Home Network Hurdle

More than one fifth (21%) of US adults report having a home computing network of two or more computers, according to a report from Harris Interactive. However, current intentions suggest that the figure will grow by only 7% in the near future, and 88% of the remainder say they have no need for one.

The 2004 Technology Report on Home Networking is based on online responses from 1,014 US citizens aged 18+ in October 2004 - 225 of them have a home computing network and 699 do not intend to install one or currently are not sure. The most commonly cited reason for deciding to install one is to gain the ability to share an Internet connection (84%). Other common reasons are the desire to share printers/peripherals (64%) and files (58%), to move freely around the house (42%), and to utilize one firewall (36%).

Women, those aged 40-59, married people and those with a high school education or less are all less likely to be interested in the idea of a home network.

Milton Ellis, VP of Harris Interactive Technology Research says home network and digital home product providers have a task on their hands to persuade people they need such technology. 'Knowing who their target market is and what motivates those who have already adopted the technology may help to break down walls and accelerate market growth penetration. Many of the consumer electronic providers' new product offerings depend on a home network as an enabling technology to deliver entertainment content to all areas of the home. If the end users cannot see the benefits of a home network, it may be a long road ahead before we see acceptance of the digital home by the masses'.

A copy of the report can be obtained upon request. The company's web site is at www.harrisinteractive.com

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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