Internet Initiative Japan - Competitors

Internet Initiative Japan Competition

Now Viewing Internet Initiative Japan's competition in: Internet Service Providers (primary)

Recent Developments

ISPs Pushing Simpler Log-Ins - It's no secret to Internet users that using multiple passwords to access websites can be a problem. To help consumers, several companies have tried to release single ID products that allow users to visit multiple sites with only one password. The most popular such venture, which is now being customized by ISPs, is called OpenID. ISPs are customizing OpenID software for use on their own platform, but experts predict that users will be able to use OpenIDs across different ISPs in the future.

WiMAX Test Underway in Baltimore - Baltimore residents now have WiMAX technology, which spreads broadband Internet speed connections over most of the city. WiMAX is being tried in other US and international cities by a variety of companies, and could prove to be another way for ISPs to reach potential consumers. The Baltimore project is run and funded by Sprint Nextel and Intel, but other companies, such as AT&T, are working on similar projects.

Privacy Concerns Loom Over ISPs - Continuing concerns about how consumers' Internet browsing patterns are used has caused legislators to consider new guidelines for ISPs. However, ISP executives recently testified before the Senate that any guidelines should come from the industry, not government, and should be applied to all companies in the industry. Among possible new guidelines is a provision to allow consumers to opt-out of having their browsing data collected during Internet use for advertising purposes.

Competitive Landscape

Demand is driven by consumer and business demands for information. The profitability of individual companies depends heavily on efficient operations and good marketing, as most costs are fixed. Big ISPs have large economies of scale in operations, purchasing, and marketing. Small companies can compete successfully by serving small markets or providing technical expertise to customers.

Full Industry Overview For Internet Service Providers

Internet Service Providers Industry Forecast

from Hoover's/D&B subsidiary First Research

The output for the US computing services, including software, which includes Internet service providers, is forecast to grow at an annual compounded rate of 6.1 percent between 2008 and 2013.

Content Providers Growth Steady

First Research forecasts are based on INFORUM forecasts that are licensed from the Interindustry Economic Research Fund, Inc. (IERF) in College Park, MD. INFORUM's "interindustry-macro" approach to modeling the economy captures the links between industries and the aggregate economy.