25th August, 2010—Security is the most important factor for Chinese users when they select an industrial network, according to the results of a recent China-focused user survey analysed by IMS Research.
Market analyst Alex Hong commented “In high-risk industries, such as chemicals or gas stations, the security of network connection is always the highest priority. Any small delay or mishandling of data can potentially lead to disastrous accidents, apart from increasing maintenance costs.” “Speed of network” and “Good diagnostics” are the next most important factors. This is mainly due to the demand from manufacturers to increase production efficiency and reduce the frequency of maintenance.
The survey also shows that a large proportion of people will design, install and maintain industrial networks themselves rather than choose an external company for support. This situation is especially true for network maintenance. Nearly three quarters of respondents will choose this option, to reduce the time lost to network breakdown.
As regards network type, there is no obvious current transition from Fieldbus to Ethernet. Although use of Ethernet is expected to grow faster to than of Fieldbus, the survey showed it will not replace it within the next three years. This is largely because the Fieldbus market in China is very mature and stable. Existing Fieldbus technology can meet the needs of users; so that, in the near term, Ethernet will supplement rather than replace it.
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about IMS Research
IMS Research is a supplier of market research and consultancy services on a wide range of global electronics markets. The company is supported by headquarters in Wellingborough, UK and offices in Austin, Texas and Shanghai, China. IMS Research regularly publishes detailed research on industrial automation markets, among others.
