Prevailing Adoption Trends by Vertical Market for Networked Storage Solutions: An IDC Survey, 2009

This study draws on the results of the latest IDC European Vertical Markets Survey, carried out between January and April 2009 among 1,898 companies operating in the five largest Western European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the U.K.). The survey investigated IT spending directions, solution priorities, investment plans, and the adoption of a range of solutions and technologies across vertical markets, as well as the role of IT within the organization, IT budget dynamics, channel selection, and customer satisfaction with IT suppliers.

The focus of this study is on SAN, NAS, and virtualization technologies awareness, adoption, and short-term investment plans by vertical market. Results are presented for total Western Europe for the following vertical markets: manufacturing; retail and wholesale; transport, communications, and utilities; financial services; business services; government; healthcare.

"SAN penetration has been increasing fast, and is expected to receive a new boost thanks to the introduction of new, more affordable SAN technologies which will appeal to market segments, such as retailers and smaller companies, that are more cost-sensitive and are traditionally characterized by less sophisticated storage needs," said Serena Da Rold, program manager, IDC European Vertical Views. "The survey reveals that 20% to 30% of companies are planning to invest in SAN over the next two years, with particularly strong plans in the government sector, in financial services, communications, and utilities."