Forrester

With the US economy showing signs of improvement, the US tech market has been rejuvenated, according to a new US tech market forecast from Forrester, which is forecasting US tech market growth of 7.5% in 2012. This is up from the 6.6% growth projected in November 2011. For 2013, Forrester is forecasting 8.3% growth. Including telecom services, business and government spending on information and communications technology (ICT) will increase by 7.1% in 2012 and 7.4% in 2013.

The lead tech growth category will shift from computer equipment in 2011 to software in 2012 and 2013. Software growth will occur across all categories, but software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications, general business intelligence products, and specialized analytical tools will have the strongest growth. These products will help push total software sales growth up to 11.4% in 2012 and 12% in 2013.

Computer equipment purchases will slow to 4.5% growth in 2012, "as the lingering effects of Thailand's 2011 floods hurt parts supply in the first half and the prospect of Windows 8 dampens Wintel PC sales until the fall. Apple Macs and iPad tablets will post strong growth in the corporate market, though, and server and storage should grow in the mid-single digits," blogs Andrew Bartels.

About Forrester Research

Forrester Research, Inc. (Nasdaq: FORR) is an independent research company that provides pragmatic and forward-thinking advice to global leaders in business and technology. Forrester works with professionals in 19 key roles at major companies providing proprietary research, customer insight, consulting, events, and peer-to-peer executive programs. For more than 28 years, Forrester has been making IT, marketing, and technology industry leaders successful every day. For more information, visit www.forrester.com.