Initial figures from an IDC research drive into the network security-related services market in Europe indicates that the sector will experience a compound annual growth rate of almost 25% over the next five years. IDC say that its first probe into the security services market in Europe shows what IDC analysts describe as the robust growth of an emerging market. The research group expects key service areas of consulting and implementation to total $33m and $48m respectively in 1999, growing to $63m and $97m respectively by 2002. IDC identifies a number of key market drivers. Growth of electronic commerce has led to more concern over security of the network, as has the mission criticality of corporate LANs and WANs. Legal requirements to protect data is also forcing institutions to reappraise their security products. But companies are also having to balance security concerns against the need for more investment in network capacity, Y2K and euro related issues. But the research, which began in August last year, is still in its early stages. IDC analyst, Gerard Smith, said that as IDC gains more exhaustive figures on the market, it will become clear how it is developing. Smith said that IDC strongly believes the market will grow extensively over the next few years and will continue to monitor it closely.
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