Global IT spending set to grow 6% in 2012: Survey

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Worldwide spending on information technology is expected to grow six per cent this year in constant currency, a slight dip from 2011, a research firm said on Monday.

International Data Corporation said the growth pace, down from seven per cent last year, comes "in spite of continuing macroeconomic uncertainty." "Strong performances in the software, storage, enterprise network, and mobile device markets has so far offset weaker trends in PCs, servers, peripherals, and telecom provider equipment," the report said.

But because of the rise of the US dollar, the growth in dollar terms will be only four per cent, which represents "a significant downturn for US-based tech vendors," IDC said. Overall Worldwide IT spending is now expected to be US$2.1 trillion (S$2.6 trillion) for 2012.

Adding in telecom services the total will be US$3.8 trillion, a rise of five per cent in constant currencies.