As a company established for less than $6000 in 1987, Huawei has grown to become one of the largest businesses in the world. Its entry to smartphone market in 2010 was born from its former role as a generic smartphone maker for carriers and other brands.
While most Filipinos would identify Huawei as a smartphone maker, it is foremost a network carrier technology provider. In fact, in 2016 – as told by Senior Director, Corporate Communications at Huawei, Benjamin Howes, the total revenue contribution of Consumer Business Group (includes smartphone business) is only 35%. While Howes didn’t categorically cast in stone that the consumer business’ revenue will overtake the contribution of carrier business, the possibility isn’t actually
As a company that connects 1/3 of the world’s population, Huawei – regardless of the business group – plays a vital role in various ecosystems: communication, IoT, economy, etc.
Zeroing in the digital economy, Huawei is an everpresent enabler of network carriers, which provides internet and data access to people. This bequeaths a cashless economy, which slims down physical pockets and fattens digital wallets. I wrote my experience on this using WeChat Pay on this link.
All the ecosystems that Huawei is involved will evolve further, and catching up to this evolution isn’t just Huawei’s play. For Huawei, understanding how the future will unfold is key to their business. While Howes didn’t expound one of his slides during his presentation when we visited Huawei’s HQ, the company clearly grasps the growth of connections, data and services like broadband connection, internet users, time spent online and smart devices.
They have long prepared for this with their pipeline strategy, which focuses on storing, transmitting and displaying data to cope with explosive data and traffic growth. While this may be geek talk to all of us, this strategy clearly defines Huawei’s dedication to “enrich life” through communication. Whether it’s about easily buying your next coffee with your smartphone at 7/11 or connecting to your smart car in the future, Huawei is in every step of the way.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
