Title: Release the embedded software: the electronics industry in transition

Authors: R. Gal, M. Van Genuchten

Addresses: Philips CFT, P.O. Box 218/SAQ-24, 5600 MD Eindhoven, The Netherlands ' Van Meursstraat 33, 5615 JN Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Abstract: The electronics industry is in a transition from a hardware to a software dominated industry. Software already dominates the computer industry while its role in electronic products such as telecommunications equipment, medical systems and televisions is rapidly increasing. A four stage model that describes the transition of the electronics industry is presented in this paper. The four stages are the hardware stage, the embedded software stage, the proprietary software stage and the open system stage. The authors will argue that market forces will drive most of the electronics industries to the open system stage in which software is the driving force. Consequences for electronics companies are discussed and two possible strategies are outlined.

Keywords: embedded software; electronics industry; information technology; technology trends; strategic planning; transition models; computer industry; proprietary software; open systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.1996.025478

International Journal of Technology Management, 1996 Vol.12 No.1, pp.33 - 44

Published online: 22 May 2009 *

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