sheds light on this dynamic market. Despite a contraction in deal volumes through 2024, total AI venture funding surged to an impressive $15.4 billion — a signal of the region’s resilience and the maturation of its digital-native businesses (DNBs). Asia-Pacific AI Market Development The APAC AI sector’s funding story is not just about headline numbers but also about how and where investments are shifting. Even as the number of deals slowed, the aggregate value of investments climbed, reflecting a preference among investors for fewer but larger, high-potential bets on mature or highly scalable AI enterprises. The information technology sector led the AI investment charge. Top area...