ABI Research shines spotlight on AdvancedTCA and the 3G market

July 19, 2005

AdvancedTCA is a set of industry standard specifications developed by the PC Industrial Computer Manufacturers Group. As prominent group member Intel describes it, ATCA "provides standardized platform architecture for carrier-grade telecommunication applications." It defines form factors and module requirements for the next generation of carrier grade communications equipment, including 3G.

"In practical terms," says ABI Research's principal analyst of broadband technologies, Michael Arden, "compliance with ATCA means interoperability for base station and other wireless communications equipment. It offers efficiencies and reduced cost for equipment vendors, and greater convenience and vendor-independence for operators deploying 3G networks."

ABI Research is releasing a new study that reviews the technology considerations for the AdvancedTCA standard and the benefits that it presents to system vendors, component manufacturers and service providers. "ATCA and the 3G Market" specifically focuses on the impact that AdvancedTCA will have on the equipment market for 3G, and provides a forecast for shipments, pricing and market value of 3G equipment that is based on AdvancedTCA standards.

While interest in ATCA has grown significantly only in the last six to twelve months, says Arden, a number of important names in the industry are lining up behind the standard. As well as Intel, backers include AMCC, Siemens, Huawei, UTStarcom, Fujitsu and Korea Telecom. Korea was in fact the first market to embrace the standard.

"This study focuses on the business case for ATCA," says Arden. "We forecast worldwide base station shipments; average system price; and the shipments and market value of other ATCA-compliant field equipment for 3G."

According to the study, ATCA compliance is still in its infancy. Arden believes that larger-scale adoption will be driven by additional specifications such as MicroTCA -- variations for newer technical developments which should appeal to a wider market of smaller, cost-conscious vendors.

ABI Research expects that nearly a quarter of all UMTS deployments will adhere to the standard by the end of 2010.