Rugged/industrial PC market to reach $1.9 billion by 2006

Natick, MA— North America and Western Europe’s demand for rugged/industrial computer systems is expected to grow at a 4.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during 2003-06, and reach $1.9 billion by 2006, according to recent research by Venture Development Corp. (VDC). The firm’s report, “North American and Western European Market Demand for Ruggedized/Industrial Computer Systems,” details shipments and shipment projections of these computers segmented by vertical markets.

For example, shipments of rugged computers used in defense and aerospace applications totaled $635 million in 2003, and are expected to increase to $735 million in 2006.

Shipments of PCs used in industrial automation, control and instrumentation reached $484 million in 2003, and are expected to reach $537 million by 2006.

Rugged computers used in communication applications had shipments of $341 million in 2003, and are projected to total $389 million in 2006.

Meanwhile, industrialized PCs used in medical, laboratory, and other scientific applications totaled $97 million in 2003, and are expected to reach $110 million in 2006.

And finally, shipments of rugged computers used in energy, utilities, and transportation infrastructure settings were $91 million in 2003, and are projected to increase to $102 million in 2006.

VDC reports that, through the late 1990s, communications application showed the greatest demand for ruggedized computer systems. However, this market segment underwent a well-documented contraction between 2000 and 2004. That market segment is now beginning to recover, but growth expectations through 2006 remain modest at 4.5%.

VDC adds that its research projects that defense and aerospace markets will experience the highest growth rates, climbing 5% through 2006. Factors driving demand in defense and aerospace applications include: the changing worldwide political environment, which has impacted defense budgets, particularly in regards to countries acquiring more weapons, as well as expanding use of computers, as controllers in defense and aerospace systems.

Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jim Montague, news editor
jmontague@reedbusiness.com

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