Providing unique products within the highly competitive IT industry is challenging. Vendors and resellers continually search for that one distinguishing, unique product; the product that might revolutionize the industry, or at the very least, satisfy niche market requirements. One liquid crystal
display (LCD) product line stood out at the recent Comdex Canada event in Toronto.
A monitor vendor named MCCS had an eye-catching showcase of AG Neuvo’s display products; a selection of LCD units was found. One of the distinguishing features of these units was an optolens (OPTO) protective shield. It is a clear protective covering for monitors, made of scratch and shatter-proof glass. Designed to protect the LCD panel, this lens guards against potentially harmful factors such as dust particles and user contact. While the OPTO may sound unnecessary in typical office environments, IT purchasers in markets such as medical, government, education and manufacturing have been searching for it. This niche product is finding some demand in markets across the country.
In situations where multiple users may come into contact with computer displays, concern for the safety of the unit arises. A high unit cost for the equipment is also a contributing factor. Due to the significant expense of upgrading monitors, combined with budgetary restraints, medical and education environments are now considering products with advanced features, such as the OPTO. Extending the product life cycle is one of the key benefits of this technology.
Another industry that is considering this technology is manufacturing. While the rise in ISO certification has changed manufacturing methods, emissions such as dust particles remain a concern in factories and warehouses across the country. The health and environmental benefits of LCD technology are also understood. The OPTO is a feature that may extend a product’s life cycle, and is therefore an attractive feature for IT departments.
It is well known that the LCD market experienced tremendous growth last year. Unit growth in Canada is forecasted at 154 per cent in 2002 over 2001, and 55 per cent in 2003 over 2002. Lured to the units by their attractive designs, users and purchasers are romanced by a sense of stylish technology. But how do you care for your display? And how long will it last?
MCCS president Brian Yong-Kee estimates that “90 per cent [of IT purchasers] are not getting value for their money.” He hopes to change that by providing high quality products for attractive price points. While the displays are priced slightly higher than vendors such as Samsung and ViewSonic, he stressed that the extra money is well spent. The protective glass panel enhances the shelf life of the display as well as reducing down time. Increasing employee productivity is a key factor facing today’s IT departments.
As market interest grows for the AG Neuvo products, vendors like MCCS are ideally situated with their niche product. An attachment to the LCD unit, such as the optolens, is the solution for which certain users have been searching for.
