IT Spending to Grow Through 2013

The U.S. technology market is expected to grow throughout 2012 and into 2013, according to a report from Forrester Research

[Related: Bank IT Spending Growth on the Decline]

According to the report, "US Tech Market Outlook For 2012 To 2013: Improving Economic Prospects Create Upside Potential," Forrester projects growth of 7.5 percent in 2012 and 8.3 percent in 2013 for business and government purchases of information technology goods and services, not including telecom services.

The lead tech growth category will shift from computer equipment in 2011 to software in 2012 and 2013, according to Forrester, with and IT consulting and systems integration services playing a strong supporting role.

Following growth of 9.6 percent in 2011, computer equipment purchases will slow to 4.5 percent in 2012, with Forrester citing the lingering effects of Thailand's 2011 floods hurting parts supply in the first half. Additionally, Apple Macs and iPad tablets are expected to post strong growth in the corporate market and server and storage should grow in the mid-single digits.

Forrster also predicts that software growth will continue across all categories and that SaaS applications, general business intelligence products and specialized analytical tools will have the strongest growth. These products will help pull total software sales growth up to 11.4 percent in 2012 and 12 percent in 2013, according to the research.

Bryan Yurcan is associate editor for Bank Systems and Technology. He has worked in various editorial capacities for newspapers and magazines for the past 8 years. After beginning his career as a municipal and courts reporter for daily newspapers in upstate New York, Bryan has ... View Full Bio