Posts Tagged ‘GPs’
Monday, July 9th, 2012
 Seventy-six percent of smartphone or tablet owners indicate that the safety and security of their personal information on their devices is very/extremely valuable (priceless).
And 97 percent agree it is at least somewhat valuable, in a new survey of American smartphone and tablet users conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of mobile security app brand Snap Secure.
When asked how often they think about the location of their child every day while he or she was outside the home, 90 percent of parents with children age 18 and under living at home said at least once per day, with the average parent thinking of their child’s location approximately 12 times per day.
When it comes to their children’s texting practices, almost three out of five (59 percent) parents indicated they are at least somewhat interested in whom their child is texting with and what they are texting about; 39 percent indicate they are extremely/very interested while nine percent of parents are not at all interested.
Increasing dependence on smartphones, tablets
“The survey underscores Americans’ increasing dependence on their smartphones and tablets,” said Jiren Parikh, president and CEO, Snap MyLife, Inc. “It also highlights their interest to not only protect their digital devices against viruses, spyware and spam but also their own personal and family security.”
Snap Secure is a cloud service application that provides a broad range of protection for Android and BlackBerry smartphones and Android tablets, including protecting and managing privacy, real-time tracking and location of family members; locating and remotely controlling lost or stolen phones and tablets; wiping data remotely; backing up and restoring data and preventing viruses, spyware and spam.
Other key survey findings
- Over one third (34 percent) of smartphone and tablet device owners have ever lost or misplaced one of their devices. Twenty-six percent of smartphone only owners indicate they have ever lost or misplaced their device while only 14 percent of tablet only owners have ever lost or misplaced their tablet;
- The emotional impact of losing a smartphone and/or table device is notable among those who have had the experience with 58 percent indicating they were worried; 50 percent saying it left them anxious and 48 percent indicating they felt “disconnected”; and
- Eighty-six percent of smartphone and tablet owners indicate they would be interested in a mobile app that provided increased personal security by allowing them to better manage their privacy, use GPS to locate/recover their device when it goes missing, remotely wipe personal data if the device is lost or stolen, send out personalized security notifications in emergency situations and to securely back-up and restore data on their device.
Tags: children's texting, digital devices, GPs, Harris Interactive, Jiren Parikhj, safety, Security, smartphones, Snap Secure, survey, tablets
Posted in Digital Devices, Internet/New Media, Security, smartphones, Studies, surveys, reports, Tech life/Culture | No Comments »
Monday, December 5th, 2011
 In the not too distant future, it will be a lot easier for most travelers armed with smartphones, GPS enabled vehicles, or other mobile Internet connections to get real-time information on what’s down the road.
A new report from IBISWorld, the nation’s largest provider of industry research, estimates that in the five years to 2016, revenue for the Real-Time Traffic Information Providers industry will increase at an average annualized rate of 38.9% to $1.6 billion.
While the industry is forecast to continue growing at a phenomenal rate, revenue growth is expected to decelerate compared with the past five years.
In 2012 and beyond, companies like Nokia will benefit from the continued adoption of smartphones, which will increase the number of mobile internet connections.
As a result, the number of consumers using the industry’s services will rise. The industry will also benefit as disposable income rises and more consumers replace their vehicles with new GPS-enabled cars.
For this reason, industry research firm IBISWorld has added a report on the Real-Time Traffic Information Providers industry to its growing Technology and Business Productivity Software report collection.
In the five years to 2011, revenue for the Real-Time Traffic Information industry is expected to increase at an average annual rate of 42.7% to $308.9 million, including growth of 63.8% in 2011.
Industry’s major players
The industry’s major players including Nokia and Inrix (a provider of real-time traffic data, tools and related mobile traffic applications) have benefited from an increasing number of vehicles equipped with real-time traffic global positioning systems (GPS) and a rising number of mobile internet connections.
According to IBISWorld, other notable companies will continue to influence the industry over the next five years include Waze Ltd. and Google Inc. Operators use data from road sensors, GPS-enabled vehicles and mobile phones to gain insight into traffic conditions. The rising number of GPS-connected systems has increased data timeliness and reliability, further boosting demand for industry services.
According to IBISWorld analyst, Justin Molavi, Nokia’s acquisition of Navteq greatly bolstered revenue growth as Nokia invested in the newly acquired company to increase revenue. Navteq’s industry-specific revenue is anticipated to increase 106.3% per year in the five years to 2011.
Nokia employed loss leader strategy
Additionally, a customer base expansion also benefited the company’s top line, as more customers joined the platform. Nevertheless, profit has lagged behind revenue and is still in negative territory.
Along with purchasing the company, Nokia has employed a loss leader strategy, where investments that are made in the early stages of the company are expected to pay off down the road. As such, profit has stayed in negative territory during the five years to 2011. However, the introduction of new advertising platforms with real-time traffic data will begin to build profit for this segment.
The proliferation of smartphones has primarily driven industry growth during the past five years. In the five years to 2011, the number of mobile internet connections has increased 81.3% to 120.8 million.
The ability for commuters to check traffic in real time, at all times, has caused more consumers to rely on industry services. Consequently, industry operators have been able to partner with more companies to deliver the information, including auto manufacturing and mobile phone companies.
Despite explosive demand, the high cost of setting up a network has deterred significant enterprise growth. In the five years to 2011, IBISWorld estimates that the number of industry firms has increased at an average annualized rate of 11.8% to 42.
Industry operators will benefit from crowdsourced information
According to IBISWorld analyst, Justin Molavi, in the five years to 2016, industry revenue is forecast to increase 38.9% annually to $1.6 billion. “Consumers will likely purchase more cars that are equipped with real-time traffic GPS navigation systems as the economy begins to recover and per capita disposable income rises,” says Molavi.
Furthermore, industry operators will benefit from an ever-increasing network of crowdsourced information (which involves sourcing data from multiple data points).
This factor, coupled with a growing repertoire of value-added services, is expected to boost profit margins. By 2016, industry profit is forecast to represent 22.0% of revenue, an increase from 20.0% in 2011. Operators will also increase their market by expanding into new coverage areas, including smaller cities and more surface streets.
For more information, including latest trends, statistics, analysis and market share information, download the full report from IBISWorld on the Real-Time Traffic Information industry
Tags: GPs, IBISWorld, Inrix, Nokia, real-time traffic information industry growing
Posted in Internet/New Media, IT, Mobile, smartphones, Studies, surveys, reports, Telecommunications | No Comments »
Thursday, September 15th, 2011
 Whether you are using an in-car navigation system to travel across the country, checking your Personal Navigation Device to find the nearest gas station or navigating a new city with a smart phone, Points of Interest (POI) data lies at the heart of the search. In today’s location-based world, consumers are increasingly demanding accurate POI data to help them stay on track, i.e. searching for a Thai restaurant that stays open until 11pm and accepts Visa.
According to a 2010 Berg Insight Report, Mobile Navigation Services – 4th edition – more than 200 million navigation systems are in use worldwide, including about 40 million factory installed and aftermarket in-dash navigation systems, more than 120 million PNDs and about 44 million navigation-enabled mobile phones.
Infogroup conducted a 2011 navigation system survey working with ORC International to determine who is using POI data, for what purposes and what trends are emerging in this growing business. Infogroup is the leading provider of targeted high-value sales and marketing data, customer and market intelligence, and innovative digital engagement solutions, and Infogroup data powers 90% of the GPS systems in North America.
POI USERS:
The audience for these navigational products is diverse: according to the Infogroup/ORC survey, 69% of US respondents said they currently use a mobile GPS system or navigation aid at least once a month. Households with children tend to use more navigation products, both free and paid.
POI TRENDS:
According to the Infogroup/ORC survey, respondents listed restaurants as their top POI category, with 69% saying they searched for eateries and coffee shops the most.
When asked: What points of interest categories do you search for the most, respondents answered:
* 69 % selected Restaurants/Coffee Shops
* 49% said Shopping/Department Stores/Grocery Stores
* 31% chose Hotels/resorts
* The survey showed very strong demand for traffic reports and fuel prices (55% and 44% respectively) and these items were named as the most important enhancements to respondents’ navigation systems
* 39% said that ‘weather’ was a key enhancement versus 21% for coupons and 9% for movie reviews and show times
* Of current features in their Navigation system, 89% stated ‘Directions’ as most important; followed by traffic alerts (26%) and fuel prices (11%)
Keeping up with these fast-moving businesses can be daunting: In a typical month, data-compiler Infogroup adds 150,000 new businesses to its business database and deletes 130,000 businesses. According to the Small Business Association, more than 1 in 10 businesses move every year and Infogroup helps our clients (and their customers) keep track of such changes.
To obtain a detailed copy of the 2011 Infogroup/ORC Navigation System Survey, please contact Katie Robinson - katie.robinson@infogroup.com.
Tags: coupons, directions, GPs, infogroup, location search, mobile navigation systems, points of interest
Posted in Internet/New Media, Marketing, Mobile, Studies, surveys, reports, Telecommunications | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 6th, 2011
 A Hyatt hotel lobby Traveling for business isn’t what it used to be. Gone are the days of itchy polyester suits, chunky flip-phones and maps the size of Texas. According to a national survey released by Hyatt Place, and conducted by Harris Interactive, 50 percent of today’s road warriors say that life as a business traveler is easier and more productive now than it was 10 years ago, thanks in large part to modern hotels and evolving technology, keeping travelers both connected and comfortable.
Meet the Road Warrior 2.0
- Mobile masters: When asked to go on a business trip without underwear or a smart phone, 64 percent of business travelers surveyed would rather leave their underwear at home.
- On the go: 69 percent of business travelers surveyed say they travel the same amount or more for work than they did a few years ago. While today’s technology has not reduced their travel time, half of respondents report that business travel is easier than ever, seemingly in large part to this new technology.
- The boondoggle is back: The top perk of business travel is exploring new places: two-thirds of those surveyed agreed that business travel provides an escape from everyday life and a sense of adventure. There’s also more time for fun: 69 percent find it easier to meet new people, and 59 percent find it easier to read a book, magazine or newspaper on the road.
- Keep in touch: 70 percent of business travelers surveyed are in touch more often while on the road and spend more time each day communicating with friends and family while traveling for business versus at home (an average of 33 minutes versus 19 minutes per day).
Travel tech expert Katie Linendoll recently teamed up with Hyatt Place to provide tips on the best gadgets and amenities for making life easier on the road.
“A smart phone is a must,” she says. Here are some of her favorite travel uses for it — beyond the obvious:
- GPS: These devices can cost up to $20 a day with your rental car, so ditch that extra cost and use your phone.
- Mobile hotspots: One of my current “can’t live withouts.” It’s an additional $20 or more on your plan, but is worth it for fast Internet connectivity for your laptop, netbook or tablet. It works great in airports or in any meeting.
- Apps: I love photography apps to create great souvenirs and they make your phone’s pics look like they were taken professionally. One of my favorites to use is the Camera ZOOM FX app. I also use local apps like AroundMe to find restaurants, ATMs, shops or the local FedEx to ship work or supplies back home.
When it comes to finding a hotel, Linendoll recommends finding one that lets you stay fully connected. “Look for hotels like Hyatt Place, which offers free Wi-Fi, 24/7 food options, and a layout that smartly integrates technology so it’s easy to work on the go,” she says. “Technology makes things easier than ever now, and with a hotel like Hyatt Place, I never have to settle; I can take care of business as if I never left the office, and have some fun along the way, too.”
In addition to choosing the right hotel, Linendoll recommends a few more travel items to make your trip more fun and productive.
- eReaders: Portable gadgets that are lightweight and can keep you entertained without adding bulk to your luggage. At under a pound, you can carry thousands of books and read them anywhere.
- Portable Wireless Speakers: I always bring one with me so I can hook it up to my laptop or tablet for some loud sound, or add it to my Bluetooth to serve as a speakerphone for conference calls.
- Headphones: They’re an obvious must for in-flight — you need to find a pair that not only stays in your ear, but is comfortable and packs easy.
For more tips and travel ideas, and to enter for a chance to win a head-to-toe business traveler makeover, which is worth more than $8,000 and includes many of Linendoll’s must-have gadgets, visit www.facebook.com/hyattplace.
Tags: business travel tips, GPs, Harris Interactive, Hyatt, Road Warriors, smart phones, smartphones
Posted in Business advice, Internet/New Media, smartphones, social media, Studies, surveys, reports | No Comments »
Wednesday, July 28th, 2010
 OCONEE, GA – The Southern Capital Conference, which brings together venture fund general partners and the limited partners and other stakeholders in private equity annually, plans to honor the “Deal of the Year” at the Sept. 15-17 event at the Lake Oconee Ritz Carlton.
Ramsay Batten of Arcapita and director of the conference tells us it is a way to give a venture firm “Some great visibility” in front of all those LPs, who are the people providing the funds the VCs invest, and “get some recognition in front of their peers.”
The Deal of the Year will be based on a portfolio company exit achieved by the GP during the prior year. The intent of the award is to provide recognition to the GP in front of a peer-group of 45+ GPs as well as 50+ LPs in attendance at the dinner.
In addition to the winner, two other finalists will also be honored at the event. The three honored GPs (the winner plus two finalists) will represent the three major asset classes represented at the event (buyout, venture/growth equity and mezzanine).
Batten tells us that despite widespread press about the contraction of the venture industry during and after the recession and less interest among LPs in that asset class, “We’re seeing as strong a response as we ever got from LPs coming to the conference.”
Batten says he recalls hearing the same sort of things about the venture industry during the last downturn in 2001 and 2002. The contraction last year was “tactical” rather than “strategic,” he says. “We’ll see over the next two to five years if there is a real strategic move in or out of the venture asset class.”
The Southern Capitol Conference confirmed LP attendees already include Capital Dynamics, FLAG Capital, Hirtle Callaghan, Grove Street Advisors, The Southern Company, the University of North Carolina Management Company and the State of West Virginia Investment Management Board, and more will surely follow.
The Conference features a variety of LP panels focused on the fundraising environment for venture, growth equity, buyout, mezzanine and real estate funds, and provides an ideal venue in which GPs can begin to build meaningful relationships with LPs for future funds.
Tags: Deal of the Year, Events, Georgia, GPs, LPs, Southern Capital Conference
Posted in Events, Georgia | No Comments »
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