Home Networks Ready for Primetime; Parks Associates' Latest Research Suggests That U.S. Consumers Are Ready for Home Networking

Business Wire, Jan 31, 2003

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2003

Almost one-third of all U.S. broadband households are interested in purchasing a home networking product this year, according to Parks Associates' Broadband Access @ Home III, a survey of 10,500 U.S. Internet households. This trend reflects a growing appreciation among U.S. consumers for the value of a home network.

"There is little doubt that demand for home networking is finally ramping up," said Michael Greeson, senior analyst and director of broadband research for Parks Associates. "At least three million U.S. Internet households will purchase data-centric home networks in 2003, thanks in large part to the aggressive marketing efforts of service providers and retailers alike, as well as strong consumer interest in networking content."

Sharing an Internet connection continues to be the most significant driver for home networking. Two-thirds of Internet households with a home network state that sharing an Internet connection among multiple home PCs was the top reason for network adoption.

Parks Associates' latest consumer study, Broadband Access @ Home III, is the largest long-form Internet survey conducted in the U.S. to date, with more than 10,500 Internet households participating. The study includes surveys of 4,500 narrowband and 6,000 broadband households and offers statistically significant samples for most residential services, including digital cable, satellite TV, Internet, home networking, Internet telephony, home security, home management, and many others.

For additional information about Parks Associates' Broadband Access @ Home III, please contact sales@parksassociates.com or call 972/490-1113.

About Parks Associates: Parks Associates is a market research and consulting firm that provides information and analysis to its clients on emerging residential, small office, and light commercial technologies. Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, multiclient studies, consumer research, workshops, and custom-tailored client solutions.

Its market expertise encompasses the full range of connected-home solutions, including home networks, digital entertainment, broadband and Internet services, and home systems. Parks Associates also hosts two industry events, Forum and CONNECTIONS(TM) (in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association), each year. www.parksassociates.com.