This IDC study provides an in-depth examination of the current status and future demand of manufacturing industry telecom networks, and analyzes and forecasts the manufacturing telecom services and equipment market in terms of various telecom solutions. IDC first focuses on the major business development goals and challenges faced by the manufacturing industry and examines the development trends and major issues in industry informatization. We then identify the opportunities and challenges in the telecom services market through in-depth analysis of the current application and future demand of various telecom solutions among manufacturing industry users. This study also analyzes the purchase behavior of end users, presenting IDC's professional recommendations.

"The overall manufacturing IT market was estimated at US$2450.3 million, the telecom equipment market US$234.6 million, and the telecom services market at US$1,358.7 million in 2004, respectively accounting for 8.9%, 13.7%, and 10% of the overall market," says Jane Wang, senior analyst, Telecom Research, IDC China. "Internet access, network security, and LAN development will pose strong growth in the next one to three years. For operators and equipment vendors, providing higher-quality solutions and realizing close alignment with existing manufacturing IS, and ensuring business continuity and security will be necessary to win the market."