Rapid Internet Growth Projected In Emerging Markets

A recent Boston Consulting Group report stated that the number of internet users is set to double by the year 2015, indicating not only the technological but also economic advances in society. The countries that show the most growth include China, India, Brazil, Russia, and Indonesia which will collectively have about double the users they had in 2009. That's quite a jump in a little over five years time. Although this trend may be obvious to some, there may be significant changes in business strategy that are worth looking out for.

For example, unlike the evolution of the PC market in the United States, much of this access will be available on mobile devices. This sheer fact will no doubt accelerate the need for more attention to be payed to this segment, an area that has only been a recent focus domestically. We can look to see many more enhancements in the way we connect to the internet simply because of the new demand for these products in emerging nations. Not only will this impact the hardware side of things but software will have to be adapted as well. For example, according to the article, the low literacy rate in these areas will make the transition to the web hard for many. This leaves a vast need for more accurate voice software so that demographic can enjoy the advancement as well.

Finally, not only does it leave the door open for the immediate necessities such as new software, but it also creates new niche markets for entrepreneurs. Studies put out by the company India Real Time indicate that the overall mindset of the people in these nations is quite different than those in developed nations. For example, rather than playing games or listening to music on the web, Indians are more likely to visit job search websites. It will be interesting to note if some of these particular quirks have any affect on the U.S. market or if they will remain confined to this new emerging segment. Above all, one thing is for certain, there will be new opportunities for companies to shift focus and capitalize on this new upcoming movement.