E-Commerce Continues to Enjoys Soaring Growth—While the Cloud Makes Software and E-Commerce Platforms Easier, Faster & Cheaper

The global internet audience continues to grow steadily, with the worldwide base of broadband internet users (including fixed and wireless) standing in excess of 4.3 billion as 2019 began. This vast base of high speed internet users encourages businesses to innovate in order to offer an ever-evolving array of online services. Sectors that are growing very rapidly online include the sale of entertainment and news media, travel, apparel and consumer electronics. Even groceries have moved into the fast lane, as online grocery sales are growing quickly thanks to same-day delivery options. The most powerful trends on the internet include access via smartphones, the migration of entertainment, including TV, to the web and cloud-based software-as-a-service.

Today, consumers are more focused than ever on finding the best prices while shopping in the most convenient or satisfying manner. Consequently, e-commerce firms that offer high value at consistently low prices are well-positioned to prosper. The standout winner in e-commerce continues to be Amazon, where sales have soared thanks to aggressive pricing, free shipping for its “Prime” members and an ever-growing variety of merchandise. Amazon’s revenues soared from $34.2 billion in 2010 to $233 billion in 2018. The firm’s sales outside of North America are booming as well, despite the fact that it has major foreign competition, particularly from companies based in China.

      China’s e-commerce leaders remain much smaller than rival Amazon.com

Estimated revenues 2018, billions of US$:

Amazon                     $233 bil.

Tencent                     $44 bil.

Alibaba                      $40 bil.

The Cloud Enables Software Industry Growth and Easier Operations for Enterprises

There is a now-unstoppable trend toward downplaying the role of packaged software that is installed on the desktop, relying instead on internet-based applications. This trend is called Software as a Service (SaaS). Microsoft, Google, IBM, Oracle, Salesforce and other leading firms are quickly enhancing their own suites of internet-based applications. The cloud is making this move possible.

Cloud computing is the use of remote servers, often owned and operated by third-party service providers, to store and access data and software, as opposed to utilizing servers owned by the user. Firms that offer cloud services run clusters of computers networked together, often based on open standards. Such cloud networks can consist of thousands of computers. Cloud services enable a client company to immediately increase computing capability without any investment in physical infrastructure. (The word “cloud” is also broadly used to describe any data or application that runs via the internet.)

Amazon.com was one of the earliest companies to offer cloud services, and it remains a leader in this field. Since it must operate immense server capacity anyway, Amazon decided in early 2006 to offer cloud computing services, on its servers, to outside parties. Amazon Web Services (AWS) have been extremely popular. Using AWS requires no long-term contract or up-front investment. Charges are reasonable and usage-based (a few cents per gigabyte per month, in the U.S.). Remote servers, remote storage and the Amazon SimpleDB database are among the most popular AWS tools.

Amazon, Microsoft and Google are investing vast sums to build new data centers for cloud services. For 2017, IBM reported total cloud revenues up 24% to $17 billion. By the third quarter of 2018, cloud revenue represented 20% of total IBM revenue. A major goal of publishing software in the cloud is for the user to be able to eliminate much of the money and effort that an organization typically invests in building, managing and updating software in the traditional manner on its computer network. At the same time, the cloud enables software providers to build steady streams of renewable subscription revenues. Salesforce, a customer relationship management (CRM) software leader, has achieved great success by selling only internet-based (SaaS) access to its tools. Among the advantages of SaaS are no software to purchase and no software to install or maintain.

Plunkett’s E-Commerce & Internet Business Almanac 2019

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac Editions.
Publication Date: February 2019 | Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-485-4
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-808-1
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

Plunkett’s Computers, Software & Technology Industry Almanac 2019

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac Editions.
Publication Date: February 2019 | Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-484-7
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-806-7
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. recently announced an important market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Engineering & Research Industry Almanac, 2019 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

In industrialized nations, R&D investment has risen from an average of about 1.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 1980 to about 2.0% today. The U.S. continues to lead the world in terms of total investment in research and development, at about $581 billion during 2019. However, it ranks behind many other industrialized nations in terms of R&D as a percent of GDP. Meanwhile, U.S. corporations continue to fund massive engineering projects and research budgets of their own. Top research investors among U.S. companies include Amazon, Alphabet (Google), Merck & Co., Pfizer, Microsoft, IBM, Johnson & Johnson and Intel. Engineering, science and research and development provide large numbers of well-paying jobs in America and around the world.

Key Findings:

• Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics. In addition, this publication profiles the top 500 companies in the Engineering & Research industry.

Available Formats:

• Printed Almanac: 978-1-62831-493-9 (Available Now)
• E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-817-3 (Available Now)
• Online Subscription

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence
• Market forecasts and Industry Statistics
• Industry Associations and Professional Societies List
• In-Depth Profiles of hundreds of leading companies
• Industry Glossary
• Link to our 5-minute video overview of this industry

Pages: 672

Statistical Tables Provided: 22

Companies Profiled: 489

Geographic Focus: Global

Price: $379.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?
• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?
• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?
• What is the size of the market now and in the future?
• What are the financial results of the leading companies?
• What are the names and titles of top executives?
• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich book covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the engineering & research business including:

1. Introduction to the Engineering & Research Industry
2. A Short History of U.S. Industrial Research & Development
3. R&D Expands in Chinese Research Parks/Patent Filings Soar
4. Outsourcing and Offshoring of Research, Development and Engineering Grow Along With Globalization
5. Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) Adds Value to Contract Electronics Manufacturing
6. The State of the Biotechnology Industry Today
7. From Korea to India to Singapore to China, Nations Compete Fiercely in Biotech
   Development
8. Globalization and Worldwide Collaboration Fuel the Research Efforts of Major Corporations
9. Number of Patent Applications Remains High/Patent Laws Change
10. 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing), Rapid Prototyping and Computer Aided Design
11. Industrial Robots and Factory Automation Advance Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)
12. Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Power Research Continues/Fuel Cell Cars Enter Market
13. Electric Cars and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) to See Massive New Investments by Auto Makers
14. Major Research and Advancements in Lithium Batteries/Tesla and Panasonic Operate the Gigafactory
15. The Future: Pervasive Computing and Complete Mobility Will Be Standard
16. Supercomputing Hits 143.5 Petaflops/IBM’s Watson Expands Commercial Applications for Big Data
17. Superconductivity Provides Advanced Electricity Distribution Technology
18. Private, Reusable Rockets Launch Commercial Satellites, Lowering Costs
19. Technology Discussion—Synthetic Biology
20. The Future of Transportation and Supply Chains: Massive Investments in Infrastructure, Mobility Services and Hyperloop
21. HPTP Thermoplastics, Thermoset and Engineered Plastics Enable Advanced Products/Nanocomposites Offer the Ultimate in Advanced Materials
22. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning and Machine Learning Advance into Commercial Applications, Including Health Care and Robotics

Engineering & Research Industry Statistics

1. Engineering & Research Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview
2. Quarterly Engineering & Research Industry Revenues, U.S.: 4th Quarter 2017- 3rd Quarter 2018
3. Engineering & Scientific Research & Development Services: Estimated Sources of Revenue, U.S.: 2013-2017
4. Federal R&D Funding by Character of Work and Facilities and Equipment, U.S.:
   Fiscal Years 2018-2020
5. Federal R&D Budget & Distribution by Agency, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2018-2020
6. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for National Defense, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2018-2020
7. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Health and Human Services, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2018-2020
8. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Space Flight, Research & Supporting Activities, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2018-2020
9. NASA Budget Appropriations & Projections: 2018-2024
10. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Basic Research, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2018-2020
11. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Agriculture, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2018-2020
12. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Transportation, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2018-2020
13. Federal R&D & R&D Plant Funding for Energy, U.S.: Fiscal Years 2018-2020
14. U.S. Department of Energy Funding for Science & Energy Programs: 2018-2020
15. U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) Budget: Fiscal Years 2017-2019
16. Research Funding for Biological Sciences, U.S. National Science Foundation:
    Fiscal Years 2018-2020
17. Research Funding for Engineering, U.S. National Science Foundation: Fiscal Years 2018-2020
18. Domestic U.S. Biopharmaceutical R&D & R&D Abroad, PhRMA Member Companies: 1980-2017
19. Top 30 U.S. Patent Recipient Organizations: 2017
20. The U.S. Drug Discovery & Approval Process
21. Employment in Engineering Occupations by Business Type, U.S.: 2015-March 2019
22. Employment in Life & Physical Science Occupations by Business Type, U.S.: May 2018

Companies Mentioned Include:

• 3M COMPANY
• Adobe Systems Inc
• Agfa-Gevaert NV
• Benchmark Electronics Inc
• AB Volvo
• ABB LTD
• Abbott Laboratories
• Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
• ACTIVISION BLIZZARD INC
• Acxiom Corp

VIDEO: The Internet of Things is about to change your life. Our new 6-minute video is available to subscribers on Plunkett Research Online, and to the public on YouTube:

 

Don’t miss it!

Great news! We’ve launched the Internet of Things & Data Analytics Industry research channel for subscribers to Plunkett Research Online. And, we’ve published the industry almanac version.

How the IoT Works: Simply put, IoT is a method of enabling objects to communicate with each other. Most aspects of this process can also be described as machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. A network of some sort is always involved, thus the use of the descriptor “internet of things.”

To put the massive scale and potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in perspective, consider the following: In a world of roughly 5 billion people with access to the internet (about two-thirds of the world’s population), about three times as many (14.6 billion) objects will be connected to the internet by 2022, according to projections by network device firm Cisco. Over the very long term, trillions of objects, points of geography, buildings, devices, appliances, vehicles, etc. may eventually be communicating with each other and with major computer systems via networks, fixed or wireless, over the IoT. Spending on IoT worldwide was estimated at $745 billion for 2019 by analysts at International Data Corporation (IDT).

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac editions
Publication Date: April 2019       Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-515-8
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-840-1
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

VIDEO: Does Artificial Intelligence threaten your job? Maybe so. We’ve just launched Jack Plunkett’s 6-minute video on the topic. It’s available to subscribers on Plunkett Research Online, and to the public on YouTube:

 

Don’t miss it!

Great news! We’ve launched the Artificial Intelligence research channel for subscribers to Plunkett Research Online. And, we’ve published the industry almanac version.

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac editions
Publication Date: January 2019       Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-516-5
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-841-8
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. recently announced an important market research and competitive analysis report, Plunkett’s Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality Almanac, 2019 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

At Plunkett Research, we look at the “hospitality” industry in a broad way, to include most types of services or sectors that serve freshly-prepared food to customers, or provide lodging to travelers. The long-term growth outlook for the hospitality sector is excellent.

Key findings:

Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics. In addition, this publication profiles the top 350 companies in Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry.

Available Formats:

• Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-492-2 (Available Now)

• E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-816-6 (Available Now)

• Online Subscription

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence

• Market forecasts and Industry Statistics

• Industry Associations and Professional Societies List

• In-Depth Profiles of hundreds of leading companies

• Industry Glossary

• Link to our 5-minute video overview of this industry

Pages: 486

Statistical Tables Provided: 9

Companies Profiled: 350

Geographic Focus: Global

Price: $379.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?

• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?

• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?

• What is the size of the market now and in the future?

• What are the financial results of the leading companies?

• What are the names and titles of top executives?

• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich book covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the restaurant, hotel and hospitality business including:

Introduction to the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry

1. Introduction to the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry

2. McDonald’s Repositions to Adapt to New Consumer Tastes

3. Wages for Restaurant, Hotel and Hospitality Workers Rise

4. Fast Food Faces Stiff Competition from Casual Dining Restaurants (Fast Casual/Fast Fine)

5. Food Trucks Serve Busy Urban Diners, Introduce New Chefs

6. Grubhub, DoorDash and Others Deliver Restaurant Meals to Customers’ Homes and Offices

7. Obesity Sparks Government, School and Corporate Initiatives/Snack Foods Get Healthier/Taxes on Unhealthy Foods

8. Retail Technologies Advance for Restaurant Digital Orders, along with Robotics and Automation

9. Cruise Industry Market Is Strong while Capacity Soars with New Ships

10. Small Cruise Ships Offer Adventure, Luxury, Intimacy or Access to More Places

11. River Cruise Lines Are Launched, with Low Capital Investment and High Fares

12. Chinese Tourism Creates Growth Opportunities for the Cruise and Hotel Industries

13. Ecotourism, Sustainable Tourism, Adventure Tourism and Volunteerism Grow as Certification Standards Emerge

14. Hotel Occupancy, Profits and New Construction Grow

15. Luxury Hotel Chains Expand Globally

16. What Millennials and Mobile-Savvy Consumers Want as Tourists and Travelers

17. Hotels Target Young Customers with Strategies Ranging from Micro Rooms and Hostels, to Hip Hotels that Encourage Mingling to Fitness Options

18. Hotels Adopt Smartphones and In-Room Tablets to Deliver Services, Speed Check-In and Replace Room Keys

19. Sharing Economy Gains Market Share in Travel with Online Sites Like Airbnb, HomeAway
    and Many Global Competitors

20. Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) Continue Strong Growth in Bookings/Hotels Fight to Keep Control of the Customer

21. Hotel Mergers Enable Chains to Claim Market Share, Add Unique Properties

22. Localization will Drive Hotel Features, Marketing

23. Dog-Friendly Hotels Gain Market Share

24. The Future of the Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry

Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry Statistics

1. Restaurant, Hotel & Hospitality Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview

2. Estimated U.S. Food Services and Drinking Places Sector Revenues by NAICS Code: 2011-2018

3. Estimated U.S. Accommodation Sector Quarterly Revenues: 2015-3rd Quarter 2018

4. Quarterly Growth in Real Tourism Spending & Real GDP, U.S.: 2000-2017

5. Top 20 Countries Ranked by International Tourism, Number of Arrivals: 2010-2017

6. Changes in Food Price Indexes, U.S.: 2017-2019

7. Consumer Food Price Indexes, Food Away from Home & Food at Home, U.S.: 2013-2022

8. Restaurant and Hospitality Industry Employment by Business Type, U.S.: 2014-2019

9. Food Preparation and Serving Related Employment and Wage Estimates by Occupation, U.S.: May 2018

Companies Mentioned Include:

• Accor North America

• Extended Stay America Inc

• Kerzner International Limited

• Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc

• Ramada Worldwide Inc

• Ameristar Casinos Inc

• Aramark

• Autogrill SpA

• Barcelo Crestline Corporation

• Best Western International Inc

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. recently announced an important market research and competitive analysis report,Apparel & Textiles Industry Almanac, 2019 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

Apparel and accessory retailers generally enjoyed substantial growth in sales around the world during recent decades. Leading American, Japanese and European brands opened large numbers of new stores in developing markets in Asia and elsewhere. Developments driving the appeal and textile industry include “fast fashion” stores that sell the latest designs at very low prices, growing interest in sports apparel for both athletic and non-athletic activities (athleisure), and the rising success of e-commerce in driving in-store apparel retailing.

Key Findings:

Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics. In addition, this publication profiles the top 350 companies in the Apparel & Textiles Industry.

Available Formats:

• Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-491-5 (Available Now)

• E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-815-9 (Available Now)

• Online Subscription

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence

• Market forecasts and Industry Statistics

• Industry Associations and Professional Societies List

• In-Depth Profiles of hundreds of leading companies

• Industry Glossary

• Link to our 5-minute video overview of this industry

Pages: 476

Statistical Tables Provided: 11

Companies Profiled: 354

Geographic Focus: Global

Price: $379.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?

• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?

• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?

• What is the size of the market now and in the future?

• What are the financial results of the leading companies?

• What are the names and titles of top executives?

• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich book covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the apparel & textiles business including:

1. Introduction to the Apparel, Shoes & Textiles Industry

2. Wage Rise Slows in China/Vietnam and Other Countries Gain Manufacturing Market Share

3. Upswing in U.S. Apparel and Textile Jobs as Firms Reshore

4. Working Conditions and Workers’ Rights Become Major Considerations as Work Moves from China to Lower-Cost Nations

5. Wearable Sensors Track Exercise Data/Apparel and Shoe Manufacturers Adopt
   Technologies

6. 3-D Printing and Robotics Revolutionize Manufacture of Shoes and Fabrics

7. Exercise Apparel Sales Rise/Athleisure Clothing Sales Soar

8. Athletic Footwear Sales Boom, Drawing Big Names from Athletes to Designers

9. 3PL Logistics Services and Supply Chain Management Services

10. The Vast Majority of Shoes Sold in the U.S. Are Made Elsewhere

11. Bricks, Clicks and Catalogs Create Synergies While Online Sales Growth Surges

12. Plus-Size Apparel and Vanity Sizing Target Overweight Consumers

13. Discount Clothing Retailers See Promise in Designer Lines

14. Luxury Apparel, Accessories and Consumer Products Lines Compete for Growth

15. Luxury Apparel, Accessories and Shoes Soar in Online Sales

16. Self Service Apparel Fitting Technologies Grow in Stores and Online

17. Fast Fashion: Designers and Retailers Speed Up

18. Apparel Manufacturing Goes Green

19. Designers and Manufacturers Bypass the Middleman with Direct-to-Consumer Online
    Business Models

20. Fashion Rental Grows Thanks to Online Apparel Pioneer Rent the Runway

21. Subscription Fashion Services Grow, Including Stitch Fix

22. Amazon Becomes One of the World’s Leading Sellers of Apparel and Shoes

23. Disruption, Technology and the Future of the Fashion, Apparel and Shoes Business

Apparel & Textiles Industry Statistics

1. Apparel, Shoes & Textiles Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview

2. U.S. Apparel Manufacturing Producer Price Index (PPI): 2003-February 2019

3. Percent Change in Annual U.S. Apparel Manufacturing Producer Prices: 2004-2018

4. Top 50 Countries Exporting Textiles & Apparel to the U.S., All MFA Fibers: 2017-2018

5. Top 50 Destinations of U.S. Textiles & Apparel Exports: 2017-2018

6. Top 25 Countries Exporting Apparel & Non-Apparel Textiles to the U.S., All MFA Fibers: 2017-2018

7. Top 15 Countries Exporting Fabric, Man-Made Fiber Products, Cotton Products
   & Wool Products to the U.S., All MFA Fibers: 2017-2018

8. U.S. Retail Sales, Selected Kinds of Businesses: 2012-2018

9. U.S. Retail Sales of Apparel, Shoes & Accessories: 2018

10. Worldwide Cotton Area, Yield & Production: 2016-2019

11. Apparel & Textiles Industry Employment by Business Type, U.S.: 2014-2019

Companies Mentioned Include:

• 3M COMPANY

• Cabela’s Inc

• Abercrombie & Fitch Co

• Motorsports Authentics LLC

• Alpha Pro Tech Ltd

• American Eagle Outfitters Inc

• Ann Inc

• Aramark

• Warnaco Swimwear Inc

• Belk Inc

Great news! We’ve launched the Internet of Things industry research channel for subscribers to Plunkett Research Online. And, we’ve published the industry almanac version. This is must-have data, which includes the booming Data Analytics industry and Machine-to-Machine Communications.

Plunkett’s Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) Industry Almanac 2019

  To put the massive scale and potential of IoT technology in perspective, consider the following: In a world of roughly 5 billion people with access to the internet (about two-thirds of the world’s population), about three times as many (14.6 billion) objects will be connected to the internet by 2022, according to projections by network device firm Cisco. Over the very long term, trillions of objects, points of geography, buildings, devices, appliances, vehicles, etc. may eventually be communicating with each other, over the IoT.

 How IoT Works: Simply put, IoT is a method of enabling objects to communicate with each other. Most aspects of this process can also be described as machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. A network of some sort is always involved, thus the use of the descriptor “internet of things.”

 Imagine a modern passenger cruise ship, a behemoth that may transport 6,000 passengers and 2,500 crew members over long distances. The vast number of complex on-board machines and systems are both mission-critical and subject to potential failures. Consequently, the use of digital, M2M communications via an on-board network is a logical way to keep the ship operating smoothly while ensuring passenger safety and comfort. Sensors can gather multiple points of data on the massive engines that power the ship—temperature, oil condition, fuel use and vibration. Such sensors might detect vibrations that indicate a potential bearing failure that could lead to an engine shut down. Preventative maintenance could be planned.

 Other sensors might determine that the air conditioning system is having difficulty maintaining the correct temperature on A Deck. Yet another sensing system might detect a leak in a fuel bunker. Continuous gathering and analyzing of such data can not only boost safety but also lead to savings of massive amounts of time, fuel and expense. Crew members on board can take appropriate preventive actions in many cases. Other situations may require dockside repairs. At the same time, imagine this ship communicating its location, speed and direction 24/7 to other ships nearby for safer passage. This occurs today via AIS (Automatic Identification Systems).

 Now, imagine the same types of sensors applied to a manufacturing plant, a refinery, an airport, a commercial airliner, a hotel or a shopping mall. IoT will be utilized in all types of facilities and systems.

 Today, massive investments in research, development and applications of IoT, AI and machine learning are being made by government and industry on a global scale. For example, in 2018 Samsung announced it would invest more than $22 billion over the following three years in development of advanced technologies, including AI. It planned to create a staff of at least 1,000 researchers and engineers dedicated to AI by 2020.

Plunkett’s Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) Industry Almanac 2019
(Including the Data Analytics Industry)

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac Editions.
Publication Date: April, 2019 | Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-515-8
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-840-1
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

Are Uber drivers and similar Gig workers: 1) entrepreneurs: 2) contract workers or, 3) technically speaking, employees?

The sharing economy is disrupting the nature of work, employment and entrepreneurship. Most sharing/gig economy workers are working as independent, contract workers, not employees. This means that they do not qualify for company-provided benefits such as health coverage or retirement plans. Many of them conduct work for two or more sharing economy firms. That is, a worker might drive for Uber at night, do installations for TaskRabbit on weekends and shop for Instacart on weekdays. They may quickly vary their schedule according to the demand level, which can be constantly monitored via smartphone.

In one-on-one interviews, Plunkett Research has found that many sharing/gig workers consider themselves to be “entrepreneurs.” While they may not have created a new company that employs others or makes unique products, they nonetheless work for themselves, independently, using their own tools or vehicles and setting their own schedules. In that regard, they are literally running a business, in the same way that a one-person plumbing shop is a business. Traditional new business formation has been weak in the U.S., which is a startling change. In particular, formation of businesses that intend to hire employees and pay wages (as opposed to one-person enterprises) has been extremely weak.

At Plunkett Research, we believe that the weakness in small business startups is fueled by the ease of finding independent work in the sharing/gig economy, with little or no capital or risk involved and the prospect of immediate income. In addition, working independently in this manner generally requires no specialized education, and no licensing beyond a drivers’ license. This type of work also lends itself very well to people, such as retirees or students, who only want to work part-time, or who want a part-time sideline in addition to a regular job. One study found that 49% of part-time independent workers also had a full-time traditional job.

People who intentionally choose the independent work life tend to state extremely high levels of satisfaction with their work life as compared to traditional workers. The recite perceived value from being their own boss or having great flexibility in they way they schedule and manage each day.

There is a significant debate underway in many nations as to whether or not people working as Uber drivers, Instacart shoppers and similar agents are actually employees, rather than contract workers. Legislative reform may well be attempted on large scale in this regard. In some cases, class action lawsuits have been filed by the contract workers. If courts eventually rule that such workers are actually employees, it would have a massive effect on the business models of sharing economy firms. In the U.S., for example, it would mean that firms were subject to paying payroll taxes such as Social Security, and were subject to very high levels of labor, safety, health and anti-discrimination laws. This debate will likely continue for many years to come, and may well lead to legal reform in some nations. Another outcome may be the formation of contractor workers’ unions or union-like organizations that might demand better pay or working conditions. The “Independent Drivers Guild” now exists in New York City, representing tens of thousands of local Uber drivers, but not quite acting as a true labor union.

Meanwhile, intense competition among gig delivery firms, such as Uber, Didi and Lyft, to attract new drivers is causing the companies to offer sign-on bonuses and other perks. Over the long term, however, some types of gig jobs are definitely threatened by advances in technologies—this includes self-driving cars that may replace human drivers, and food-delivery robots (such as those now being tested on some university campuses.)

Plunkett’s Sharing & Gig Economy, Freelance Workers & On-Demand Delivery Industry Almanac 2019

Everything you need to know about the Sharing and Gig Industry:

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac Editions.
Publication Date: January 2019 | Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-482-3
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-807-4
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.

HOUSTON, Texas – Plunkett Research, Ltd. recently announced an important market research and competitive analysis report,Internet of Things (IoT) & Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Industry Almanac, 2019 edition. A complete market research report, including forecasts and market estimates, technologies analysis and developments at innovative firms.

To put the massive scale and potential of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in perspective, consider the following: In a world of roughly 5 billion people with access to the internet (about two-thirds of the world’s population), about three times as many (14.6 billion) objects will be connected to the internet by 2022).

Key Findings:

• Plunkett Research analyzes the top trends changing the industry, and provides in-depth industry statistics. In addition, this publication profiles the top 400 companies in the Internet of Things (IoT) & Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Industry.

Available Formats:

• Printed Almanac: ISBN 978-1-62831-55- (Available)

• E-book: ISBN 978-1-62831-840-1 (Available)

• Online Subscription

Key Features Include:

• Industry trends analysis, market data and competitive intelligence

• Market forecasts and Industry Statistics

• Industry Associations and Professional Societies List

• In-Depth Profiles of hundreds of leading companies

• Industry Glossary

• Link to our 5-minute video overview of this industry

Pages: 576

Statistical Tables Provided: 8

Companies Profiled: 412

Geographic Focus: Global

Price: $379.99

Key Questions Answered Include:

• How is the industry evolving?

• How is the industry being shaped by new technologies?

• How is demand growing in emerging markets and mature economies?

• What is the size of the market now and in the future?

• What are the financial results of the leading companies?

• What are the names and titles of top executives?

• What are the top companies and what are their revenues?

This feature-rich book covers competitive intelligence, market research and business analysis—everything you need to know about the Internet of Things (IoT) & Machine-to-Machine (M2M) business including:

1. Introduction to the Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Industry

2. Smart Cities Utilize Sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Increase Efficiencies/The
   Internet of Things (IoT) Boosts Potential

3. The Internet of Things (IoT) and M2M to Boom, Enhanced by Artificial Intelligence (AI)

4. Wireless Information Systems Surge Ahead in Vehicles: Telematics, Intelligent
   Transportation (ITS) and Real Time Traffic Information

5. Self-Driving, Autonomous Cars Receive Massive Investments in Research and
   Development Worldwide

6. Introduction to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning Industry

7. A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the State of the Industry Today

8. The Pros & Cons of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning

9. Robotics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Revolutionize Supply Chain and
   Logistics Systems

10. Voice and Face Recognition Change the Wireless World, Enhanced Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)

11. Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning and Machine Learning Advance into Commercial Applications, Including Health Care and Robotics

12. Industrial Robots and Factory Automation Advance Through Artificial Intelligence (AI)

13. RFID Drives Inventory Management Evolution

14. The Future of Transportation and Supply Chains: Massive Investments in Infrastructure, Mobility Services and Hyperloop

15. Digital Assistants Include Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home/Alexa and Similar Software Power Third-Party Developers

16. Wi-Fi Enables Wireless Traffic Growth, Including the Internet of Things (IoT)

17. Global Internet Market Tops 4.2 Billion Users/Ultrafast Broadband Expands, both Fixed
    and Wireless

18. Cloud Computing and Software as a Service (SaaS) Point the Way to the Future

19. Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality and 3-D Games Create Opportunities for the Tech Industry/Immersion Games to Grow

20. Wearable Sensors Track Exercise Data/Apparel and Shoe Manufacturers Adopt
    Technologies

21. Growth in Big Data Supported by Expansion of Cloud Computing and Predictive Analytics

22. Precision Agriculture Technologies (AgTech), Farm Robotics, GPS and Irrigation Market
    Grows Worldwide/Hi Tech Greenhouses

23. 5G Wireless Networks to Rollout Worldwide, Enabling the Internet of Things (IoT)/Massive Investments Required

24. CyberSecurity Challenges for the Internet of Things (IoT)

25. The Internet of Things (IoT) in Factories, Robotics and Equipment

26. The Internet of Things (IoT) and the Smart Home

27. Hot Fields Within Computers, Hardware and Software Include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity and the Internet of Things (IoT)

Internet of Things (IoT) & Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Industry Statistics

1. Internet of Things & M2M Communications Industry Statistics and Market Size Overview

2. Software Publishing Industry, U.S.: Estimated Revenue, Inventories & Expenses: 2013-2018

3. Software Publishing Industry, U.S.: Estimated Selected Expenses: 2013-2018

4. Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services Industry, U.S.: Estimated Revenue & Expenses: 2013-2018

5. Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services Industry, U.S.: Estimated Selected Expenses: 2013-2018

6. Number of Business & Residential High Speed Internet Lines, U.S.: 2013-2018

7. Internet Access Technologies Compared

8. Research Funding for Engineering, U.S. National Science Foundation: Fiscal Years 2017-2019

Companies Mentioned Include:

• Cybereason Inc

• Emerson Electric Co

• Palantir Technologies Inc

• WatchGuard Technologies Inc

• SAIC Motor Corporation Limited

• China Telecom Corporation Limited

• Tech Mahindra Limited

• Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC)

Competition in the entertainment & media sector is growing at a fierce pace! Plunkett’s latest market research into the Entertainment, Media and Publishing industry, its technologies, trends and leading companies, has been published—online and in almanac format.

Which Side of the Entertainment & Media Industry Sets the Rules?—Companies that Publish News, Entertainment and Other Content, or Firms that Distribute that Content to Subscribers?

Companies that control massive distribution systems (such as internet sites, cable TV channels or magazines) are vital to firms on the other side of the equation: those that publish the news and entertainment.

Content-publishing firms generally must negotiate fees with the distribution platform owners. Such content-owning firms include those in film production, television production and publishing

Over the long haul, however, the greatest profits in the global entertainment and media business may come from distribution. Distribution systems tend to generate vast streams of renewable subscription revenues. Nonetheless, distribution companies often have good reasons to diversify into content.

Historically, Comcast was focused on its role as a major U.S. cable distribution company, but this firm has evolved dramatically. It acquired full ownership of NBC Universal (a content company). This gives Comcast control of the NBC network, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, Universal Pictures, Universal theme parks and resorts and a number of popular cable channels such as Bravo. In other words, Comcast is now a giant in both content and distribution on a very wide scale. In 2018, Comcast agreed to acquire UK-based Sky, a massive broadband and TV delivery system that also produces a large amount of its own content.

In June 2018, telecommunications and internet service (distribution) giant AT&T completed its acquisition of content leader Time Warner for $85 billion. This merges Time Warner’s television and film assets, including HBO, Warner Brothers and Turner, into AT&T’s massive business that delivers wireless smartphone connections and internet connections, as well as landlines and other services, to millions of homes and businesses. Earlier, AT&T had also acquired satellite delivery network DirecTV.

Disney has long been one of the world’s most powerful content publishers, but Disney is evolving rapidly. Disney’s businesses include the ABC Television Network, ESPN, the History Channel and A&E on the distribution side. Its content-generating businesses include film studios such as Touchstone Pictures and Pixar. It also owns the Marvel comics business. Disney parks, resorts and cruise lines provide additional opportunities to convert content (such as Mickey Mouse) into revenue through distribution (such as the sale of Mickey-logoed apparel at theme parks). Meanwhile, the Disney Interactive Studios generate video games and Disney Online runs web sites.

In July 2018, in one of the largest media industry mergers of all time, Disney acquired Twenty-First Century Fox’s movie and TV studios, in additional to other assets including Fox’s 30% state in streaming entertainment service Hulu, for $84 billion.

Long gone are the days when television and radio programmers enjoyed captive audiences who happily sat through ad after ad, or who planned their schedules around a favorite show. Consumers now demand near-total control over what they watch, read and listen to.

Issues Related to Control of Entertainment and News Content:

1. Pricing for content, including free-of-charge access versus paid subscriptions; illegal downloads versus authorized downloads; and full ownership of a paid download versus pay-per-view.
2. Portability, including the ability for a consumer to download once and then use a file on multiple platforms and devices, including tablets and smartphones, or the ability to share a download with friends or family.
3. Delayed viewing or listening, such as viewing TV programming at the consumer’s convenience via TiVo and similar digital video recorders.

Plunkett’s Entertainment, Movie, Publishing & Media Industry Almanac 2019

Everything you need to know about the Entertainment & Media Industry:

Available to Plunkett Research Online subscribers
See more information about the online edition here.

Also available in Almanac Editions.
Publication Date: January 2019 | Price: $379.99
Printed ISBN: 978-1-62831-481-6
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62831-805-0
See the complete listings of book contents and details here.