27/02-04   -   Pressmeddelande

Nordic Security Services Set for 21% Average Annual Growth to 2008, Says IDC

A total of €267 million was invested in security services in the Nordic countries in 2003 — making the security services market similar in size to the security hardware and software market. Security has top priority in most companies, and according to an IDC study, investment in the Nordic market will grow at a CAGR of 21% to 2008, reaching €700 million in total value.

Security services have been viewed as tied closely to the implementation of hardware or software security solutions, but according to the findings of IDC´s study, this is changing fast, and a discrete services market has emerged.

Large enterprises demand security consulting services to assess their vulnerability and the business impact of possible security breaches. They need to understand where to invest and how to balance investments against the risks.

Meanwhile, small and medium-sized companies that do not have the internal resources to deal with security issues demand managed services from their vendors.

"Security services has become a very interesting market for many vendors," said IDC Nordic Consulting Manager Mette Ahorlu. "It is growing fast and is very fragmented. The top 5 suppliers in each of the Nordic countries in total cover less than one-third of the market. The remaining two-thirds are spread over numerous suppliers with little turnover." This lack of perceived market leaders mean that the buyer´s mindshare is available to suppliers and there could be market concentration.

"Vendors that can position themselves in the role of the good advisor and spread the confusion of where to focus and what to do face a bright future in security services," said Ahorlu. "The enterprises simply do not know who to turn to today — and so they choose their normal solution supplier. If an IT service vendor brands itself in security services it can easily gain market share — and help develop the market. But the niche players with focus only on security will face hard times."

IDC´s study analyzes the security services market in four segments — consulting, implementation, managed services, and education — and analyzes the position and potential of the main suppliers in each of the four Nordic countries.

To purchase Nordic Security Services 2003 Vendor Market Shares and 2004–2008 Forecast (IDC #N560430L, February 2004) please contact one of the following:

Denmark, Andreas Lange, +45 39 16 22 43
Norway, Sweden, and Nordic, Pelle Hallberg, +46 8 751 0415
Finland, Pipsa Ylä-Mononen, +358 9 8770 4654
Alternatively, please visit www.idc.com.

About IDC
IDC is the premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications industries. We analyze and predict technology trends so that our clients can make strategic, fact-based decisions on IT purchases and business strategy. Over 700 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide local expertise and insights on technology markets. Business executives and IT managers have relied for 40 years on our advice to make decisions that contribute to the success of their organizations.

IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world´s leading technology media, research, and events company. Additional information can be found at www.idc.com
# # #

All product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

For more information:
Mette Ahorlu
+4539162222