New Report Forecasts Global IT Markets and Economic Trends and Identifies Risks and Opportunities

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Sept 13, 1999

IT Spending will continue to grow with the Asian Revival and post-Y2K breather in 2000 in U.S. and Europe, according to SPS/Spectrum's new report, "Global Economic and Information Technology Market Forecasts, 1999-2004." The report provides detailed economic and IT spending forecasts for 32 countries, 5 regions, and the world, for the years 1999, 2002 and 2004. The comprehensive study tracks and forecasts 3 economic indicators (GDP, inflation and unemployment) and 14 categories of IT spending, including data communications, equipment, equipment services, application software products, systems software products, professional services, outsourcing, network services, and systems integration services. IT expenditures are segmented into two broad categories: spending for outside products and services (as noted above), and internal spending for staff and facilities.

For each country, the report analyzes the economic and business climate, information technology market, information services market, and the software products market in narrative paragraphs that document the reasoning behind the forecasts. It also provides a forecast of Internet growth based upon host population, a representative list of major IT product and services vendors, and a summary of risks and opportunities. Finally, the study offers an assessment of the country's performance compared to others in its region, as measured by four growth categories. SPS/Spectrum's report contains 200 forecast tables in a 300 page spiral-bound volume. Included as appendixes are a baseline and two alternative global economic scenarios, a glossary, a list of more than 275 U.S. and foreign IT product and services vendors, and the forecast database, with all forecast tables in Excel format on a 3.5" disk.

Using unique economic analyses prepared by economists as a foundation for business and IT spending estimates, forecasts are matched to the 3- and 5-year cycles most commonly used by strategic planners, market and product planners, financial analysts, corporate executives, and investors. The report is updated annually, with new countries added each year. The next edition is scheduled to be available mid-year in 2000.

The report is a joint effort of SPS and Spectrum Economics, two Silicon Valley consulting firms with more than 20 years experience successfully forecasting and analyzing foreign economies and technology markets. SPS (Strategic Planning Services) specializes in the development and evaluation of strategic and operating plans, and the forecasting and analysis of global IT markets. Spectrum Economics produces a broad range of economic and market forecasts, and provides litigation support on economic damage issues.

Available now, the report is priced a $1,450 for the first copy, with additional copies offered at $500 each. An electronic version in either PDF or HTML format sells for $4,450.

To order the report, or for additional information, see SPS/Spectrum's website at www.spececon.com or call (650) 323-4085 or (650) 324-2701.