PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Worldwide PC shipments are predicted to increase 12.6 per cent in 2007 to 257.5 million units, according to market researchers, IDC. This enhanced projection represents an increase on IDC’s previous forecasts, showing a 28 per cent year-on-year increase in portable PC volume and server shipments worldwide. The figures, published Thursday, show an increase in compound annual growth rate for 2006-2011, up from 9.3 per cent to 9.6 per cent.
Developing economies, many from the Asia/ Pacific (excluding Japan), are pushing the growth with strong gains in commercial and desktop markets. These regions are expected to surpass Western Europe and USA shipment volume in the next year or two.
"Overall, we should expect to see strong growth for the next several years, with double-digit increases expected through 2009," said Loren Loverde, director of IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker.
"The shift to mobility will continue to drive growth, as portable PCs are expected to represent more than 50% of shipment value during 2007 and more than half of worldwide volume by 2009. Portable share of PC Clients will reach 68% of volume in the United States and Western Europe by 2011, 44% in APeJ and Rest of World, and 55% overall."
"The U.S. market should maintain growth in mid-single digits through most of the forecast," said David Daoud, research manager, IDC Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker and Personal Systems. "Some pressure on spending related to the debt crunch may constrain 2008, but aggressive competition for fast growing Consumer demand, as well as resurgent Commercial spending will help fuel growth."
"Acer and Lenovo’s geographic expansion, combined with Dell’s reorganization and HP’s defence of its share gains will make for a dynamic and competitive market. Smaller vendors are likely to face even more pressure going forward as the largest players consolidate share and reposition themselves," he added.
