“We still achieved an overall double digit growth this year”

What is the evaluation of this year?
2012 has been a challenging year, but I’m happy to say we still achieved an overall double digit growth this year.

What were the main challenges that you had to face within your major markets?
We have seen quite some impacting changes in legislation in some countries – sometimes good, sometimes bad - , but the general economics in specifically Europe had no doubt an effect on operators incomes and therefore also impacted investments…

In your opinion, what was the most outstanding novelty (positively or negatively)?
I wouldn’t call it a novelty - we have seen it happening before - but the sudden change in direction in the Hungarian legislation must have surprised many who were hoping for a new opportunity… I still wonder how this was possible and it wouldn’t surprise me if we haven’t seen the end of that story yet..

What was the most innovative product or service launched this year by your company?
Our DPX-S430 all-in-one gaming board has seen overwhelming interest and for many existing customers it represents a logical upgrade on the current DPX-range. But I must also mention the phase-in of our European RMA center with extreme short turns-around times. And of course, the huge range of industrial automation products that we now can offer due to the fact we are 100% part of Advantech, the world’s largest IPC manufacturer; whatever product is need, Advantech has it in the catalogue!

In your opinion, what is the country with the highest growth potential for next year and why?
We see growth opportunities in many areas, besides the obvious ones like e.g. South America we also still rank North America highly. But also Asia and e.g. South Africa are becoming increasingly important for us..

What are your company's plans for 2013?
Continue on the path we set in 2012; offering quality and innovative products, offered by a professional organization with a truly global footprint, state-of-the-art manufacturing and R&D facilities, with unrivalled matching advantages for our customers.

How do you picture the gaming industry in 2013? Will it be similar to this year? Will there be a growth or slowdown?
We always say the global gaming industry is a dynamic industry. Some markets are under pressure and no one can deny on-line gaming is becoming a phenomenon of importance. But we also know  - after a long period of conservative behavior – the gaming industry is certainly gearing up to face the challenge. A professional approach, executed by professionals  and facilitated by professional products; shaping a sustainable industry with healthy growth prospects is where we are heading, and Advantech is ready to support!