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Top 10 ICT trends for 2014 laid out [Bangkok Post, Thailand](Bangkok Post (Thailand) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Dec. 16--Thailand's information and communications technology (ICT) market will grow slightly less than expected this year on the ongoing political conflict and high-level of household debt. IDC Thailand, a global research firm, said the local ICT market will grow by only 9.1% to US$20 billion this year, down from 9.8% forecast earlier. "This year will show the first overall contraction of PC sales in Thailand, at 3.1 million units, contracting by 20% from last year," said Michael Araneta, head of operations at IDC Thailand. The PC market will likely experience a further contraction of 2% next year if the political unrest continues. Despite Thailand facing a reduction in ICT spending this year, Mr Araneta said the country remains the second-largest ICT spender in Southeast Asia after Indonesia. IDC forecast Thailand's ICT market will grow by 7.2% to $22.4 billion in 2014. But it will see growth of only 6.8% if the general election does not take place on Feb 2 as scheduled. Big ICT spenders will be automotive firms, financial institutions and telecoms. IDC released its top 10 technology spending predictions for 2014. Mr Araneta said business-continuity planning (BCP) and data centre services will be the first two hot technologies for the ICT market next year, as companies are realising the importance of business continuity. He cited the recent power cut by anti-government protesters at CAT Telecom in Bang Rak district as a wake-up call to adopt continuity and data management plans to minimise the effects of business disruptions. This year, one-fourth of Thai companies experienced power outages causing a failure in their IT system. "This is driving an increase in BCP spending," said Mr Araneta. Third, companies are shifting from a "bring your own device" to a "choose your own device" strategy. This means organisations limit the range of hardware they can support, with workers choosing from among a selection of devices that can be easily replaced if something happens to them. Fourth is the ultra-fast fibre-to-the-home internet service technology, while fifth is digital TV. IDC predicts 42% of Thai households will own a digital TV in the first year of commercial service. The sixth technology trend is the "Internet of Things", the idea that everything in the world can be connected through the internet. Seventh is 40% of ICT spending in Myanmar originating from or coursing through Thailand, which will help to boost the international connectivity business. Phablets are No.8. Devices which combine features and functions of a phone and a tablet are expected to become the next big thing in smartphones. Ninth, more ICT spending will shift upcountry, especially in the larger provinces. Last on the list are mobile financial payment services. ___ (c)2013 the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) Visit the Bangkok Post (Bangkok, Thailand) at www.bangkokpost.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |