Abstract
This IDC study discusses the QuickPoll survey that was used
to gauge the possible impact of the declining U.S. economy
on near-term hardcopy spending and to analyze these results as
soon as possible. The assumption behind this study is that
U.S. businesses are expected to more carefully scrutinize all IT-related
expenses and spending during a time of economic weakness. This
cautious approach to IT spending has ramifications that could hinder
growth across many product/market segments, including the U.S. hardcopy market.
The concern of many hardcopy vendors is that growth in
the U.S. hardcopy market is already very challenging, even during
recent periods of solid economic growth. With the U.S. economy' s
growth prospects now and in the near future in question,
the possibilities for U.S. hardcopy vendor revenue and profit growth
could become even more problematic. This is the third IDC
QuickPoll conducted on the impact of the economy on the
hardcopy market. In IDC' s view, the economy' s impact on the
market is first and foremost on the minds of hardcopy
vendor decision makers. This serves as the rationale for regularly
polling our panel on this high-interest topic.
"Corporate buyers are telling
IDC that all spending is coming under greater scrutiny, even
measures that offer promises of near-term cost-cutting benefits. Customers need
immediate relief from the pressures put on them by a
difficult economic climate. With this requirement in mind, hardcopy vendors
should focus on conveying a cost-savings message that grants nearly
immediate relief from these challenges," says Keith Kmetz, program vice
president for IDC' s Hardcopy Solutions research programs.
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