"The widespread reliance on Internet and online transactions has translated into an increasing need for retail/wholesale companies to protect the flow of data ? both internally and externally ? as well as their IT systems from security breaches and system outages," said Cinzia Rinelli, senior research analyst in IDC's European Vertical Markets service.

In addition, as companies look for faster, easier, and better ways to transfer data and conduct transactions, the wireless delivery mechanism will become increasingly attractive. Security will be paramount in this area.

Antiviral tools and firewall appliances remain the top priority of security investment plans; however, security solutions boosting privacy and supporting micropayments are hot areas of security technology investment in retail and wholesale. IT vendors should focus on these areas in the short term.

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