Mobility and Security Biggest IT Concerns for 2007 According to EQUS Group Study.

Necessity of Remote Access, Sophistication of Connecting Devices, and Need for Data Protection Converge in 'Perfect Storm' Scenario for IT Execs in 2007

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- The EQUS Group, a leading technology market research firm, today released its latest industry report, "Corporate Outlook for 2007: Security & Privacy," which identifies mobility and security as the two most pressing issues facing IT execs in 2007. The study report details the concerns of 83 IT executives who participated in exhaustive interviews.

EQUS found the majority of respondents ranked protection from attack as their highest concern, with 77% ranking its importance as 'high' or 'very high.' Proprietary data protection ranked second in importance, with 71% of respondents identifying this issue as high or very high importance. The majority of respondents also cited customer and client privacy and regulatory compliance as areas of continued importance for 2007.

The study also found that, despite record revenues for the thumb drive industry in 2006, 74% of companies are increasingly concerned with the unique security risks thumb drives present. However, only 21% say they plan to add restrictions on employee use of the devices.

Notes Al Nazareli, CEO of EQUS, "Considering the recent rise in data theft from mobile devices, companies have every reason to be concerned about thumb drive and other mobile device security. However, these devices have become indispensable business tools, and, as a result, companies are walking a fine line between trying to protect their networks and allowing employees the tools they need to do business."

The study also examined whether Smartcards and Biometrics, two much-touted security technologies, would be widely implemented this year. Only 13% of companies plan to implement Smartcards in 2007. Just nine percent of companies have plans to implement Biometrics this year.

For more information, please contact The EQUS Group at [e-mail]. A downloadable version of the report is available at http://www.equsgroup.com/Content/knowledge_center.html.

About EQUS Group Inc.

EQUS Group Inc. is the premier marketing research and strategy development firm for technology products and services both nationwide and internationally. Founded in 1994, EQUS Group Inc. is distinguished in the high-tech industry by its advanced research methodologies facilitating obtainment of hard-to-get data. EQUS' ability to deliver unequalled insight into technology market dynamics is as a result of an outstanding research team of analysts with in-depth knowledge of technology.