Aftermarket computer accessories are big business

The European aftermarket for computer accessories exceeded $2.5 billion in 2006, according to Venture Development Corp.

The European aftermarket for computer accessories exceeded $2.5 billion in 2006, according to Venture Development Corporation's recently released "Computer accessories for desktop and notebook computers" research programme.

VDC expects nearly a 10% annual growth rate until 2010, with revenue shipments projected to approach $3.7 billion.

Electronic accessories accounted for more than 60% of the total European aftermarket and are poised to grow more nearly 11% over the next 4 years.

The nonelectronic accessory market was approximately $1 billion in 2006 and is expected to approach $1.4 billion by 2010.

The report finds that Europeans view consumer electronics and accessory products as more of a fashion expression than their US counterparts.

As a result, demand for a wider variety of colours and more fashionable products has increased and accessory suppliers have been broadening their portfolios to enhance their ability to meet the ever-changing requirements of consumers across a wide variety of age groups.

Europe's comfort level with wireless technology may eventually spell trouble for the region's computer cable aftermarket.

With increasing focus on wireless infrastructure, the dynamics of the European market could prove to be drastically different from the USA in the near term.

Although European computer cable adoption may be hindered to some extent, an enormous opportunity still remains for suppliers targeting less technologically advanced nations in the central and eastern regions.

Suppliers have noted biometrics, speech recognition and retinal imaging as possible areas for future product innovation, although none has emerged as a viable solution on a wide scale to date.

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