Technology: Introduction
Segments
Cloud Computing Services
A relatively new segment, cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or a personal computer.
Electronic Commerce
Companies in this particular segment design and publish software to conduct business-to-business and business-to-consumer transactions through the Internet and other computer networks.
Entertainment Software
Companies in this segment create video games and other entertainment software. Major products include items such as console software, handheld games, smartphone applications, and personal computer games.
The Technology industry is Highly Concentrated. The production in this industry is dominated by a small amount of large firms that are able to shape the industry’s direction and price levels.
Primary Demand Drivers
- Rapid technological advances, but spending depends on the health of the domestic economy
Profitability Drivers
- Technical expertise
- Innovative services
- Effective marketing
From the Blog 
The technology industry is made up of skilled workers from all over the world, and the success of this industry largely relies on the ability to share and develop different ideas. When countries enforce strict immigration laws, or prevent travel in and out of the country, it hinders the technology industry. This is pertinent considering the possible changes in immigration laws in the United States under the Trump administration which may include reducing visas, increasing deportation, and focusing efforts on what used to be considered sanctuary cities. Multiple technology companies have expressed complaints with these policies, including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Apple.
Tech firms have been innovating and growing freely with no strings attached for the past few decades. However, governments and politicians in the America and Europe have been growing a negative sentiment towards the freedom of the giant tech firms. Companies that fall under the social media, search engine, and e-commerce buckets have been specifically put under the microscope. The whole world is currently watching Mark Zuckerberg’s, the Founder and CEO of Facebook, testimony where he has been drilled with 100s of questions revolving around Facebook’s business model, monopolistic power, and the company’s lack of responsibility and respect towards its users data. The real question here is: should governments intervene and regulate these industries?
Sources
- SelectUSA (Date Accessed: 6/1/2017)