Wireless channels still growing

WLAN and RFID markets remain buoyant, according to analysts

The wireless networking and RFID channels are continuing to enjoy growth, according to two separate reports.

According to Dell’ Oro Group, the global wireless LAN market broke back through the $1bn barrier in the third quarter after two quarters hovering just below it.

The market watcher put the growth spurt down to increased spending in the healthcare and education sectors, as well as a rise in sales of higher-valued 802.11n products. Cisco, HP and Enterasys all grew more than 30 per cent in the quarter, Dell ‘Oro said.

One adjacent market also enjoying growth is RFID.

According to ABI Research’s annual survey, nearly half (49 per cent) of firms using, deploying or evaluating the technology expect their RFID budget to rise next year.

Just 11 per cent of the 115 organisations that took part said they intend to cut their RFID budget in 2010.

ABI’s research also revealed that almost half (48 per cent) now expect to achieve return on investment (RoI) on RFID within 12 months, compared with just 37 per cent last year.

Practice director Michael Liard, said: “Shorter RoI timeframe expectations are yet another sign of users’ growing confidence in the RFID business case.”

Business process improvement was rated as the top driver for adoption.