Popularity of cloud computing results in lower PC sales

Friday, January 13, 2012

According to the International Data Corporation, 2011 provided the lowest market numbers in a decade for the PC industry. Compared to the fourth quarter in 2010, PC shipments in the United States fell by 6.7 percent from 19.9 million units to 18.6 million. Global PC sales were down by a total of 0.2 percent. This is particularly alarming because the fourth quarter normally reports strong gains due to the holiday season. But while conventional PC providers like Dell and HP experienced significant losses, corporations like Apple saw increased growth due to the integration of cloud computing technology into their products.

With the rise of cloud devices like smartphones and tablets, the industry focus is on providing mobile access to the wealth of data available on the global cloud. Market information reflects this trend, as non-Apple tablet PC shipments are expected to grow 134% in 2012. Security services providers are including upgraded security platforms with these mobile devices, and flashier graphic interfaces allow for easier interaction.

Visiongain expects mobile cloud services to reach $45 billion in 2016. As consumer confidence grows with a burgeoning economy, the PC industry can expect to continue to decline, unless it can find a way to compete with the adaptability of cloud computing.