New Opportunities for Operators in the Blended Reality Era

– Ensuring Relevance in a Mobile, Quantified, and Augmented World

LONDON, Aug. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan will share insights on the most important trends in the European mobile industry and how they will affect existing value chains and business models. We highlight important developments and what they mean for your business.

The conference will be followed by a live question-and-answer session that will take place on Tuesday, 9 September 2014 at 3 p.m. BST

Frost & Sullivan’s Information and Communication Technologies experts Senior Analyst Sheridan Nye and Consultant Lawrence Lundy will highlight the critical developments, the changing value, and growth in the Europe’s mobile industry. This online conference will:

  • Explore advancements in mobile devices, including health monitoring and wireless transactions
  • Identify the disruptive threats and opportunities
  • Recommend strategies on how operators can adapt and remain relevant 

“Mobile operators face multiple challenges in an intensely competitive environment where once-reliable sources of profit are fast evaporating. One way to fend off the threats is to emulate their fiercest competitors. This means looking ‘inside-out’ to become more agile digital businesses,” explains Sheridan Nye

Mobile ecosystem participants need to prepare for the quantified and automated world. “When data is the currency of the future, the only sustainable competitive advantage is trust,” emphasizes Lawrence Lundy.

To participate in this complimentary web conference, please email Edyta Grabowska Corporate Communications, at edyta.grabowska@frost.com  with your full contact details. Upon receipt of the above information, a registration link will be e-mailed to you. You may also register to receive a recorded version of the briefing at anytime by submitting the aforementioned contact details.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.

Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.

The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.

The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.

For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?

Contact Us:     Start the discussion

Join Us:            Join our community

Subscribe:       Newsletter on “the next big thing”

Register:         Gain access to visionary innovation

Contact:

Edyta Grabowska

Corporate Communications – Europe
P: +48 22 481 62 03
E: edyta.grabowska@frost.com

http://www.frost.com

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Frost & Sullivan: Colombian and Peruvian Contact Center Outsourcers Focus on the Americas

— Spain’s dwindling contribution to the offshoring segment has compelled market participants to alter their geographical strategy

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina, Aug. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — A mix of quality and competitive costs ensured that the contact center outsourcing services markets in Colombia and Peru were among the most dynamic markets in Latin America up until last year. Since 2013, the market has lost some of its pace as competitive pressures have intensified with the entry of many participants. To navigate the transformed landscape, contact center outsourcing service providers will have to keep up with new entrants’ world-class practices, which have elevated quality standards in both countries.

Sebastian Menutti, ICT Industry Analyst, Frost & Sullivan

Sebastian Menutti, ICT Industry Analyst, Frost & Sullivan

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140828/141113

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Colombia and Peru Contact Center Outsourcing Services Markets 2014, finds that the Colombian market earned $1,045.6 million in 2013 and estimates this to reach $2,206.2 million in 2020. Peru’s market revenues stood at $385.4 million in 2013 and this is projected to go up to $647.3 million in 2020.

“In the Colombian contact center outsourcing services market, domestic business still accounts for more than 70 percent of the revenues. However, revenues from the offshoring segment are growing at a faster rate than those from domestic business as a result of multiple deals with the United States,” said Frost & Sullivan Information & Communication Technologies Industry Analyst Sebastian Menutti. “Meanwhile, in the Peruvian market, nearshoring from South American countries such as Argentina and Chile is bringing in new business.”

In 2013, Spain once again emerged as the main destination that offshored work to contact center outsourcing service providers in Colombia and Peru. Nevertheless, offshoring revenues generated from Spain in 2013 decreased in Peru and suffered from a growth slowdown in Colombia, owing to the recent Spanish economic crisis. 

“Consequently, several Colombian and Peruvian contact center outsourcers were forced to refocus their business models and direct their commercial efforts either to domestic businesses in the high-performing local economies or businesses in other countries likely to avail offshoring services,” noted Menutti. “Prime targets for developing the offshoring segment have been South and North America, which are expected to become the dominant regions driving this segment by 2020.”

For more information on this study, please email Francesca Valente, Corporate Communications, at francesca.valente@frost.com.

Colombia and Peru Contact Center Outsourcing Services Markets 2014 is part of the Contact Centers & CRM (http://www.contactcenter.frost.com) Growth Partnership Service program. Frost & Sullivan’s related studies include: Latin American Contact Center Systems Market 2014, Brazilian BPO and Contact Center Outsourcing Services Market 2014, Argentine and Chilean Contact Center Outsourcing Services Markets, and Mexico and Central America and the Caribbean Contact Center Outsourcing Services Markets. All studies included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.

Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.

  • The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
  • The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.

For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?

Contact Us:     Start the discussion

Join Us:           Join our community

Subscribe:       Newsletter on “the next big thing”

Register:         Gain access to visionary innovation

Colombia and Peru Contact Center Outsourcing Services Markets 2014
NDB7-76

Contact:
Francesca Valente
Corporate Communications – Latin America
P: +54 11 4777 5300
F: +54 11 4777 5300
E: francesca.valente@frost.com

http://www.frost.com

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140829/8521404878

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Frost & Sullivan’s inaugural New Zealand Excellence Awards 2014 recognises 18 companies for best practices

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Aug. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan held its inaugural New Zealand Excellence Awards on 28 August 2014 at Villa Maria, presenting a total of 18 awards to companies across the industries of Food, Energy and Power, Healthcare and Information Communication Technologies.

Recipients of the 2014 Frost & Sullivan New Zealand Excellence Awards

Recipients of the 2014 Frost & Sullivan New Zealand Excellence Awards

The New Zealand Excellence Awards will be an annual event to honour companies that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and superior performance in their respective market segments.

“We are very proud to host the annual awards in New Zealand to celebrate the achievements of New Zealand companies. Frost & Sullivan’s awards play an important role recognising those who are driving innovation and achieving best practices across various industries in the New Zealand market. This is our first year of awards in New Zealand, and we are pleased to be able to recognise exceptional accomplishments and exemplary achievements in several of the markets we operate in,” said Andre Clarke, Country Manager, Frost & Sullivan New Zealand.

He added, “The awards reflect a lot of hard work by the recipients, and Frost & Sullivan is pleased to confer these awards in acknowledgment of this. We hope these awards encourage market players to continue to strive for greater success across industries.  As we continue to identify companies deserving distinction, I am confident that this awards banquet will continue to grow and be the most anticipated event of the year by the local business community.”

Award recipients for the 2014 New Zealand Excellence Awards were identified based on extensive secondary research conducted by Frost & Sullivan’s analysts, in-depth interviews and analysis. In order to identify best practices, companies are typically studied on their revenues, market share, capabilities, product or service innovation and overall contribution to the industry.

Frost & Sullivan congratulates all the recipients of the 2014 New Zealand Excellence Awards.

2014 Frost & Sullivan New Zealand Excellence Awards Recipients

Category

Award Recipient

————–

————————-

Energy & Environment

———————————–

2014 Asia Pacific Customer Value

Enhancement Award in DC Power

Systems

Enatel Ltd

—————————————————–

—————-

2014 New Zealand Energy Management

Services Company of the Year

ABB Limited

—————————————————————

——————-

2014 New Zealand Electric Vehicle

Charging Company of the Year   

Juicepoint

——————————————————-

—————-

2014 New Zealand Smart Grid

Solutions Company of the Year  

Silver Spring Networks

————————————————-

———————————-

2014 New Zealand Facilities

Management Company of the Year  

ISS Facility Services

——————————————————–

——————————–

Healthcare

—————–

2014 New Zealand Mobile Health

Company of the Year         

Vensa Health

—————————————————–

——————–

2014 New Zealand Medical Imaging

New Product Innovation Leadership

Award                            

Aranz Medical Limited

——————————————————–

———————————–

2014 New Zealand Aged Care Industry

Emerging Company of the Year     

Bupa Care Services

————————————————————

——————————

2014 New Zealand Aged Care Company

of the Year                     

Ryman Healthcare Ltd

—————————————————————

———————————-

Food

——–

2014 New Zealand Animal Nutritional

Feed Company of the Year      

Alltech

———————————————————–

———–

2014 New Zealand Nutraceutical

Company of the Year        

Vitaco Health

—————————————————

———————

2014 New Zealand Edible Oil Company

of the Year                     

The Village Press

————————————————————–

—————————-

Information and Communication Technology

———————————————————————-

2014 New Zealand Network Security

Vendor of the Year               

Check Point Software Technologies

——————————————————–

——————————————————–

2014 New Zealand Enterprise

Telephony System Integrator of the

Year                               

Cogent Limited

——————————————————-

————————

2014 New Zealand Contact Center

Outsourcing Service Provider of

the Year                         

Datacom

——————————————————

————-

2014 New Zealand Unified

Communications System Integrator

of the Year                            

Spark Digital

——————————————————-

——————–

2014 New Zealand Hosted Contact

Center Service Provider of the

Year                             

Spark Digital

——————————————————

——————-

2014 New Zealand Data Center

Hosting Service Provider of the

Year                              

Spark Digital

————————————————-

——————-

For more details on the 2014 New Zealand Excellence Awards log-in to http://www.frost-apac.com/newzealandawards. You may also connect with Frost & Sullivan on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, SlideShare, and LinkedIn, for the latest news and updates.  We also invite you to join the conversation using @FrostSullivanAP.

The 2014 Frost & Sullivan New Zealand Excellence Awards was held in conjunction with the Growth, Innovation and Leadership (GIL) Congress 2014: New Zealand.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies? Contact us: Start the discussion

Contact:

Donna Jeremiah
Corporate Communications — Asia Pacific
P: +61 (02) 8247 8927
F: +61 (02) 9252 8066
E: djeremiah@frost.com

http://www.frost.com

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140828/8521404859

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TCL Multimedia Announces 2014 Interim Results

Profit attributable to owners of the parent was approximately HK$169 million

Gross profit margin for Q2 in the PRC Market increased to 24.0% from 18.9% of the same period last year

Speed up its transformation to become a global entertainment technology enterprise

HONG KONG, Aug. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ —

Highlights:

  •  For the six months ended 30 June 2014:
    • Turnover amounted to approximately HK$15,203 million, down by 15.9% year-on-year.
    • Gross profit amounted to approximately HK$2,382 million, down by 16.1% year-on-year. Operating profit was approximately HK$309 million, down by 6.6% year-on-year. 
    •  Net profit after tax from continuing operations was approximately HK$168 million, down by 13.8% year-on-year. Profit attributable to owners of the parent from continuing operations was approximately HK$169 million, down by 12.4% year-on-year.
  • For the three months ended 30 June 2014:
    • Benefited from optimization of its product mix with the launch of a series of large-sized and high-end new products, gross profit margin for the second quarter in the PRC Market increased to 24.0% (Q2 2013: 18.9%).
    • Operating loss for the Overseas Markets significantly lowered to approximately HK$12 million from approximately HK$60 million for the same period last year.
  • Continued to speed up its strategic transformation to become a global entertainment technology enterprise with the implementation of “double +” strategy:
    • Officially completed capital injection into Huizhou Kuyu Network Technology Co., Ltd. (“Kuyu”) in June 2014 and gained an immediate access to the online-to-offline (O2O) platform, which ensures rapid development of electronic commerce business by operating through Kuyu’s electronic commerce platform.
    • To achieve further breakthroughs in establishing recurring income streams and revenue-sharing model for its businesses, the Group launched game console T2 during the period, and jointly established a cross-industry “TCL Game TV Ecosystem Strategic Alliance” with dominant players in other industries to develop a double-screen integrated game platform. Meanwhile, the Group debuted its new product, 7V Box in July this year. Its ultimate premium appearance and control experience, the innovative cross-screen interactive function, as well as the vast volume of video game content raised the eyebrows of industry peers and consumers.
    •  Extended the “TCL-iQIYI TV+” (“TV+”) product line and further enriched the TV+ platform and introduced TV+ new products.

TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited (“TCL Multimedia” or “the Group”, HKSE stock code: 01070) today announced its unaudited consolidated interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2014.

Performance Overview

For the six months ended 30 June 2014, the Group recorded a turnover of approximately HK$15,203 million, down by 15.9% year-on-year. Gross profit amounted to approximately HK$2,382 million, down by 16.1% year-on-year. Gross profit margin remained flat year-on-year, gross profit margin of the second quarter increased to 18.5% from 13.0%. Expense ratio remained flat year-on-year. Operating profit was approximately HK$309 million, down by 6.6% year-on-year. Net profit after tax from continuing operations was approximately HK$168 million, down by 13.8% year-on-year. Profit attributable to owners of the parent from continuing operations was approximately HK$169 million, down by 12.4% year-on-year. During the period, the Group recorded a one-off gain of approximately HK$159 million from the closure of certain subsidiaries. The Group’s basic earnings per share and basic earnings per share from continuing operations were HK12.78 cents and HK12.78 cents, respectively (Basic earnings per share and basic earnings per share from continuing operations in the same period of 2013: HK19.11 cents and HK14.51 cents, respectively).

For the first half of 2014, the Group sold a total of 7.56 million sets of LCD TVs, down by 2.0% year-on-year. The Group sold 3.56 million sets of LCD TVs in the PRC Market, down 21.7% year-on-year, and 4.00 million sets of LCD TVs in the Overseas Markets, up 26.1% year-on-year, of which the sales volume of LCD TVs in the Strategic OEM business grew by 109.1% year-on-year to 1.38 million sets. According to the latest DisplaySearch report, in the first quarter of 2014, the Group ranked No.5 in the global LCD TV market with a market share of 5.4%. Meanwhile, the Group ranked No.3 in the PRC LCD TV market with a market share of 16.0%.

The PRC Market

Due to the continuing weak market demand, delays in launches of new products in the first quarter as well as the withdrawal of energy saving home appliances subsidy policy in the end of May last year, the sales volume in the PRC Market was below expectations. Nevertheless, the Group continued to optimize its product mix with the launch of a series of large-sized and high-end new products, resulting in a significant improvement in its results for the second quarter. The gross profit margin for the second quarter in the PRC Market increased to 24.0% from 18.9% of the same period last year, up by 5.1 percentage points year-on-year.

In the first half of 2014, the Group launched a total of 26 new products in 8 series, including 13 models of 4K ultra high-definition TVs, covering medium-sized, large-sized and extra-large-sized screen products ranging from 40 inches to 65 inches. These products contributed to 50% of total number of new products launched. During the period under review, the Group extended the “TCL-iQIYI TV+” product line and completed product enrichment of the large-sized 4K ultra high-definition TVs and smart TVs. Among which, new products including “A71” series and Game TV became the top seller within a short period after launch and was highly appreciated by the market, while proportion of sales volume of large-sized products also increased gradually. The sales volume of the smart TVs increased to 1.28 million sets from 1.04 million sets for the same period of last year, contributing to 36.0% of the total LCD TV sales volume in the PRC Market.

In March 2014, the Group, in a cross-industry move, jointly established a “TCL Game TV Ecosystem Strategic Alliance” with China Unicom Broadband, ATET, JD.com and Gameloft to develop a double-screen integrated game platform. Game TV, E5700, E6700 and TCL game console T2 were well received by the market after their launch. As an important step of entering into the game industry by the Group, the Group expects the game product series will become a new business growth driver, and will coordinate with the Group’s internet-oriented and entertainment-oriented transformation, exploring the blue ocean in the game entertainment market.

Moreover, the Group and IMAX Corporation (“IMAX”) jointly signed with Wasu in April 2014 an agreement in relation to the content distribution for premium home theatres. Wasu is authorised to distribute premium digital audio-visual contents of the PRC and Hollywood movie titles on the system platform of premium home theatres of TCL-IMAX Entertainment Co., Limited, a joint venture set up by TCL and IMAX.

The Overseas Market

The Group’s Overseas Markets achieved steady growths both in turnover and operating results. During the first half of 2014, the sales volume of LCD TVs increased by 26.1% year-on-year to 4.00 million sets, mainly due to proactive adjustment of its product mix focusing on large-sized products, 4K ultra high-definition TVs and smart TVs. During the period, turnover in the Overseas Markets increased by 8.2% year-on-year to HK$6,003 million and gross profit margin increased to 10.7% from 8.0% for the same period last year, up by 2.7 percentage points year-on-year. The overall sales volume and the contribution from middle- to large-sized products to the total sales volume fell short of expectations, resulting in a loss of approximately HK$12 million for the second quarter, significantly lower than approximately HK$60 million loss for the same period last year.

Sales volume of LCD TVs in the Emerging Markets reached 2.07 million sets during the period under review, which remained flat compared to the same period last year. The sales volume of the LCD TVs in the Strategic OEM business increased by 109.1% year-on-year, while the sales volume of LCD TVs in European and North American Markets recorded growths of 11.3% and 203.4%, respectively.

The Group hosted intensively various launching events for new products in the Emerging Markets. These, together with its global entertainment marketing activities with the movie “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and the full rollout of social media marketing initiatives, helped enhancing the TCL brand globally and proactively drove product marketing. In the European Markets, the Group actively cooperated with major retail chains comprehensively, resulting in a higher proportion of sales volume of large-sized smart TVs. Also, the Group ranked No.3 in the ultra high-definition TVs market in France, according to GfK figure with a market share of 11.6%. In the North American Market, the Group has not only reinforced its strategic cooperation with Amazon, but has also actively explored other sales channels, including leading US retailers such as Sam’s Club, etc., driving a significant increase in LCD TV sales volume in that market.

Outlook

Looking ahead to the second half of 2014, the Group will persistently enrich the product line for the PRC Market in the second half of the year, and continue to deepen sales channel and organizational reforms to flatten its enterprise structure further in order to boost its terminal sales capability and agility to changes in the market. The Group joined forces with “The Voice of China”, the hottest professional music show in the PRC, and announced TCL to be the “exclusive collaborative partner from the TV industry for The Voice of China – Season 3” in July 2014, accelerating the rapid rise of the popularity of TV+, a great step for transforming into an entertainment enterprise.

In addition, in the same month, the Group participated in the 12th China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference (China Joy) in Shanghai, the PRC. The Group joined forces with China Unicom Broadband and ATET again and announced the establishment of the largest Game TV ecosystem in the PRC, with renowned game developers including Gameloft, JJ International Company, Rovio, Marmalade, Cyberfront Korea, J-FLOW to be enrolled to “TCL Game TV Ecosystem Strategic Alliance”, as a move to further facilitate the all-round development of the ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Group debuted its new product, 7V Box in China Joy, with its ultimate premium appearance and control experience, the innovative cross-screen interactive function, as well as the vast volume of video game content raised the eyebrows of industry peers and consumers. The Group strives to enhance its product capabilities for the new businesses, such as games and OTT etc., so as to achieve further breakthroughs in establishing recurring income streams and revenue-sharing model for its businesses.

For the Overseas Markets, the Group will seek to drive sales growth with a combination of product resources, screen strategies and pricing, achieve breakthroughs for the TCL brand in key market and proactively exploit synergies with other businesses of TCL Corporation (“TCL Corporation”). TCL branded products like mobile phones and air conditioners etc. will be introduced in markets like Southeast Asia, etc., to raise the overall TCL brand influence in overseas.

Mr. Hao Yi, Chief Executive Officer of TCL Multimedia said, “We launched the ‘double +’ strategic transformation in February this year which is the combination of ‘intelligence + internet’ and ‘products + services’, marking TCL’s new business model from the product-oriented approach to a product-and-user-oriented approach and unveils our internet-oriented road. On one hand, we will step up the establishment of an internet ecosystem by cementing our hardware business and enhancing our horizontal alliances, deepening cross-industry strategic cooperations in other areas. On the other hand, we will strengthen our business layout along the 4 smart service platforms including video platform, game platform, education platform and living platform, providing users a comprehensive entertainment solution. We will fully capitalize on TCL Corporation’s resource advantages and implement ‘double +’ strategic transformation, gradually transforming into a global entertainment technology enterprise and bringing long-term value and returns to its shareholders.”

The Group’s sales volume of TVs by regions during the period under review is as follows:

1H 2014

1H 2013

Change

(000 sets)

(000 sets)

LCD TVs

7,557

7,715

(2.0%)

of which: LED backlights LCD TVs

7,558

7,328

+3.1%

Smart TVs 

1,412

1,138

+24.1%

3D TVs

837

1,335

(37.3%)

–        PRC Market

3,557

4,542

(21.7%)

–        Overseas Market

4,000

3,173

+26.1%

~ End ~

About TCL Multimedia

Headquartered in China, TCL Multimedia Technology Holdings Limited (HKSE stock code: 01070) is one of the leading players in the global TV industry, engaged in the research and development, manufacturing and distribution of consumer electronic products. Through a new product-and-user-oriented business model that focuses primarily on a “double +” strategy which includes “intelligence + internet” and “products + services” as the main direction, striving to become a global entertainment technology enterprise that provides integrated entertainment solution to customers. According to the latest DisplaySearch report, the Group ranked No.5 in the global LCD TV market with a market share of 5.4% in the first quarter of 2014. The Group ranked No.3 in the PRC LCD TV market with a market share of 16.0%.

For more information, please visit its website: http://multimedia.tcl.com

To see the full version of this release, including financial tables, click here: http://photos.prnasia.com/prnk/20140814/8521404591

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Frost & Sullivan: Explosion of OEM’s Investments in Automotive Connected Services in Brazil and Mexico

— Combined telematics subscriber base in both countries to reach over 1.6 million by 2020

SAO PAULO, Aug. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Brazil and Mexico have a strong and well-developed automotive aftermarket, with service providers (SPs) offering stolen vehicle tracking (SVT), monitoring and immobilization solutions. However, passenger vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are looking to go beyond the existing basic service offerings to create new revenue streams and boost their presence in these countries. Connected services are expected to play a vital role towards brand differentiation and maintaining market share in an increasingly competitive automotive market.

Automotive Connected Services.

Automotive Connected Services.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140811/135074)

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, Strategic Analysis of the Automotive Connected Services Market in Brazil and Mexico, finds that the total number of telematics service subscribers in Brazil will go up from 4,800 in 2013 to nearly 1,300,000 in 2020. Mexico’s telematics subscriber base, on the other hand, will grow from 2,000 in 2013 to approximately 330,000 in 2020. By the end of the forecast period, automotive connected services is expected to penetrate between 26 to 28 percent of new cars sales in Brazil and approximately 23 to 25 percent of new cars sold in Mexico. The study covers automotive connected services offered by vehicle OEMs and independent aftermarket solutions.

“In Mexico, the provision of automotive connected services in vehicles from General Motors, and the expected introduction of these services by other premium vehicle OEMs, will propel the market,” said Frost & Sullivan Automotive & Transportation Industry Analyst Yeswant Abhimanyu. “Likewise, the market in Brazil will expand as more vehicle OEMs venture towards offering telematics services.”

However, the high cost of vehicles in markets such as Brazil could dampen sales volumes, considering that over 60 percent of cars sold are from the price-sensitive A- and B- segments. Also, since purchasing vehicle insurance is not mandatory in Brazil, insurance-coupled telematics services might not find much acceptance among cost-conscious customers. As customers begin to realize the value of insurance in the event of car theft and other situations, insurance-coupled telematics offerings will grow in popularity.

The continued delay in the implementation of the Conselho Nacional de Transito (CONTRAN) 245 mandate that requires the installation of anti-theft equipment in all new vehicles in Brazil is also understood to be slowing market development. In light of the different possible scenarios, vehicle OEMs and other participants along the value chain are unsure whether to introduce telematics services just yet. This, along with a debate regarding the right mix of automotive connected services to offer customers, is slowing market introduction and current potential.

“Partnerships among vehicle OEMs and SPs are expected to pave the way for the advancement of the automotive connected services market in Brazil. While vehicle OEMs can take advantage of the bandwidth and scope that SVT and immobilization service providers have in the country, the SPs can move towards complete, high-end telematics service providers (TSPs),” noted Abhimanyu. “Vehicle OEMs might even extend their partnerships to hardware manufacturers and other value chain participants, using innovation and flexibility as key decision-making criteria to choose appropriate partners.”

SPs across Mexico could also consider partnering with vehicle OEMs to broaden their service offerings and thereby attract more customers. Focus should lie in providing advanced telematics services such as turn-by-turn navigation and automatic crash response.

Strategic Analysis of the Automotive Connected Services Market in Brazil and Mexico is part of the Automotive & Transportation (http://www.automotive.frost.com) Growth Partnership Service program. A complementing study, Voice of the Consumer (End Consumers – Car Owners) that looks at the consumer’s willingness to pay for connected services, the features of interest, and the effects of the smartphones, is also in progress.

For more information on this and related studies, please email Francesca Valente, Corporate Communications, at francesca.valente@frost.com.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today’s market participants.

Our “Growth Partnership” supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.

  • The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including: research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
  • The Partnership Infrastructure is entirely unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.

For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?

Contact Us:     Start the discussion

Join Us:           Join our community

Subscribe:       Newsletter on “the next big thing”

Register:         Gain access to visionary innovation

Strategic Analysis of the Automotive Connected Services Market in Brazil and Mexico
NB81-18

Contact:
Francesca Valente
Corporate Communications – Latin America
P: +54-11-4777-5300
F: +54-11-4777-5300
E: francesca.valente@frost.com

http://www.frost.com

Photo – http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20140812/8521404521

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MySQUAR Launches Free Mobile Messaging App for Myanmar

MyChat Beta Launches Wednesday, August 27

YANGON, Myanmar, Aug. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Today, MySQUAR announced the beta launch of MyChat, a free mobile messaging app built solely for Myanmar. Available on Android devices, MyChat is completely tailored for the Myanmar market with localized language, authentic look and feel as well as emoticons and sticker sets. The customized experience connects users to existing friends while also introducing them to new ones through the innovative “Look Around” feature.

MyChat welcome screen, MyChat Myanmar stickers, MyChat message

MyChat welcome screen, MyChat Myanmar stickers, MyChat message

“MySQUAR’s chief mission is to connect Myanmar youth with experiences built just for them,” says Linda Lim, CEO of MySQUAR. “With MyChat, our goal is to provide a completely tailored messaging app optimized for the Myanmar market so youth can connect with their friends and find new ones easily.”

Completely Customized Experience

MyChat is built solely for Myanmar. With full profile options, users can upload a photo, set a status and create a display name to express their best selves. The app will be fast and efficient with performance optimized for Myanmar, allowing users to chat with friends and find new ones without delay.*

Myanmar Character Sticker and Emoticons Sets

Myanmar youth can now express themselves creatively with the help of iconic Myanmar character and toy stickers such as Pho Wa Yoke, Pho Thar Htoo or favorite friends U Shwe Yoe & Daw Moe. These customized sticker sets will keep conversations creative and colorful, with new stickers and emoticons being added on a continual basis.

Authentic Look and Feel

Designed with Myanmar in mind, the vibrant and colorful user interface pays homage to the culture of the “Golden Land” and the fully localized language allows users to express themselves in Myanmar language.

Innovative Friend Finder Technology

The innovative MyChat “Look Around” feature allows users to find and connect with new friends in the area. MyChat will highlight up to 100 potential new friends, ranked by proximity, allowing users to meet people both locally or abroad if traveling.

More To Come

This is just a sneak peak of what’s to come in MyChat. Stay tuned for more news including new sticker sets, features, sharing capabilities and more. To learn more about MyChat now visit mysquar.com.

*The app relies on public network infrastructure; performance can be impacted by network quality (3G and Wifi).

ABOUT MYSQUAR

MySQUAR is the first local-language content platform created to enrich the lives of Myanmar youth, through deep, accessible and rich online experiences. Our mission is to inspire creativity, entertainment and a better standard of living in Myanmar by offering world class consumer technology solutions that connect Myanmar youth with local businesses, products and each other. Guided by a seasoned leadership team with experience developing global communities through social media, gaming and eCommerce technologies, MySQUAR is forging new ground in Myanmar. MySQUAR operates out of Yangon, Myanmar and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. For more information, visit us at mysquar.com.

For more information about MySQUAR or MyChat, please contact pr@mysquar.com

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Google Apple Dominate Application Ecosystem Acquisitions says Strategy Analytics

BOSTON, Aug. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — In a new report, “Assessing the Investment Priorities of Mobile Players” that examines the acquisition and investment strategies of Apple, Google and a group of leading mobile players, Strategy Analytics finds that the strategies of leading players in the global smartphone market are dominated by Apple and Google efforts aimed at strengthening their prized content and application ecosystems.

Click here for the report: http://bit.ly/1xF99vS

“More than 70% of the group’s investments are aimed at enhancing and expanding their core competencies,” states Ahmed Mostafa, Associate Consultant in Strategy Analytics US Consulting team. “Apple and Google dominate acquisitions in both dollar and number terms, and are also leaders in developing the new market opportunity in the multi-screen living room and connected home.”

Investment Priority Core Competency

Investment Priority Core Competency

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140731/132292
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“Apple has the most balanced acquisition strategy,” states Chris Ambrosio, Executive Director of US Consulting at Strategy Analytics, “supplementing its ecosystems investments with acquisitions of technology companies that extend and improve its hardware-centric enabling technologies. Overall acquisitions are rapidly becoming the new “R&D” for larger, cash-swollen mobile device and ecosystem players. Through the medium term, traditional mobile device vendors will struggle to compete using only traditional internally driven research and development efforts.”

Other findings of the report include:

– Microsoft has not followed up its bold acquisition of Nokia with acquisitions or investments in either the content and apps ecosystem or in device-centric enabling technologies. The lack of activity to quickly improve its content and apps ecosystem is an alarm signaling a lack of commitment to that important element of its mobile future.      

About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides the competitive edge with advisory services, consulting and actionable market intelligence for emerging technology, mobile and wireless, digital consumer and automotive electronics companies. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Strategy Analytics delivers insights for enterprise success. www.StrategyAnalytics.com 

US Contact: Ahmed Mostafa, +1 617 614 0767, amostafa@strategyanalytics.com
Other US Contact: Chris Ambrosio, +1 617 614 0728, cambrosio@strategyanalytics.com

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Apps Market to Grow to $60 Billion in 2018 says Strategy Analytics

BOSTON, July 31, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The Strategy Analytics Apps Ecosystem Opportunities Report, Mobile Apps Forecast Total Market Forecast 2008-2018, predicts strong growth from $21.4 Billion in 2013. Apple’s App Store and Google Play will continue to be the dominant distribution channels, but Windows Phone Store and Amazon Appstore are showing strong growth in the battle for third place.

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Click here for the report:  http://www.strategyanalytics.com/default.aspx?mod=reportabstractviewer&a0=9890

David MacQueen, Executive Director, Apps and Media Research, said, “In terms of downloads, Google Play overtook Apple App Store in 2012, but iOS remains ahead in terms of revenue. We anticipate that Google Play will finally overtake the Apple App Store in terms of revenues in 2016. Google’s ambition to drive Android, and thus Google Play, as a platform for scale across all connected devices (phones, tablets, wearables and in the car) will increase opportunities for Google Play to grow revenue and surpass Apple by 2016.”

“Looking at those revenues, we are seeing in-app purchases account for the majority of spend, with paid download revenues across all app stores accounting for just over 20% of the market today, which we expect to shrink further to 16% in 2018, although there is a risk that excessive regulation may change the market outlook” he added. “However, concurrent to this, the ASP (average selling price) of paid apps has seen an increase from a low of $2.07 in 2010 to $2.69 last year. Simply put, the market is now dividing between ‘freemium’ and paid apps, and the $0.99 app is getting squeezed out.”

Adam Thorwart, Senior Research Associate in the App Ecosystem Opportunities (AEO) research program, said, “We have also been keeping a close eye on Amazon Appstore and Windows Phone Store. We believe they are showing the strongest growth, at 733% and 371% respectively, although they continue to be eclipsed by Apple and Google. Amazon’s retail experience and Windows Phone’s rapidly growing installed base are the key drivers for this growth.”

About Strategy Analytics
Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides the competitive edge with advisory services, consulting and actionable market intelligence for emerging technology, mobile and wireless, digital consumer and automotive electronics companies. With offices in North America, Europe and Asia, Strategy Analytics delivers insights for enterprise success. www.StrategyAnalytics.com 

European Contact: David Macqueen, +44(0) 1908 423 623, dmacqueen@strategyanalytics.com
US Contact: Adam Thorwart, +1 617 614 0748, athorwart@strategyanalytics.com  

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