IT market to reach €1.87 bln in 2008

The market's value will increase by €500 million, compared to the initial estimation of €1.37 mln. The hardware segment will advance by 36.6 percent and the software segment will increase by 13.7 percent.

According to IDC, the hardware market's value will be higher than the entire IT market in 2007. At the end of 2008, the hardware market will be worth €1.43 billion. "Romanian market is still focused on hardware acquisition, especially the public sector: administration, education and health," said Laurentiu Popescu, Country Manager IDC Romania.

The software market will be worth €211 million at the end of this year. "The growth rates are lower, due to piracy, which is less obvious in the business segment, but more noticeable in home user segment. Software producers have their own strategies and benefit from authorities support, but it will take several years until an absolute increase of licensed software," said Popescu.

IDC estimates services market at €233.5 million. needs system integration, advisory and IT strategic development services, say IDC representatives.