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Intelligent rack PDUs driving total global rack PDU revenue growth of 6% in 2013

Global rack power distribution unit 2013 shipments are projected to grow 3%, while 2013 global revenue is projected to grow over twice as fast, at a rate of 6.3%, according to a recent IHS Inc. report.

By IHS Inc. January 6, 2014

Global rack power distribution unit (PDU) 2013 shipments are projected to grow 3%, while 2013 global revenue is projected to grow over twice as fast, at a rate of 6.3%, according to a recent IHS Inc. report: The World Market for Rack Power Distribution Units. Forecasts for higher revenue growth are based on the assumption that intelligent units will continue to gain product share, therefore driving up average unit prices. Intelligent units, which have the ability to connect to a network, can meter electricity consumption, switch outlets on and off, and even accommodate environmental sensors.

Though their effect on revenue growth is significant, IHS predicts that by the end of 2013, intelligent PDUs will still only account for 20% of unit shipments globally. IHS Analyst Sarah McElroy points out, "The market for intelligent rack PDUs is nowhere near saturated yet. The biggest opportunities still lie in Asia." IHS estimates that less than 10% of rack PDU shipments in Asia are intelligent units.

Within Asia, adoption of intelligent rack PDUs is occurring at different speeds. For example, while the Chinese market remains predominantly non-intelligent, Hong Kong, as a more mature market, has a higher penetration of intelligence. Other mature markets like Oceania and Japan have a higher penetration of intelligent units than the rest of Asia as well.

"The multinational suppliers have been active in the intelligent space for some time, but now we are starting to see some of the local Asian suppliers introduce rack PDUs with intelligent features," McElroy adds. In Asia, relatively small local suppliers make up a large share of the rack PDU market. Traditionally, they have been known to be agile competitors, manufacturing low-end basic products and competing on price. Their gradual entrance into the intelligence space foretells further growth in these product categories in Asia and also increased competition for international suppliers.

IHS regularly analyzes all aspects of the data center infrastructure market. The World Market for Rack Power Distribution Units – 2013 Edition provides in-depth analysis across three world regions: the Americas, EMEA, and Asia. Unit shipments, average unit prices and revenues are estimated for 2012 and forecast through 2017. The market is segmented by sub-region, product type, power rating, input phase, form factor, vertical market, and sales channel. Supplier market share estimates for 2012, and an analysis of the competitive environment, are also provided. Additionally, IHS analyzes the market for rack power distribution units quarterly in the company’s free-to-participants"“Rack PDU Tracker," which complements the annual report.