What can be found out about the report to make a purchase decision?
We have included on 4th Wave's web site extensive materials on the report. This includes a detailed executive summary, the complete table of contents and this FAQ.

How long is the report?
The report is approximately 214 pages, total. There are 47 Figures and 52 Tables.

What is the style of the report?
The report is a dense read. It is laden with many tables and frequently only a few points are highlighted from them in the text. Thus, much of the detail of the report can only be extracted by careful examination of many parts of the study, some which might be quite subtle. The illustrations represent the body of the study results and this is supported with word explanations. It is 4th Wave's intent to present as complete a view of the strategic development of the market as possible and at the same time in as few the number of pages as reasonable. This is a report to be studied.

The report begins with a premise, based on the evaluation of the eras of computing, that a market can emerge which supports 1 billion units? Does this not presume a market in advance of its realization?
To some extent this is correct. However, this was only a beginning point in the analysis. The assessment within the study went well beyond this and examined products based on consumer need and many factors which will drive the market dynamics. As a result we consider the 1 billion unit only a starting point which served to drive the study but was not the end result.

How were the market estimates made?
The major variables were considered which would influence the market scenario. These included: consumer impacts (market drivers), location, timelines of technology and events, products and services, adjacent markets, US economy and infrastructure. From this, product and service categories were defined. Then a Total Available Market (TAM) was estimated which included all these elements. This also included example products and services. The TAM was not based on the timelines that these products and services would appear. The next step was to overlay a timeline of events, including likely government actions, to develop a scenario. This scenario only examines the development of the market to the product and service category level not the specific products. The timeline for the estimate was 10 years from 1999 to 2009.

Is the numerical data available from the figures in the report and the market estimate?
The appendix includes all the data in table form which are in Figures. Further, the details of the market estimate for the scenario is also include in the appendix.

Is the emphasis on the US market a bias in the study?
At a top level the study examines the GDP in other countries but this is not compare to the level of detail in the rest of the report for the US market. During the study 4th Wave sought other detailed data on consumer spending in other countries. However, this data was fragmentary and incomplete. Thus, in the time available, it was not possible to completely explore other markets and the potential dynamics they would pose in this market. This was not felt to be an important issue because the US will likely serve and the leading country from which this market will emerge because of the advanced state of the infrastructure, especially for accomplishing connectivity, and the size of the US market. As a first step in the strategic understanding of the market not including a detailed assessment of other regions or countries or regions was not felt to be a significant shortfall.

What companies are likely to be most impacted by the fifth era of computing?
The report is not an assessment of the companies present in either the IA market or the fifth era of computing. The study does briefly examine the impact of the eras of computing on the companies in each of those eras but not the fifth era. Because of the impacts of disruptive technology, many companies presently in hardware, chips, processors, software, Internet, communications and systems are likely to be impacted. An assessment of the specific companies and the impact of these market forces at the company level was beyond the scope of the study. We believe that the readers of the study will take many of the conclusions a apply the results to their company or those that they work with.

Does the report address products in the near term such as set-top boxes and handheld organizers?
No. This is not a study of specific products. The study focuses on the strategic trends which will shape the market. At 4th Wave we felt it essential to first develop a plausible end game for the emergence of this market. The report does that with the TAM and scenario. Further, the study examines example products and services to illustrate how the various criteria in the study and be met and satisfy consumer needs. These have proved valuable in illustrating the factors which will shape the market. A foundation has been established with the study to do much more in developing the product and service opportunities. In fact, 4th Wave has under development a comprehensive market model that will aid in the development of product specific opportunities and many other aspects of the market.

What are the business implications of this emerging market?
4th Wave believes that fifth era will be dominated by the consumer market. It is expected that business uses of some of the products and services will emerge, however, these will be vertically oriented and relatively small compared to the consumer market. Business applications of IA type devices are embedded in the study results but not the primary focus of the work.

Who are the authors of the report?
Dr. John Latta, President of 4th Wave and Amanda Rogos, an analyst at the company.

Who were the participants of the multiclient study?
4th Wave operates on the principle that it does not disclose the identity of its clients. Consistent with this, the participants in the study will not be revealed.

What does the report cost?
$2,495. Additional reports are available, when ordered at the same time, for $295.

Can I obtain a report on loan?
No. The report is available only in hard copy for purchase.

What is the return policy on the report?
We seek that all buyers of the report will be fully satisfied. As long as the report is returned in its original condition we offer a 10 day money back guarantee. Call for a RMA.

Is the report available in CD-ROM format?
No. At present we have no plans to make the report available in CD-ROM format.

Is 4th Wave available for consulting in areas that related to the report?
Yes. At 4th Wave our core business is consulting. We have been in business 10 years and have supported many companies in these business areas. Extending the results of the study to the specific needs of its readers and companies is part of our business.

Is a presentation available on the report and its findings?
Yes. 4th Wave has given many presentations on the study and is prepared to support both the specific and general needs of its clients on the results of the work and its impacts.

Will there be subsequent reports?
This remains open. At present there are no plans for additional reports. See the question below on what is available beyond the report.

What is available beyond the report?
4th Wave has launched a multiclient effort called a Continuous Market Assessment which will provide 4 in-depth presentations on the market, products, services, key events, market economic model results and other important activities and events. This will take place over a year. As with the multiclient study which shaped this report we expect that the participants in the Continuous Market Assessment will drive the directions of the subsequent activities in this area. This includes not only the areas to be addressed in the Assessment but also the potential for another report.