Gartner expects 2010 technology spending to grow 4.6 percent
By APThursday, January 21, 2010
Gartner sees 2010 tech spending up 4.6 percent
NEW YORK — Global technology spending will resume growth in 2010 as the broader economy improves slowly but steadily, according to research firm Gartner Inc.
The positive forecast, which follows a similar one from Forrester Research last week, signals an ongoing turnaround in the technology industry. Strong quarterly earnings from tech bellwethers Intel Corp. and IBM Corp. also suggest a recovery.
Gartner said Thursday it expects global spending on technology products and services to increase by 4.6 percent to $3.4 trillion this year. All major segments, including computer hardware and software, as well as technology services and telecommunications, are expected to improve.
This is an improved outlook from Gartner. Last fall, the company had forecast a 3.3 percent growth.
Nonetheless, “much of the increase in our revised 2010 forecast can be attributed to a projected decline in the value of the U.S. dollar compared to 2009,” said Richard Gordon, research vice president at Gartner, in a statement.
Gartner expects emerging markets in Latin America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa to lead growth from a geographic perspective. And while recovery will be slow, the research firm said consumer confidence as well as the availability of credit to spur new spending, should improve over the next 12 to 18 months.
