The Linux support services market is on the launch pad, gearing up for blastoff. According to IDC, this market will skyrocket from $28 million in 2000 to $285 million in 2004 - a tenfold increase.
"Although it`s still small in terms of the overall support business, Linux support is rapidly growing," said Ana Volpi, manager for IDC`s Software Support and Integration program. "As Linux is deployed more frequently in large companies and non-technical firms, providers will have more opportunity for support, particularly for annual contracts and high-level support."
According to IDC, several trends point to this market`s explosive growth. The international growth of the Linux installed base, particularly in Europe and Asia, the increasing penetration of Linux more deeply into the enterprise infrastructure, and the small but growing popularity of Linux on smaller products such as cell phones will fuel opportunities for vendors to jump in and lend support.
IDC believes vendors attempting to successfully navigate this market will need to closely monitor their support and integration services offerings, competition, customer demand, pricing strategies, target markets, business trends, and challenges.
"To differentiate their support services, vendors will need to emphasize quality, consistency, and timeliness," Volpi said.
IDC recently published Linux Support Services Forecast and Analysis, 1999-2004 (IDC #B23598). This report discusses and analyzes the Linux support services market. Revenue forecasts for the support market, market trends, and average pricing information are included. Ten key players are profiled, including an analysis of their offerings, target audiences, competition, challenges, and partner strategies. Additionally, the report recommends the keys to success for Linux support services vendors.
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