Access Control
& Security Systems

The worldwide market for IT security and business continuity products and services is growing twice as fast as IT spending in general. By 2006, Framingham, Mass.-based IDC expects this market to surpass $150 billion. Despite this growth, the IT research and advisory firm believes the current level of spending is not nearly enough.

"The post-September scenario saw an initial burst of security and business continuity spending, but much of that has fizzled," says John Gantz, IDC's Chief Research Officer. "Despite the lessons of September 11, businesses still tend to see IT security and business continuity as an IT issue, not a business issue. And the fragmented nature of the market and confusing array of alternatives isn't making it easy for companies to develop coherent, integrated security and continuity strategies."

The company points to several key factors responsible for spending levels in security and business continuity not being where they should, including:

• Companies still perceive security as predominantly an IT issue versus a business continuity issue.
• The market for security and continuity products and services is fragmented - there are too many holes to fill and the selection of products and services remains confusing.
• Vendors are focusing on fear, uncertain, and doubt (the FUD factor), which is scaring off customers, rather than the business value of good IT security and business continuity plans.

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