Strong growth expected in rugged computer markets

The worldwide market for ruggedized/ industrial personal computers and workstations is expected to grow by 60 percent between 1997 and 2001, according to a report by Venture Development Corp. in Natick, Mass. The 1997 market for these kinds of computers, which was $1.863 billion in 1997, will grow to $3.1 billion in 2001 - a combined annual growth rate of 13.8 percent - according to Venture`s report, "The Worldwide Market For Ruggedized/Industrial Personal Computers and Workstations, Third Edition." Venture analysts break this market into three segments - fully integrated stationary PCs and workstations; portable PCs; and modular PC and workstation products. Analysts project the stationary PC market between 1997 and 2001 to grow by 62 percent, from $552 million to $886 million; portable PCs to grow by 55 percent, from $756 million to $1.369 billion; and modular PCs and workstations to grow by 63 percent, from $555 million to $877 million. For more information on the study, contact Venture`s Jim Taylor, project director; Dinender Sharma, analyst; or Marc Regberg, vice president, by phone at 508-653-9000, or by fax at 508-653-9836. - J.K.