Input Consulting & Research, estimates that the market for corporate Internet appliances worldwide will reach $12.5 billion by 2001. Internet appliances (also known as network computers) are one of the hottest topics of 1996. Proponents claim they may replace the PC, as the standard computing device in the corporation; skeptics say they are too limited to lure users away from their PCs. The truth lies somewhere in between.

According to recent research, Input has found that the success of these appliances depends heavily on the success of underlying applications migration.

According to Wilson Haddow, Input's Vice President of Research, "The potential for reduced support costs will be a key factor in users implementing appliances. The prospect of being able to cut annual costs by 70% is going to weigh heavily in any IS manager's decision."

The new Input reports, Use of Internet Appliances in Corporations, US, and Use of Internet Appliances in Corporations, Europe analyze market and technology trends for Internet appliances in the corporation. The reports identify where, how, and when Internet appliances will be used by corporations, for what applications they will likely be used, and how likely they are to replace PCs.

Use of Internet Appliances in Corporations, US, and Use of Internet Appliances in Corporations, Europe are produced by Input's Internet Opportunities Program and are available from INPUT at 1881 Landings Drive, Mountain View, California 94043. To obtain a copy, please call Mark Drisko at 415-528-6318. Input is a worldwide research and consulting firm conducting research in electronic commerce, the Internet, outsourcing, systems integration, federal government opportunities and European opportunities for software and systems vendors. Input has offices in New York, Washington, D.C., London, Paris, Tokyo, Frankfurt and Mountain View, Ca. Since 1974, Input has advised computer industry leaders on trends in computer software and services since 1974.

Source: Input