Cautious European SMBs.

Investment by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBS) in IT hardware, software, and services is set to take off between now and 2004, driven by an increase in spending on new technology. SMBs have previously been slow to spend on new technologies, but this is set to change. Providers have recognized that existing products are unsuitable for SMBs and are looking to change their offerings to cater to this potentially massive market. IDC forecasts growth of 11.6% in spending by small companies (less than 99 employees) and an increase of 12.1% by medium-sized enterprises, compared with growth of 10.9% for large companies. emea.idc.com