Monday 29 February 2016

Global Weight Management Market Marked by Shifting Sales Trends

The global weight management market is deeply impacted by the obesity epidemic. Obesity is among the most commonly stereotyped conditions and is often perceived negatively in Western nations. On the other hand, the weight management trend is now gaining prominence in Eastern countries too, due to people increasingly adopting Western lifestyle habits. The trends in the global weight management market are continuously shifting, which, in turn, is impacting sales in several segments. Let us look at the economic consequences of these shifting trends on the global weight management market.

Weight Management Services Gaining Prominence

By type, the global weight management market is segmented into weight management services, equipment and devices, food and beverages, and weight loss supplements/drugs. Although the equipment and devices held the largest share in the weight management market in 2010, the weight management services segment has been identified as the fastest-growing segment. The weight management services segment is projected to expand at a notable CAGR of 13.40% from 2010 to 2015, says Transparency Market Research (TMR).

Weight Loss Increasingly being Sought by Men

Generally, women’s beauty is associated with their slimness. For example, in France, women are more concerned about their physical appearance as compared to men and are more motivated to lose weight. However, the interest of men in weight loss products and services has been evolving in France. This can be attributed to the rising interest of men in maintaining a well-groomed and fit appearance. This trend will lead to a rise in purchases by male consumers in the overall weight management market.

U.S. Dominates Market, but Asia will continue to Gain Momentum

The U.S. has ruled the global weight management market and accounted for approximately one-third of sales. On the contrary, Asia Pacific has been the fastest-growing regional segment in the global weight management market. Prior to the economic recession of 2008-2009, the APAC market was led by countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan. However, in 2008, China and Japan witnessed a decline in sales after the economic recession, and growth was noted only in South Korea. Nevertheless, countries such as Malaysia, India, and Indonesia were able to offset this drop and drive sales in the APAC weight management market.

Although the global weight management market will be impacted by the aforesaid shifting trends, the overall market will continue to boom. According to TMR, the global weight management market will expand at a healthy CAGR of 9.40% between 2010 and 2015. In 2010, the market was estimated at US$385.1 bn and by the end of 2015, the market was projected to be worth US$650.9 bn.


By keeping in mind these shifting trends, players in the global weight management market can alter their offerings. An alignment with consumer trends in different geographies will greatly help companies capitalize on these new opportunities. Presently, the global weight management market is dominated by companies such as Weight Watcher International, Herbalife, Talwalkars Better Value Fitness, E-Diets.com, Jenny Craig, SlimFast, Fortis Healthcare, and Atkins.

BlackBerry Moves Deeper into Consulting with Encription Acquisition

BlackBerry’s ambitions to turn into a software-focused company to break out from its image of a smartphone maker have received a greater push with the company announcing that it has acquired Encription, a cybersecurity consultancy based in the U.K. With this acquisition, the company has waded deeper into the services sector as it explores unconventional avenues for growth. The company’s recent moves have led analysts to believe that BlackBerry now has its sights set on stressing more on its software capabilities.

This fundamental shift – though it is yet unclear how it will play out – came after the smartphone pioneer was alarmed by a progressive dip in phone sales and began to seek out alternative growth channels to sustain revenues. BlackBerry’s smartphone business has had to bear the brunt of the intensifying competition in the smartphone industry.

BlackBerry has Sights Firmly Set on Becoming a Leading Provider of Security Software
 
Now that the company has put a decidedly sharp focus on the security software space and software services, it hopes to tap into the massive potential that these business areas have to offer. According to market estimates, cyber security consulting is a US$16.5-bn industry globally per year.

However, the terms of BlackBerry’s deal with Encription were not immediately disclosed to members of the press. The deal, which closed Friday, will add a 40-people strong team of security professionals to BlackBerry’s operations. Encription boasts a veritable reputation in the security software industry for having worked with prestigious government agencies to fix plugs in network security and software. The consulting firm has also worked closely on big ticket corporate projects.

Venturing into Security Services a Natural Progression for BlackBerry

James Mackey, who heads BlackBerry’s corporate development department described this move as being a “natural extension” of the company’s current path of progress, further defining the addition as being “complementary” to its current security portfolio.

Now that BlackBerry has brought Encription into its folds, it also hopes to cross-sell some of its existing security products. This acquisition comes closely on the heels of another deal that Blackberry had signed in September 2015 to acquire Good Technology. The former shelled out US$425 million to acquire the security software developer. Prior to this deal, BlackBerry had bagged AtHoc, a company that provides secure crisis communications.

Increase in Health Concerns Boosts Global Low-calorie Food Market

According to the WHO, 1.5 mn deaths are directly associated with diabetes each year. WHO statistics from 2014 also show that 13% of adults around the world were suffering from obesity and 39% of adults were found to be overweight. Wrong food habits and high calorie intake are the prime reasons why an increasing number of people across the globe suffer from ailments such as diabetes and obesity. Thanks to the availability of low-calorie food, there is still hope for preventing obesity. Low-calorie food uses artificial sweeteners in place of sugar, thus developing the same amount of sweetness, but without the use of sugar. The increasing awareness among people about health issues and the rising incidence of diabetes and obesity have together shaped the global market for low-calorie food.

Transparency Market Research (TMR), a leading business intelligence firm, in its recent report, mentions that the global market for low-calorie food is set to expand at a CAGR of 5.9% for the period from 2014 to 2019, reaching a total market value of US$10.4 bn by 2019. The modern-day lifestyle, in which junk food is being consumed more than ever, has given rise to the high incidence of obesity, which consequently often leads to diabetes, propelling the demand for low-calorie food. Consumers are increasingly beginning to view low-calorie food as a feasible way to combat and even prevent obesity and diabetes, thus fueling the low-calorie food market.

High Prevalence of Obesity in Developed Nations Boosts the Market for Low-calorie Food

Obesity is rampant in developed nations such as the U.K., the U.S., and Australia, where 20% of the population suffers from obesity. The increase in the disposable income among the people in developed nations allows them to conveniently stock up a wide variety of low-calorie food, thus stimulating the market for low-calorie food.

Growing Interest from Industry Participants Drives Low-calorie Food Market

Consumers have, in recent years, become increasingly health-conscious and more aware about the consequences of having sugary food and beverages. An increasing number of consumers prefer and demand low-calorie salad dressings, dairy products, low-calorie beverages, and sugar-free chewing gum. This demand from the consumers has compelled the participants of the food and beverages industry to make healthier food, driving the market for low-calorie food.

Evidence of Artificial Sweeteners Being Unsafe Restrains Low-calorie Food Market

Contrary to the popular belief that low-calorie foods and beverages help lose weight and prevent diabetes, an increasing amount of evidence shows that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame can cause weight gain, affect the blood glucose level, and even interfere with insulin response. The growing evidence of artificial sweeteners being unsafe is a major challenge faced by the low-calorie food market.

Another factor that can restrain the market for low-calorie food is the high price of low-calorie food. This is especially true for APAC and RoW, making it difficult for market players to expand their operations in these regions.

Thursday 25 February 2016

Intelligent Building Management Systems (IBMS) Market in India Gains Most Consumers in Hospitality Sector

At a projected GDP growth of 8% in 2016, the Indian economy is making longer strides than most other large economies in the world. This optimism has manifested itself in the form of large, bold investments in the country. The construction sector is one of the beneficiaries of this growth. But a change that’s roiling numerous industries is the growing focus on adopting everything that’s green and good for the environment. It is the culmination of these two massive trends that will shape the future of the Indian intelligent building management systems (IBMS) market.

Putting this growth into numbers, Transparency Market Research says that the IBMS market will post a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 28.1% between 2015 and 2021. The market is predicted to rise from its 2014 value of US$780.0 mn in 2014 to a remarkable US$4,347.7 mn by 2021.

As Indian Hospitality Sector Shines, Positive Investor Sentiment Prevails in India’s IBMS Market

According to the Investment and Technology Promotion Division of the Indian government’s Ministry of External Affairs, the services sector in the country has gained immensely from the strong growth exhibited by the hospitality and tourism industry. The number of foreign tourists arriving in India was over seven million from January to November 2015. The hospitality industry is riding high on the surging tourism wave and it is expected that the number of online hotel bookings will nearly double by 2016 as access to smartphones and the internet is becoming easier.

The stupendous rise of the hospitality sector in India will augur well for the growth of the intelligent building management systems market in the country. There is expected to be a high demand for communications systems, general lighting controls, access control, HVAC automation, and security controls.

Most Investments in IBMS Channeled into South India, Potential of East India Hard to Overlook

Transparency Market Research has said in its report that the market for intelligent building management systems in India was the largest in South India in 2014. Moreover, this region will retain its leading position in the country’s BIMS market over the next seven years with over 30% of the market. It is easy to see why. A number of enterprises in the Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala have made appreciable investments in intelligent building management systems. The residential and commercial construction sector in this region is strong, and provides a favorable setting for the growth of the BIMS market. 


However, the Eastern parts of India, which have not shown remarkable growth thus far, are now reaping the benefits of several government initiatives and investments by private organizations. This will make Eastern India the fastest-growing region in the Indian BIMS market. The setting up of new manufacturing plants in the region and the impressive growth of the construction sector here can be credited for this.

Global Rooftop Solar PV Market’s Emerging Trend: Rent-a-Roof

The global rooftop solar PV market is projected to progress at a healthy CAGR of 11.0% during the forecast period from 2015 to 2023, according to Transparency Market Research (TMR). In 2014, the global rooftop solar PV market was estimated at US$1.7 bn and by 2023, the market is expected to be worth US$4.5 bn.

Regionally, the global rooftop solar PV market is divided into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World. Several government and non-government firms in the global rooftop solar PV market are increasingly launching rent-a-roof schemes. Let us look at this trend in detail:

What is the Rent-a-Roof Scheme?

In the rent-a-roof scheme, a company offers to fit and maintain solar panels on a homeowner’s roof for free. Power companies in the global rooftop solar PV market have an urgent need for roof space and are increasingly offering such schemes. This trend started with deals between energy companies and several large companies and local municipalities that wanted to install solar panels on large premises in return for a fee.

Which Companies are Providing such Schemes?

Several companies around the world have launched such schemes. Furthermore, these companies in the global rooftop solar PV market are targeting the residential segment. According to TMR, the global rooftop solar PV market is led by the residential segment, which held a share of 61.2% in 2014. Some of the companies providing these schemes in the global rooftop solar PV market are A Shade Greener, HomeSun, Prologis, Duke Energy, and Southern California Edison.

How will this Scheme Impact the Consumer?

Many homeowners are interested in such schemes because they get an income from renting out their roofs to companies that manage the installation and energy generation from rooftop solar PV panels. However, there are certain rent-a-roof schemes in the market in which the installation companies and not the homeowner earn money. In such schemes, homeowners can save money on their electricity bill. Nevertheless, when compared to buying the panels, homeowners reap the rewards of free energy and the tariff payments.

How are Emerging Markets Reacting to this Trend?

At present, the rent-a-roof scheme is more prominent in the developed markets of North America and Europe. However, many emerging markets in the global rooftop solar PV market are catching up on this trend. For example, in India, solar power project developers are now expanding the rent-a-roof concept to sell electricity to large commercial and industrial consumers.

What is the Future of this Trend?

Competition in the global solar PV market is fierce. Companies are continuously trying to outdo each other by launching more affordable and efficient products. In addition to this, cost is also another factor companies in the global rooftop solar PV market are competing on. With the declining cost of installation of PV, the profitability from rent-a-scheme projects is projected to increase.

Increasing Number of MSMEs Drives Growth of Global Telecom Enterprise Services Market

The global telecom enterprise services market is growing by leaps and bounds. The massive rise of micro, small, and medium-size enterprises (MSMEs) globally is propelling the demand for telecom enterprise services significantly.

According to a report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the worldwide telecom enterprise services market generated US$148.7 bn in 2014. Analysts predict this market to expand at a CAGR of 4.10% between 2015 and 2023 and reach an estimated value of US$217.9 bn by the end of 2023.

The rising investments in emerging countries, supported by their improving economic condition, and the increase in enterprise IT spending across the world are projected to boost this market in the forthcoming years.

North America to Retain Leadership in Global Telecom Enterprise Services Market
North America generated the highest revenue in the global market for telecom enterprise services in 2014. The presence of a large pool of telecom services providers, as well as the rising number of small- and medium-size enterprises and startups, has significantly driven the telecom enterprise services market in North America. These trends are likely to be continued in the coming years, ensuring the dominance of this market in future.

Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is likely to register the fastest growth rate in the global market. The robust GDP and improving economic conditions in major countries in the region and the refurbishment of small and medium industrial firms and manufacturing companies are projected to drive the demand for telecom enterprise services over the next few years.

Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are also expected to present lucrative opportunities to telecom enterprise services providers, encouraging them to invest in these regional markets.

Mergers, Acquisitions, and Introduction of New Services to Strengthen Providers’ Presence
Mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are the topmost strategies adopted by telecom enterprise services providers in order to expand their reach in the global arena. Introduction of new services is another important approach taken up by major companies.


In a recent announcement, Hong Kong Broadband Network (HKBN), a fiber optic telecom company, stated that it is purchasing New World Telephone Holdings Ltd. (NWTHL). The deal, aimed at strengthening the presence of HKBN in the enterprise segment, will cost US$83.6 mn.

Nokia, one of the world’s biggest telecom equipment manufacturers, is also spreading its legs in the global telecom enterprise services market. It recently launched cloud transformation services and data centers in India. With this move, the company intends to enable telecom services vendors to provide cloud-based enterprise services in the Indian market.

Telarus, Intracom Telecom, Converged Network Services Group, Intelisys Communications, X4 Solutions, Advoda Communications, WTG Technologies, Telecom Brokerage, Telecom Brokers, and Business Communications Management are the other prominent telecom enterprise services providers across the world.

Wednesday 24 February 2016

Global HBOT Devices Market to Register 7.20% CAGR from 2014 to 2020 owing to Rising Incidence of Chronic Wounds

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a procedure that is used to deliver pure oxygen under high atmospheric pressures to tissues in the human body. In HBOT devices, the atmospheric pressure is raised up to three times more in comparison with the normal pressure. When a tissue of the human body gets injured, it may need some more quantity of oxygen to heal properly. HBOT devices increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in the human body and improve the oxygen delivery to minimize injury and fight with infections.

The growing prevalence of chronic and acute wounds, rising incidence of wound site infections, and growing popularity of leisure and adventure activities are some of the major factors that are driving the global HBOT devices market. However, limited HBOT reimbursement coverage and the high cost of HBOT are the factors that are expected to hamper the growth of the market in the coming years. 

According to a study presented by Transparency Market Research, in 2013, the global market for hyperbaric oxygen therapy devices was worth US$1.8 bn and is projected to reach a value of US$2.9 bn by the end of 2020. This market is estimated to exhibit a healthy 7.20% CAGR between 2014 and 2020.

Based on product type: The global HBOT devices market can be divided into topical, multiplace, and monoplace HBOT devices.
  • In 2013, the monoplace HBOT devices segment dominated the global market and was valued at US$900 mn. 
  • The high growth rate of this segment can be attributed to several factors such as high commercial availability, high adoption rate, and accessibility of different types of monoplace chambers. 
  • Moreover, the monoplace oxygen devices segment is estimated to register the highest growth rate in the near future, owing to the easy device installation/set-up and procurement process, which will indirect fuel the growth of the global market.
Based on application: The global HBOT devices market can be segmented into gas embolism, wound healing, infection treatment, decompressing sickness, and others. 
  • In 2013, the wound healing segment held the largest share in the global HBOT devices market and is expected to remain in the leading position in the next few years. 
  • This segment is projected to exhibit a 7.90% CAGR between 2014 and 2020. 
  • The significant growth of the wound healing segment is due to the growing prevalence of chronic and acute wounds such as diabetic pressure ulcers and foot ulcers and the availability of effective therapeutics of HBOT in severe conditions.
Based on geography: The global HBOT devices market can be classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. 
  • In 2013, the North America HBOT devices market led the overall market owing to the growing adoption of hyperbaric therapy and the presence of a large number of hyperbaric therapy centers in this region. 
  • In addition, constant technological advancements in this field and the increasing distribution network of international players are further augmenting the growth of the global HBOT devices market. 
  • In recent years, the Asia Pacific HBOT devices market has witnessed rapid growth due to the growing incidence of diabetes and related complications, including chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, the improving healthcare infrastructure, and growing participation of international players in this market.
Browse Research Press Release: 

The prominent players operating in the global HBOT devices market include Sechrist Industries, Inc., ETC Biomedical System, Hearmec Co., Ltd., SOS Medical Group Ltd., OxyHeal Health Group, Fink Engineering Pty Ltd., Hyperbaric SAC., Haux-Life-Support GmbH, Gulf Coast Hyperbaric, Inc., and IHC Hytech B.V.

Global Mice Model Market Gains Impetus from Rising Use of Mice Models for Conducting Genetic Research

In the last couple of decades, mouse modelling has emerged as a premier mammalian model system for conducting effective genetic research. Mice models have long remained the basis of fundamental and applied research in life science, and are continuing to exhibit robust growth. Due to the close psychological and genetic similarities between mice and humans, scientists hailing from diverse biomedical fields have gravitated to mice models. Furthermore, the ease with which the genomes of mice can be manipulated and analyzed has also given a boost to the global mice model market.

In its latest report, Transparency Market Research has pegged the overall value of the global mice model at US$1 bn in 2014. The market is projected to reach US$1.7 bn by the end of 2023. If the figures hold true, the global mice model market will exhibit a 6.4% CAGR between 2015 and 2023. Although worms, yeasts, and flies are considered excellent models for scrutinizing the cell cycle and development process, mice have proven to be a far better tool for studying the nervous, skeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine, immune, and other complex physiological systems that mammals share. 

Genetic Similarities of Mice with Other Mammals Boost Market for Mice Model

Like humans and several other mammals, mice often develop diseases that negatively affecttheir immune systems such as cancer, diabetes, oestoporasis, hypertension, glaucoma, and others. Furthermore, certain diseases that affect humans but do not naturally occur in mice, such as Alzheimer’s and cystic fibrosis, can be induced in mice by manipulating their genome to study the effect of novel therapeutics in the treatment of such ailments. The demand for mice model, therefore, increases with the rising funding in research and development to find possible cures for chronic ailments.

Mice present low cost of maintenance and have the ability to multiply rapidly, reproducing as often as nine weeks. This further adds to their appeal as models for biomedical research.

Development of New Therapeutics with Mice Models Propels Mice Model Market

Development of mice models for studying the effects of potential therapeutics in the treatment of certain specific diseases and debilitating health conditions has accelerated tremendously in the last couple of years. The development has been so rapid that mice models have become indispensable in the evaluation of both pipeline and established treatment modalities, particularly in cases of cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, and metabolic anomalies.

Application of mice models in drug discovery enables the development of novel therapeutics strategies, target identification and validation, disease treatment, drug screening, and toxicity and safety screening.


Ethical Issues and Stringent Regulations Hinder Global Mice Model Market

The latest advances in genetic engineering that assist in evaluating a drug’s mechanism of action will boost the market for drug discovery. This in turn is likely to fuel demand from the mice model market. However, on the flip side, stringent regulatory frameworks precisely controlling the use of animals for research in laboratories, rising concerns pertaining to animal cruelty, and other ethical concerns related to the use of animals will have an adverse impact on the overall mice model market.

Global Home Rehabilitation Products and Services Market Fueled by Rising Independence of Post-op Patients and Geriatrics

The global home rehabilitation products and services market, according to Transparency Market Research, is poised to expand at a healthy CAGR of 8.50% from 2015 to 2023. The value of this market was pegged at US$84.2 bn in 2014 and this is forecast to rise to US$176.1 bn by 2023. This growth can be attributed to a number of factors, including the burgeoning presence of chronic diseases, the growing base of major consumers, the changing demographics of the global population, and the significantly rising patient pool and disposable income in emerging economies. 

Looking to make the most of these growth factors are the major players within the global home rehabilitation products and services market: Stryker Corporation, Invacare Corporation, ergoline GmbH, Prism Medical Ltd., TecnoBody S.r.l., Active Medical & Rehabilitation Services Pvt. Ltd., Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc., Patterson Medical Holdings, Inc., Medline Industries, Inc., AliMed, Inc., Hocoma AG, DJO Global, Inc., and RehabCare.

Rising Trend of Home Rehabilitation Spurring Technological Innovations

Recognizing the success of the home rehabilitation products and services market, a number of players in various verticals of the healthcare industry have begun focusing on developing equipment and gadgets that can benefit patients undergoing rehabilitation at home. Earlier this month, researchers at the Imperial College London and the University of Southampton announced their plan to develop a wearable technology that will help stroke victims with their recovery. One of the main inspirations for this new tool, as told by Jane Burridge, the lead researcher of the project, is the fact that stroke rehabilitation is becoming increasingly home-based owing to the rapid discharge of patients from the hospital. Home rehabilitation, Burridge says, encourages independence among the patients and also avoids a number of problems associated with prolonged stays in hospitals. 

The wearable sleeve works with an app and uses MMG microphone-like sensors and inertial measurement units. The sensors are capable of detecting muscle vibrations and can produce the required data, which can then be transferred on to a tablet with the help of an app. Doctors can use this information to evaluate a patient’s recovery.

Why North America Holds the Largest Share in the Global Market

Among the five major regional segments that comprise the global home rehabilitation products and services market, namely Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa, North America dominates the overall market. In 2014, North America held the largest share in the home rehabilitation products and services market owing to a number of factors such as the growing prevalence of geriatrics, the rise in access to quality healthcare, the availability of reimbursement policies from private and public health insurance companies, the increased prevalence of chronic diseases, the surge in the number of surgical procedures, the rising incidence of respiratory infections, and the mounting cost of hospital stay. 


Here’s How the Plunge in Prices is Pushing Oil and Gas Companies to Invest in Big Data

With oil prices taking a massive hit in recent years, the many operational risks that oil and gas companies were already facing have amplified. One false move could cost oil and gas companies heavily in the face of massive uncertainties pertaining to purchase decisions and demand.

Such a scenario is forcing companies in the oil and gas sector to extract the value of the last dollar from their available resources and capabilities. The role of big data and analytics has consequently become important in the oil and gas sector, if recent trends are anything to go by. By implementing big data solutions, companies in the O&G sector are hoping to maximize revenue, scale down spends, and tackle risks better.

Here’s a snapshot of this trend:
  • Hardware developers are leveraging their capabilities with sensors to formulate new solutions specifically for the oil and gas sector.
  • Software vendors and developers are providing solutions that can swiftly glean through massive swathes of data to spot patterns that can be used for better decision making.
  • Areas where big data and analytics are sought after in the O&G sector are optimization of resources for deployment to rigs, anticipating wear- and tear-related expenses, and forecasting recovery factors.
  • Solutions that offer mitigation of risks that arise during production and exploration are also in demand among oil and gas companies. Technology can help anticipate risks such as equipment failure and events such as accidents.
  • While some companies like Environmental BioTechnologies are combining their sensor development capabilities with seismic data analysis, others such as HiFi Engineering are providing products such as smart pumps and intelligent connected tools.
Companies have now realized that when faced with tough times, the use of big data and analytics can help them secure a competitive advantage. This factor will promote the use of big data in the oil and gas industry.

Will Time Inc. Make a Bid that Yahoo Can’t Refuse?

Yahoo! Inc’s core internet being on sale has created ripples in the tech industry and speculation is now rife about who would make the first bid to acquire the company’s core internet business. A report in Reuters said this week that Time Inc, which already publishers magazines such as People, Sports Illustrated, and Time, has been considering making a bid to acquire Yahoo’s core internet arm. The core business of Yahoo is composed of Yahoo Mail, advertising technology, and its sports and news content sites.

Time Inc has reportedly been toying with the idea for several weeks now, Reuters said citing a source familiar with the matter who could not be named because they were not permitted to speak to the media on the matter.

To this end, Time Inc has been in talks with bankers so as to pursue the deal with Yahoo. Despite running prestigious magazines read by millions of people worldwide, Time Inc’s revenue from print advertising has been shrinking. This has prompted the company to make inroads into the digital domain by acquiring online properties and strengthen its digital presence.

In fact, recent moves by the company are testament to this business strategy it hopes to deploy. Case in point: Time Inc earlier in February that it would be buying MySpace, a pioneering in the social networking domain.

However, Time Inc will have to compete with other companies that are expected to raise a bid to acquire the core internet business of Yahoo Inc. The fiercest fight is expected to be put up with Verizon Communications Inc as the company already now owns AOL and has said that it would be interested in owning the core business of Yahoo too. Market analysts have valued Yahoo’s core business between US$6 bn and US$8 bn. The company officially put its core business arm up for sale on Friday.

Probiotics Could Hold Key to Ending Global Food Scarcity, Revolutionizing Medicine

Probiotics are clusters of bacteria living in the human digestive system that are claimed to provide a host of health benefits to the host. Among the benefits thought to originate from probiotics, also called gut flora, are better regulation of the digestive process and reduced risk of gastric disorders. While the term ‘probiotic’ came into common use in the second half of the 20th century, the idea of modifying the makeup of gut flora had been touted as early as 1907, by Nobel laureate Élie Metchnikoff.

In modern times, the probiotics market has gained speed due to the growing awareness among the masses about gut health. The increasing preference to proactively maintain a healthy lifestyle and avoid diseases rather than spending vast sums on treating them is also responsible for the growing demand from the global probiotics market. According to leading market analysis and intelligence firm Transparency Market Research, the global probiotics market is expected to rise from a valuation of US$62.6 bn to US$96 bn by 2020.

Synlogic’s Designer Probiotics Program Moves One Step Closer to Fruition

Cambridge-based biotech company Synlogic recently raised US$40 mn in a Series B round, bringing its total investment to US$70 million. Synlogic plans to utilize customized medicine generated from probiotics to treat the cause of several diseases. Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the primary diseases aimed by Synlogic in its primary phase. This approach helps root out not just the disease itself but the condition that led to the disease in the first place.

Research Report: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/probiotics-market.html

This program, if successful, would represent a major advancement in the field of probiotics. Currently, the major consumer group of the global probiotics market is health-conscious consumers looking to maintain and enhance their gut health in an altogether generic way. Success in developing these customizable probiotics-derived medicines would lead to the formation of a brand new consumer demographic: patients looking to treat specific bowel disorders, adding a new facet to the growth prospects of the global probiotics market.

Probiotics for Plants to Ameliorate Food Scarcity

Like humans, plants have also evolved to utilize a particular set of bacteria to their benefit. Plant probiotics can provide several benefits to plants, aiding their overall yield. This has emerged as a crucial potential benefit of probiotics.

The development of agriculture from its humble roots in prehistoric times to the mechanized goliath of modern times has led to severe damage to the environment. The rising global population has necessitated increasing crop yields, but many pesticides have had a similar effect to antibiotics, causing a severe reduction in the levels of plant-friendly bacteria along with harmful weeds and pests. This has led to the development of a new, radical method: utilizing probiotics to naturally increase plant yield.

Another Cambridge-based startup, Indigo, estimates that using probiotics on a large scale could raise crop yield by 10%, with the gains in crop yield increasing as the technology becomes more refined. This breakthrough could potentially have world-changing applications and it’s not far-fetched to suggest this probiotics-based method could herald the start of a second Green Revolution.

Thus, with new innovations waiting to pop out of the pipeline, the global probiotics market is set to witness a rising trajectory in the coming years.

Tuesday 23 February 2016

Rising Usage of Machine Vision Technology in Food and Beverage Industry to Fuel Machine Vision Market

Machine vision is a type of technology used to help computers in visualizing the work environment. This technology is utilized to automatically inspect images captured by it, after which they are analyzed. It helps in process control, automatic inspection, and robot guidance in a particular industry. It uses smart cameras and image processing devices in place of manual measurements and inspections. These smart cameras run independently and operate without using computers. The growing adoption of machine vision systems within non-industrial and industrial sectors is predicted to raise the growth of the market for machine vision in the coming years. Machine visions systems are used in a number of areas such as electronics, semiconductors, the food and beverage industry, packaging, automobiles, textiles, banking, security and surveillance, and traffic controlling, among others.

Transparency Market Research (TMR), a market research company, throws light on the usage of machine vision technology in the food and beverage industry and elaborates on the ways this technology has transformed the overall industry.
  • Harvesting and Quality Control: Machine vision technology enables automated harvesting and thus reduces the overall costs. The automated harvesting process can also be extended to product processing and grading. For instance, nowadays this technology is employed for apple picking and vegetable root removal processes. Machine vision technology is also used to ensure quality control owing to the fact that quality plays a key role in the growth of premium brand foods. Machine-vision-based quality control systems ensure uniform distribution of buns and pizza toppings and are being adopted in a number of international food chains globally.
  • Grading-sorting and Picking-packing: Machine vision technology also maximizes the overall quality of bulk produce, such as rice and pulses, by the removal of contaminants. In addition, the grading of meats, fruits, and potatoes ensures premium prices for a number of brands. Furthermore, machine vision systems working in collaboration with robotics allow consistent packaging, even in cases where a number of products have been mixed, and ensure proper display of foods within the packaged containers.
  • Bottling and Food Safety: Machine vision systems are used to ensure accurate fill levels in bottles. This technology ensures the safety of customers by checking for proper seals and caps in bottles. In addition, they keep the manufacturer informed about any type of contamination within the liquid stored in sealed bottles. This is why these systems are being widely employed within a number of segments of the food and beverages industry.
  • In-Store Analytics and Easy Checkouts in Supermarkets and Hypermarkets: Machine vision systems are also used for automatic identification of any kind of suspicious behavior or known criminals in malls and supermarkets. In addition, a number of supermarkets and hypermarkets globally have installed self-service machine vision technology, in which shoppers can pay on their own without the need for any assistant at the checkout point. This self-service machine vision technology has reduced the occurrence of fraud and has enhanced the overall shopping experience of customers.
Browse Press Release:http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/machine-vision-technologies.htm

Emission Control Regulations Lead to Increased Focus on Development of Biobased High Performance Anti-corrosion Coatings

High performance anti-corrosion coatings are a variety of enhanced protective coatings used for protecting concrete and metal structures from damage caused by exposure to corrosive surroundings. Owing to attributes such as durability, good gloss retention, better resistance to heat and moisture, and excellent adhesion on substrates, high performance anti-corrosion coatings are also sometimes called heavy-duty coatings.

These coatings find primary usage in paper and pulp mills, oil and gas production and processing plants, power generation plants, chemical processing plants, and construction sites. High performance anti-corrosion coatings are also used to protect pipes, ships, and other structures commonly used in marine surroundings.

Stringent Emission Regulations Lead to Increased Interest in Biobased Coatings

Currently, high performance anti-corrosion coatings are manufactured primarily from petrochemical-derived raw materials. Coating resins such as acrylic, epoxy, urethane, ethyl silicate, alkyd, polyester, and vinyl are the key products used in the manufacture of high performance anti-corrosion coatings.

Epoxy resins, which currently account for over 55% of the global high performance anti-corrosion coatings market in terms of volume, are noted for features such as high mechanical strength and excellent corrosion and abrasion resistance. Their demand is expected to remain high in the future years; epoxy resins can be manufactured with the help of biobased raw materials, which could also lead to a reduced dependency on petrochemicals.

The demand for acrylics-based coatings is also rising at a high pace on a global front owing to their high compatibility with metals, chemically inert nature, and better color and gloss retention capability even when subjected to harsh environmental conditions. These coatings are thus expected to replace other prominent varieties of high performance anti-corrosion coatings, especially the category of alkyd-based coatings, which is still favored by consumers owing to their easy applicability.

Focus of Research Activities on Development of Less Harmful Coatings
The global market for high performance anti-corrosion coatings, which had a valuation of US$11.95 bn in 2014, is projected to rise at a healthy 4.8% CAGR over the period between 2015 and 2023. Though demand for products currently available in the market is significant, and has the potential of driving good market growth in the years to come, the market is projected to be affected by several environmental regulations concerning emission of volatile organic compounds, especially in developed regions such as Europe and North America.

Thus, most of the research activities currently seen in the field of high performance anti-corrosion coatings are focused on the development of coatings that are biobased and thus free from VOCs. Waterbornes complying with emission regulations are being developed, and the global interest in acrylic-based waterborne coatings is rapidly increasing. However, formulation of these varieties of compliant coatings is more difficult when compared to conventional coatings.


Several other research and development projects in the global high performance anti-corrosion coatings market are focused on the development of:
  • Coatings with low levels of leachable toxics for use in potable water supply systems
  • Coatings that can be applied to concrete containment structures for avoiding the migration of chemicals into concrete
  • Coatings that contain no or miniscule proportions of potentially hazardous organic solvents and harmful heavy metal pigments
  • Coatings to be used on the bottom sides of oceangoing vessels with the capability of limiting buildup of organisms on the vessel’s body but having no biocides that can cause harm to the environment

Asia Pacific to Emerge as Major Bunker Fuel Market: Strategic Location of Ports, Rising Consumerism Driving Growth

In marine fleet operations, the fuel that is loaded into a ship’s bunker and powers its engines is bunker fuel. Bunker fuel can be obtained as a distillate or residue of crude oil, with the latter accounting for a share of close to 75% in the global bunker fuel market in 2013. Intermediate fuel oils of grades IFO 180 and IFO 380, which are residual fuel oil types, are the most preferred due to their low cost and easy combustibility. Fuel oil, as bunker fuel is also known, is used in thermal plants, gas turbines, marine engines for transportation, electrical power applications etc. Over a period of time, due to the development of high-power diesel engines that run on fuel oil, today commercial shipping has become a major industry. The occupation has enabled trade between distantly located regions across the world for economic development.
 
Fuel Purchase Prices and Sulfur Emission Concerns Decide Viability of Marine Fleet Operations

For vessel and ship operators, bunker fuel costs make up almost 70% of the entire voyage expenses, which is why the purchase of the fuel at economical prices is essential. To obtain the best prices, fleet operators either prefer a single bunkering port or multiple ports en route for optimizing the purchase cost of bunker fuel.
 
Nevertheless, in recent years, bunker fuel has been subjected to sulfur emission regulations, thereby mandating marine fleet operators to use clean fuel grades. In particular, these stipulations are significant for regions that are identified as emission control areas (ECA) for reducing the implications of marine transportation activities on aquatic life and human health. For these reasons, middle distillate and low-sulfur fuels are increasingly being traded at major ports around the world.
 
Strategic Location of Ports in APAC, Europe Proffers Expansion Avenues
 
In marine trade, the strategic location of ports in major trade waterways is important in many ways. Not only are these ports major hubs of trade activities, but they also receive attention from authorities for development of the necessary infrastructure. For these reasons, these ports have emerged as prime bunkering destinations as well. For example, the Port of Fujairah and the Port of Singapore are large bunkering stations where a sizeable share of trade in the global bunker fuel market is recorded. Thus, Asia Pacific is significantly important for the bunker fuel industry in the coming years. The region is also home to some of the world’s major commodity consumption centers, which require robust marine infrastructure for large volume trade through waterways.
 
In countries in the European Union, inland waterways are an important channel for freight transport and directly impact domestic distributive trade, international trade, and economic development. In these countries, some ports are junctions that connect inland waterways and have emerged as important trading routes. Consequently, large bunkering stations have developed in the proximity of these junctions across the continent. The Port of Gibraltar and the Port of Rotterdam have emerged as significant bunkering stations due to their proximity to port junctions.
 
In the supply of bunker fuel, large oil giants, small independent suppliers, and large independent bunker suppliers are the three major categories of companies involved in the business. In the bunker fuel industry, World Fuel Services Corporation and Chemoil Energy Limited are the two top oil companies that have bunkering services at all major ports in the world. Large corporations own their storage terminals and blending units at major ports – the major differentiator from small-sized corporations that deal in bunker fuel. On the contrary, small-sized companies operate from leased facilities due to financial constraints. Asia Pacific being recognized as the major region for the bunker fuel market, large companies are setting up bunkering facilities in the region.
 

Global Consumer Products and Retail Market Reinvented with Cloud and Big Data

Data management, as related to support, production, and even design, forms the core of product lifecycle management (PLM). Therefore, PLM is a direct causation for the final call on product development processes in all companies. Given that PLM is subject to change according to variables including performance, functionality, and time, these factors are therefore directly responsible for the changes that occur in a product innovation process. This is extremely critical, as most organizations are dedicated to time-based product delivery models.

Why PLM is a Necessity Today
We have a defined set of challenges that apply to the consumer products and retail markets. These include the negative effects of globalization, the restriction of time on innovation, and the increasing demand for large-scale customization. An efficient PLM solution can be perfect to help organizations with these obstacles, making the global PLM market one of the most sought after ones there is. Proving this is the CAGR exhibited by the global PLM market – 10.4% between 2015 and 2022. The market was valued at US$2.8 bn in 2014 and is expected to reach close to US$6.3 bn by 2022.

The key reason for the growth of the global retail and consumer products market is the massive shift in platforms. End-use sectors are becoming increasingly nontraditional, which is creating large pockets left to be filled in by new processes and technologies. These include the massively popular cloud platforms and big data analytics. It is not just the large enterprises that are employing these platforms; even small and mid-sized companies are looking to take advantage of cloud-based PLM solutions, as they help boost the ROI. The modern methods also offer product management and increased productivity within the global market for retail and consumer products for all its manufacturers. This is expected to boost the global PLM market for the time being.

Major Consumer Products and Retail Players Focus on Expanding Product Lines
Samsung, one of the largest names in the global consumer goods industry, has recently announced a new range of products in consumer electronics as well as new models of other products. The electronics giant has not only unveiled two new smartphones, but also a host of new products, including a new line of air conditioners, 5-in-1 smart refrigerators, washing machines, as well as a printer that uses Android OS. The company is planning to create a wave of smart products that can integrate themselves seamlessly in a consumer’s life and function in ways that make life easier. This approach to ‘smart living’ is not Samsung’s alone. Multiple companies are planning to incorporate their products in modern concepts such as the Internet of Things and network integration and remote connectivity.

Browse Press Release: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/consumer-products-retail-market.htm

A lot of companies, including IBM Corporation, Accenture PLC, Oracle Corporation, SAP SE, and Hewlett-Packard Company, are moving towards the use of PLM solutions or being the providers of PLM solutions in the market for end-use enterprises in the retail and consumer products market. This shows how the scenario in multiple consumer-oriented industries is changing and how all players need to adapt in order to survive the shift in phases.

Global Embedded System Market to Reach US$233.13 bn by 2021 owing to Increasing Demand for Smart Devices

Embedded systems are primarily deployed in advanced devices such as smart meters to ensure accurate functioning. Embedded systems are a single-purpose, application-specific computer, which are designed into a larger system to monitor and control the overall system.

The rising demand for various embedded systems with embedded graphics and multi-core technologies is predicted to propel the global embedded system market in the years to come. Further, the increasing demand for power-efficient and smarter electronic devices is expected to boost the global embedded system market in the next few years.  

Global Embedded System Market to Expand at 6.40% CAGR from 2015 to 2021

The increasing adoption of embedded systems across the globe is predicted to contribute towards the growth of the global embedded system market. Recently, in Fremont, CA, American Portwell Technology, Inc., a global leader in the Industrial PC market, announced the launch of the new WEBS-21A0 fanless embedded system featuring the 15W SKUs of 5th-generation Intel Core processor product family. The compact, rugged design, and high performance capability would make the WEBS-21A0 an ideal solution for applications in digital signage, kiosks, in-vehicle mobile video surveillance, defense, and medical purposes. With its greater processing power, support for 4K resolution, and high performance capability, Portwell’s WEBS-21A0 is an ideal solution for 3D video/image applications.

The global embedded system market is predicted to expand at a 6.40% CAGR during the period between 2015 and 2021 owing to the impact analysis of drivers, the increasing demand for smart devices, and the increasing applications of embedded systems across various industries, especially in the automobile industry. The global embedded system market is predicted to progress from US$152.94 bn in 2014 to US$233.13 bn by 2021.

Automotive Segment to Register Maximum Demand for Embedded Systems

The increasing demand for processors with embedded graphics and multi-core technologies is set to boost the global embedded system market in the next few years. However, design restraints on real-time embedded systems are expected to hamper the growth of the global embedded system market throughout the forecast period. The constant evaluation of the Internet of Things (IoT) will create growth opportunities in the global embedded system market.

Browse Press Release: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/embedded-system.htm

The global embedded system market is segmented on the basis of application, geography, type, functionality, and microcontroller. Based on functionality, the global embedded system market is classified into real-time, standalone, mobile, and networked. In 2014, the global embedded system market was dominated by the real-time segment. Automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, telecommunications, industrial, aerospace and defense, and others are some of the applications of embedded systems. In 2014, the global embedded system market was dominated by the automotive segment, which accounted for 18% of the market.

North America to Lead Global Embedded Systems Market

Based on geography, the global embedded system market is divided into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and Rest of the World. In 2014, the global embedded system market was dominated by North America, with a share of more than 36%. Some of the prominent players operating in the global embedded system market are Atmel Corporation (U.S.), HCL Technologies, Ltd. (India), Infosys, Ltd. (India), Microsoft Corporation (U.S.), Renesas Electronics Corporation (Japan), Texas Instruments, Inc. (U.S.), Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. (U.S.), Intel Corporation (U.S.), Infineon Technologies AG (Germany), and NXP Semiconductors (Netherlands).

Monday 22 February 2016

Demand from China to Steer Market for Sulfuric Acid Ahead

Sulfuric acid, which has the chemical formula H2SO4, is an indispensable part of the industrial sector. It goes into the production of several other chemical compounds, and there’s hardly an industrial sector worldwide that doesn’t use sulfuric acid in one form or another given its highly reactive nature. With a bevy of applications where it witnesses demand, the global sulfuric acid market has been reporting steady growth over the years.

It is used in the production of synthetic chemicals and while producing fertilizers. It is also pivotal to applications that require pH neutralization – especially in the wastewater industry. Given its desirable attributes as a leaching agent, sulfuric acid is also used in mining and metal applications.

Rising Demand for Chemicals Augurs well for Sulfuric Acid Market

The demand for fertilizers is rising considerably in developing economies with a strong agrarian base. With countries such as India, China, and Brazil are consuming tons of fertilizers every year, the use of sulfuric acid will also show an uptick in these regions. The chemicals industry in China has established its supremacy in terms of both production and consumption of chemicals. As the largest producer of chemicals in the world, China produces over 45,000 different types of chemicals every year. This has attracted foreign companies to make investments in China’s thriving chemicals industry. All of these factors will make the sulfuric acid market in China especially strong.

Fertilizers Industry to Consumer Highest Volume of Sulfuric Acid

The consumption of sulfuric acid will remain the highest in the fertilizers sector as there is currently a pressing need to increase productivity of crops even with arable the amount of arable land reducing to make way for urban infrastructure. In 2014, the fertilizers segment alone consumed over 60% of the sulfuric acid produced worldwide. The demand for sulfuric acid in chemical synthesis is also on the rise and this space will generate massive demand for sulfuric acid over the next six to seven years.

Increasing Application of M2M Technology in Healthcare Industry Opens Up New Avenues for Growth of Global Healthcare M2M Market

The healthcare sector is being positively influenced by machine-to-machine (M2M) technology in the past few years. This technology has introduced the healthcare industry to the IT ecosystem, enabling it to widen its scope of services with efficiency. The development of the healthcare M2M market has simplified sharing of healthcare-related data, which may include personal information of the patient, medical history, clinical data, diagnostic results, prescription information, and other data relevant to the treatment of the patient. Application of M2M services in the healthcare industry has also brought in the convenience of assisted living, home monitoring, clinical monitoring, and telemedicine. With a wide range of applications, M2M healthcare systems are poised to revolutionize the quality of healthcare for the ever-increasing global population.

Cisco Leads Healthcare M2M Market

Some of the key players in the global healthcare M2M market are Gemalto NV, GE Healthcare, Apple Inc., Athenahealth, Inc., Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc., IBM Corporation, Cisco Systems Inc., Stanley Healthcare, AT&T Inc., and Sierra Wireless Inc. Cisco holds a key position in the healthcare M2M market. The company caters to a very niche demand for cellular-based router products. Its hardened routers come with 3G/4G connectivity and are on the higher side of the price and functionality. The M2M network security solution provided by Cisco is known as Cisco Integrated Services Router 819 M2M gateway. This includes Cisco IOS software, which is a very secure solution specifically made for M2M applications. 

The global healthcare M2M market is segmented on the basis of component, application, and geography. On the basis of component, this market is segmented into connectivity services, M2M modules, and M2M applications and platforms. The applications of these components are seen in areas of patient well-being, medical facilities, sports and fitness, and others such as implants and research and education. Geographically, the market is segmented into Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, North America, and the Middle East and Africa.


Increasing Healthcare Expenditure Propels Global Healthcare M2M Market

According to research analysts, the global M2M healthcare market is expected to grow at an accelerated pace due to the increasing healthcare expenditure across the globe. Furthermore, the increasing efficiency in healthcare IT systems with better connectivity, high adoption of wearable devices, and increasing usage of M2M in healthcare are also expected to fuel the growth of this market. 

Asia Pacific Healthcare M2M Market to Expand at a CAGR of 26.9% from 2015 to 2022
In terms of geography, North America held the largest share of 34% in the healthcare M2M market in 2014. This was attributable to the improving healthcare productivity in the region as well as a good balance between the demand and supply of patient-centric healthcare. The growing demand for healthcare in North America is a result of the high incidence of chronic diseases and the rising geriatric population. Analysts predict that the healthcare M2M market in Asia Pacific will show a CAGR of 26.9% from 2015 to 2022 due to expanding healthcare infrastructure.

Global Blood Gas and Electrolyte Analyzers Market: Key Players Develop New Products with Advanced Features to Drive Market at 9.66% CAGR

As versatile diagnostic devices, blood gas and electrolyte analyzers have gained immense popularity across the medical fraternity. Diagnostic outcomes gained with the help of these devices, coupled with other tests, have led to accurate diagnosis of various chronic diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and drug overdose. The global blood gas and electrolyte analyzer market is estimated to expand at a CAGR of 9.66% during the period between 2015 and 2023. The overall market was worth US$1.44 bn in 2014 and is anticipated to stand at a valuation of US$3.48 bn by 2023. 

Demand for Handheld Blood Gas and Electrolyte Analyzers Increasing Rapidly

Some of the key devices available in the global blood gas and electrolyte analyzer market are combination analyzer, blood gas analyzer, electrolyte analyzer, and consumables including electrolytes, cartridges, and electrodes. It has been observed that the demand for analyzers with narrow analysis profiles is slowing down and the market is being flooded by devices with wider analysis profiles. The demand for handheld blood gas and electrolyte analyzers is rapidly increasing but these devices would not replace the traditional table-top analyzers completely. In 2014, the combination analyzer segment accounted for the largest share in the market and is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the coming years. 

Market Players Focus on Product Innovation to Expand Business

Some of the key players in the global blood gas and electrolyte analyzer market are Medica Corporation, Nova Biomedical, Abbott Point of Care Inc., Erba Mannheim, Alera Inc., Instrumentation Laboratory, Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare, and Radiometer Medical ApS. Product innovation is the key for market players to expand their business. Some of the recent products developed by the market players are as follows: 
  • In April last year, Abbott Point of Care Inc. received the clearance from the U.S. FDA for i-STAT Total β-HCG test. The blood analyzer developed by Abbott helps to detect the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone within 10 minutes.
  • In June 2015, Stat Profile Prime, the blood gas analyzer developed by Nova Biomedical has received the clearance from the FDA. 
  • The advanced ABL90 FLEX PLUS blood gas analyzer launched by Radiometer Medical can test extremely small volume of blood sample.
  • ChroMedX Corp., another player in the global blood gas and electrolyte analyzer market, has been developing a handheld blood analyzer called HemoPalm. The point-of-care (PoC) testing device replicates the kind of CO-oximetry and blood gas analysis traditionally performed using bench-top analyzers. The device is expected to lower the cost of blood gas analysis significantly. 

The advanced blood gas and electrolyte analyzers developed by the market players are also equipped with wireless connectivity for integration with other hospital management software. The introduction of novel biomarkers is anticipated to further expand the scope of application of blood gas analyzers in the coming years. 

Increase in Health Concerns Decreases Soft Drinks Sale and Boosts the Market for Bottled Water

Bottled water is one of the largest commercially sold beverage categories and fastest selling drinks globally. Growing concerns over the health effects of carbonated beverages and the easy availability of newer flavors in functional water have led to the growing consumption of bottled water. The easy portability of pure and clean water in a bottle and the launch of innovative packaging have stimulated the market for bottled water. Transparency Market Research (TMR), a leading business intelligence firm, in its report mentions that the global market for bottled water was valued at US$157.3 bn in 2013; in the market, still bottled water accounted for 64.9% of the revenue and is expected to dominate the market in the period from 2014 to 2020. Carbonated water was the second largest segment in terms of revenue in 2013 but is expected to lose its share during the period 2014 to 2020.

Bottled Water Giving Soft Drinks a Run for their Money

Major soft drink companies are witnessing a decline in the sale of sugary soft drinks as more and more people are becoming health-conscious and opting for bottled water products like still water or flavored water. The growing incidence of obesity and diabetes among children and adults alike is also decreasing the sale of soft drinks and other sugary beverages, as compared to bottled water.

Unavailability of Clean Tap Water Boosts Sales of Bottled Water

Although the growth of the bottled water market is aided by growing health concerns, countries like China, Mexico, India, and others are expected to be the prime regional segments for the sale of bottled water. This is because clean and pure water is not readily available uniformly across the world. Water pollution and similar other factors make the water in many regions unfit for human consumption, thus propelling the bottled water market.

Lack of Demand Causes Coca-Cola Soft Drinks Plants to Shut Down in India

Even as summer is round the corner, Coca Cola India has been forced to shut multiple plants in India due to inadequate demand for its carbonated beverages. Growing awareness about the harmful effects of soft drinks has been responsible for the huge losses in the soft drinks market in the recent past and the soft drinks market will continue to be hampered by the rising demand for bottled water in the coming years.


Availability of Low-cost Tap Water may hinder the Market for Bottled Water

While the increasing disposable income in Western countries drives the sales of bottled water, the same cannot be said for countries in developing regions of the world, where the consumption of low-cost tap water prevails despite the concerns regarding its portability. The demand for bottled water thus varies from region to region, depending on the level of awareness about the consequences of unhygienic water consumption, and the spending power of people residing in that region.

Sunday 21 February 2016

Is Snapchat Close to Launching an E-commerce Platform?

Not wanting to lose out on the swelling revenue potential from online shopping avenues, Snapchat is about to offer subscribers the opportunity to buy stuff online. The video messenger’s Discover section currently features curated content from across the world. It’ll now also feature a shopping section, if the latest reports hold any credence.

Re/code reported Snapchat board member Joanna Coles as saying that a new channel introduced on Snapchat will be the conduit through which the messenger app will attempt to realize its dream of launching an e-commerce platform. Coles is also the editor in chief of Cosmopolitan magazine; she was speaking at the Code/Media conference organized by Re/Code in California.

Sweet—the channel that’s now the cynosure of all eyes as Snapchat has fueled speculation about its plans to have an e-commerce platform—is a collaboration between Hearst and Snapchat. Coles said that Sweet could eventually morph into an e-commerce platform and subscribers will be able to purchase goods from it.

This is not the first time that Snapchat’s future e-commerce plans have been discussed in the public domain. Previously, Women’s Wear Daily had published a report that said Sweet would allow people to buy via it. However, Re/Code also reported that there were no comments from Snapchat on the matter immediately.

Although it has been over a year since Snapchat brought Krish Jayaram in as the head of ecommerce from PayPal, the former is yet to make any concrete announcements about its e-commerce business. It has only flirted with the possibilities of venturing into this space.

In the meanwhile, in an endeavor to monetize its offerings, the messaging giant has begun to sell premium features such as replays and filters for a nominal fee. The company also currently provides a money channel service – Snapcash. On this move, market watchers have opined that the company has ostensibly started this service to get a hold of consumers’ card information to facilitate payments as and when the company actually launches its e-commerce business.

Friday 19 February 2016

IT Robotic Automation Market on Brink of Explosive Growth Despite Concerns about Jeopardizing Jobs

Virtually every industry vertical seems upbeat about the use of robotics in streamlining operations and increasing productivity manifold. Robots have already proven their worth in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. The IT industry is no exception to this buoyancy about the massive potential that robotics holds – and is already gearing up to embrace the role of robotics enthusiastically. Transparency Market Research, a business intelligence firm, recently said in its report that the global IT robotic automation market will increase in value to US$4.98 bn by 2020, up considerably from its valuation of US$0.183 bn in 2013. This marks a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 60.5%.

While on the one hand there are concerns that robotic software can mean the end of a thriving offshoring industry and also make humans redundant in the IT industry, the dramatically improved efficiency rendered by robots is capturing the industry’s attention. Despite the many risks, many are considering this opportunity too lucrative to let go of – a fact that can be gauged from the projected growth rate of the global IT robotic automation market.

The next two to three years will be crucial for the IT robotic automation market worldwide. Here the trends to keep a track of till 2020:
  •  Robotic process automation (RPA) services currently rake in the lion’s share of revenues in the global IT robotic automation market. RPA has received a major boost in recent years because of a string of partnerships and agreements signed between IT service companies and RPA tool providers. With competition being rife among RPA tool providers to bag the most profitable agreement with IT service companies, the market has seen the launch of some remarkably sophisticated IT automation products and solutions.
  • BPOs, with their focus on maximizing profits while offering aggressively priced services to onshore entities, are particularly interested in IT robotic automation services. A number of BPOs have already invested in RPA tools in a bid to further trim costs and the trend is expected to carry on in the next five years. This factor will boost the growth of the market in the near future, say analysts.
  • The highest revenue in the IT robotic automation market came from Europe and North America until 2013. This situation isn’t expected to drastically change given the intention of countries in these regions to bring jobs back to their own shores. The ‘offshoring’ trend is making way for ‘near shoring’, especially in European countries. Many IT companies in Eastern Europe are creating new service models that use robots supported by a team of humans deployed on an FTE basis. In Asia, on the other hand, India has led the growth of the IT robotic automation market.
Browse Press Release:http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/it-robotic-automation-market.htm

The competitive scenario in the global RPA tool market is expected to undergo a change in the next few years. Presently concentrated in nature, the revenues of market leaders are expected to be eroded by the imminent entry of several new players in this space. Transcontinental partnerships are already occurring and will only increase in frequency in the coming years in the RPA tool market. A case in point is IPSoft, Inc. – a key player in the IT robotic automation market – signing a deal with Indian IT company, Infosys, Ltd., and Cognizant Technology Solutions.