The portable media player (PMP) market did not perform as expected this year, due, in part, to questions surrounding video content availability. In-Stat believes that easy access to compelling and copyrighted video content will be vital to PMP market growth. Video content availability has been an issue because providers clearly have copyright and piracy concerns, especially in light of the legal battles fought in the digital audio market. In addition, Hollywood studios have been resistant to license full-length movies because they do not want to eclipse DVD sales in the event that video download services flourish. However, there are concerns throughout online media service communities that without access to legitimate online services, movie and video companies will face piracy issues like we saw in the digital audio industry. Despite concerns such as content availability, Digital Rights Management (DRM) standards, and support for portability, service providers and PMP manufacturers alike are collaborating in an effort to bring new online video services to consumers. For example, Archos, a leading PMP manufacturer, and EchoStar, a top satellite television company and owner of the DISH networks, have announced a limited partnership through which Archos will develop PMP products that will be DISH-branded. These products will be able to take content directly off EchoStar set top boxes via a USB 2.0 connection. In addition, Microsoft announced the launch of MSN Video Downloads this year. This is a subscription-based service providing customers with video content from service providers such as MSNBC.com and FOX Sports. In-Stat believes that 10 to 15 minute video files will help kick start consumer adoption of portable video. Therefore, service providers that offer news clips, condensed versions of sitcoms, sports highlights and animated shorts will help drive the concept of portable video.
The BaaS model has been adopted across a wide range of industries due to its ability to streamline financial processes for non-banks and foster innovation. BaaS has several industry-specific use cases, where it creates new revenue streams. Banking as a Service (BaaS) is rapidly emerging as a growth market, allowing non-bank businesses to integrate banking services into their core products and online platforms. As defined by Juniper Research, BaaS is "the delivery and integration of digital banking services by licensed banks, directly into the products of non-banking businesses, commonly through the use of APIs." BaaS Market Development The core idea is that licensed banks can rent out their regulated financial infrastructure through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to third-party Fintechs and other interested companies. This enables those organizations to offer banking capabilities like payment processing, account management, and debit or credit card issuance without