Forrester Predicts A 2010 “Tech Spending Rebound,” Targets U.S. Boost of 6.6 Percent, Global Boost of 8.1 Percent
Written by Fred J. AunForrester Research on Monday (Jan. 11) said it was seeing light at the end of the retail IT tunnel, with a conclusion that “the tech downturn of 2008 to 2009 is unofficially over.” It predicts the IT market in the U.S. will grow by 6.6 percent in 2010 and the global IT market will rise by 8.1 percent in U.S. dollars. Wondering if Forrester isn’t always optimistic in mid-January? Well, the firm predicted (just about one year ago) a dire year for 2009, with slow economic improvements in the second half of 2009. So it pretty much nailed that one, giving us yet more reason to believe Forrester’s new optimistic report for 2010.
Forrester Analyst Andrew Bartels cites “growing evidence that an economic recovery started in the U.S. and other countries in Q3 2009.” He also predicts the data will show “a small increase in buying activity or, at worst, just a small decline” taking place during the fourth quarter, adding that “the pieces are in place for a 2010 tech spending rebound.” Forrester predicts the good times will come slowly but “pick up steam later in the year, with computer equipment [especially PCs and storage] and software leading the way, and IT consulting services following.”