SAN DIEGO, Calif., March 19, 2008 – Adoption for 802.15.4 and ZigBee chipsets is accelerating in several industries, according to ON World.  Last year, 7 million 802.15.4 and ZigBee chips were sold worldwide, an increase of 1400% from 2004.

ZigBee

“The ZigBee mesh network protocol is driving adoption in large volume Wireless Sensor Network markets such as advanced metering infrastructure, building automation, and home automation and controls,” according to Mareca Hatler, Director of Research.   “ZigBee is showing up in innovations such as real-time location systems, vending machine management, and point-of-sale systems.”

ZigBee is the most popular low data rate wireless technology and respondents in
ON World’s recent survey with WSN experts indicate that ZigBee makes up 44% of current and planned WSN products. 

802.15.4

The low power, robust 15.4 radio is hugely successful for Wireless Sensor Networking as well as many other low data rate wireless solutions.  In addition to ZigBee, 15.4 is used in industrial protocols such as WirelessHart and ISA100.  The IETF’s 6LoWPAN for IP based sensing and control is also based on 15.4 with support from Cisco and innovative startup Arch Rock.

The largest markets for 15.4 today feature simple low data rate wireless networking, often without the need for complex mesh networking.  Many of these are one-of-a kind solutions such as audience response systems and scoreboards at sporting events.  Potentially high volume 15.4 markets include toys, games, and remote controls for multimedia equipment. 

Emerging trends include:

• Over one hundred 15.4 and ZigBee based products are shipping today
• New entrants are providing development tools using programming languages such as Python and Java
• Companies are targeting specific markets versus the generalized approach of the last few years
• Chipset bill of materials will drop to $3 in 2011, down from $12 in 2007

Based on 828 interviews conducted between 2007 and 2008, ON World’s recently published report, “802.15.4 and ZigBee: The Next Generation,” provides actionable market data and analysis on the fastest growing and largest markets for ZigBee, 802.15.4 and 802.15.4 derivatives.

 For more information, go to: http://onworld.com/wpan

About ON World:
ON World Inc. provides world class business intelligence on smart technology markets. Our research reports and information services are sold to Fortune 1000 companies, startups, and investors worldwide. More information is available from http://www.onworld.com.

Media Contact:
Mary E. Purvis
email: purvis at onworld.com
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