What Medical / Health Care Customers of Embedded Technology Really Want

As many of you know, VDC recently completed an extensive primary research effort that included a global demand analysis of embedded developers at OEMs, system integrators, distributors and other embedded customers.  The objectives were to obtain for the industry a better understanding of customer requirements and to provide a set of reasonable expectations for future growth, and technology adoption.

In one of the largest surveys of its kind, we reached nearly 500 total qualified respondents, representing multiple vertical industries, and from multiple geographic regions.  After analyzing all of the collected data and publishing the research findings, VDC found that what embedded technology customers really want from their suppliers often varies greatly depending on a variety of factors (e.g., organization size, vertical industry, global geography, etc.).  What these respondents told us - and what they didn't tell us - was quite revealing.

For instance, the majority (71% selecting) of medical / health care OEMs, system integrators, and distributors, and end users that we surveyed, responded that traditional IT/PC suppliers were the "Most Important" third-party source for embedded integrated computer systems.  This finding is not surprising to us as we see the gradual migration toward technology suppliers that possess a broader value proposition that extends beyond boards and systems. Customers, our research clearly reveals, want an end-to-end solution that includes service and support capabilities, not just a chip, board, or embedded system.
 
Another, somewhat surprising, survey response was found when respondents were asked to rate key product selection criteria for embedded integrated systems.  According to our research results, two often important product attributes - "Open Standards" and "Ruggedization / Product Durability" - were not selected by any respondents as being important to the selection process (0% selecting).  Seemingly, these medical customers remain primarily focused on "Price," "Reliability," "Performance," and "Networking Capability."

The results from this 2010 demand analysis survey of medical and health care customers also offer industry observers greater visibility and insights into future requirements and expectations. For more information regarding VDC's 2010 demand analysis research or our forthcoming research, please contact Cyril Bernard at (508) 653-9000 x 142 or cbernard@vdcresearch.com.