ABI Research Announces OEM Telematics Vendor Matrix

OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--Oct. 6, 2004--Three months ago, ABI Research launched the first of its unique "Vendor Matrix" tools. This online interactive "scatter chart" graphically displays the performance of technology vendors according to the complimentary parameters of "innovation" and "implementation."

That first Vendor Matrix evaluated RFID vendors. Today, ABI Research proudly launches its OEM Telematics Vendor Matrix, and invites all readers to view a sample version at http://www.abiresearch.com/vendormatrix/oemtmatrix.jsp.

Technology needs both invention and execution. Some companies excel at innovation. Others are renowned for their effective implementation of new products, services and strategies. A clever few manage to do both. Buyers of technology products and services, engaged in the difficult process of assessing possible vendors, need to find the best balance of those qualities: a balance that matches their own business and technical requirements.

How does the OEM Telematics Vendor Matrix work?

Our "innovation" analysis examines a vendor's relevant, defensible intellectual property differentiation, the nature of their telematics activities, and their "growth market focus".

To evaluate "implementation", analysts look to actual product development, contract wins, and successful execution of projects, among other criteria.

Our analysts supplement these evaluations by discussing market conditions with companies active in the field, to arrive at an easily understood visual performance model.

While innovation and implementation both have value, a high ranking on both axes indicates a vendor that's a clear leader in its field.

ABI Research's breadth and depth of exposure to hardware, software, and service companies allows us to serve the market with this well informed, independent assessment.

The research underpinning the OEMT Vendor Matrix is drawn from, among other sources, ABI Research's OEM Telematics Quarterly Service, in which OEM-specific telematics components are examined, including shipments, revenues and penetration of embedded hardware and adjunct devices. Forecasts are provided for major equipment such as telematics control units, satellite radio receivers, in-vehicle navigation systems, embedded Bluetooth-enabled equipment, Bluetooth-enabled handsets, and PDAs.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations that support annual research programs, quarterly intelligence services and market reports in wireless, automotive, semiconductors, broadband, and energy. Their market research products can be found on the Web at www.abiresearch.com, or by calling 516.624.3113.