Next Generation has a blurb (Link) on a report from Acacia Research Group with the following conclusion: “3D Visualization Market Expanding“. Dumbfounded by this bit of obviousness I headed over to the Acacia website to see what they said for myself. Only it turns out their Opportunities in Visualization, Simulation, & Training 2006-2011 report costs $2,995 dollars. Ouch. Fortunately for those of us averse to throwing money out of a moving vehicle, they have a preview (Link).
Assuming that a preview is a bit like a movie trailer in that it reveals the juiciest bits in order to entice people to shell out the big bucks, I go to the most obvious section: “Study Summary”. Here’s what that page says:
The overall market will grow significantly over the next five years, driven by a number of factors including:
– Lower-cost desktop simulation solutions
– Widely-available and cost-effective graphics and display solutions for mid-range VizSim systems.
– Increased demand for collaborative 3D design in industries such as architecture and land development.
—
Entertainment technology makers are facing huge opportunities alongside daunting obstacles:
– PC-based technologies more applicable than ever.
– Demand for collaboration and communications features provide rich opportunities for networking technologies.
– In-house software solutions tend to trump COTS products.
Wow. How did they reach those unexpectedly startling conclusions? Quick. Where’s my checkbook? [/sarcasm]
Having looked at that page a couple of times in sheer disbelief that they would charge three grand for the kind of insight easily found online for free (and sometimes on this blog), I notice that the facts, figures and quotes cited by Next Gen aren’t in sight. So where did they get that additional information? Turns out it’s on another page (Link). Gee, Next Gen. Way to cut and past and read a graph.
Folks, save your money. If you need this kind of information and you don’t already know the “summary” highlights provided and how it impacts your business, you’ll need the cash later after your business has died and you’re unemployed.
Hello from Acacia. Thanks for your not-so-wonderful review. Just thought I’d make it clear that the released information is top-line data – obviously there is considerably more detail in the study.
Of course the market is growing. This is a no-brainer as you point out.
The question is, how much is it growing? In what sectors? What are the trends. Though, perhaps, obvious to you (and maybe we should sign you up as an analyst) these aren’t data points that everyone has immediately to hand.
Thanks for your mention anyway – and for the traffic. Much appreciated.
Best,
M
Your welcome.
However, if my commentary is less glowing than what you’d prefer, I’d point to my qualification preceeding those remarks: “Assuming that a preview is a bit like a movie trailer in that it reveals the juiciest bits…“. If people out there aren’t aware of the trends, there’s also a strong likelihood they’re unaware that they should be looking for the kind of detailed information you’re providing/hiding behind the preview.
As I’ve mentioned in other posts, the high-level corporate officers with whom I’ve spoken are generally unaware of just how quickly things are moving. Most seem to be in the same boat as the chaotic advertising industry (for the most recent example of their brilliance, just look at how they’ve (mis)handled advertising for downloadable video).
Consequently, I’d suggest you make your preview more compelling… somehow. The people who know what’s happening probably don’t need your report. The people who don’t know need more handholding to get them to understand what’s happening. Futureshock is happening now. In my opinion, your best customers don’t even know they need you.