2010-02-27 20:15:27 - Recently published research from Business Monitor International, "South Korea Information Technology Report Q1 2010", is now available at Fast Market Research

Market Overview South Korea's IT market will continue to provide opportunities in 2009, despite current strong economic headwinds. The total size of the South Korean IT market is expected by BMI to increase from US$15.1bn in 2009 to around US$19.8bn in 2013, Growth is forecast to ease further in 2009 however, with some businesses delaying new IT projects, and consumers cutting back on their spending. Despite the negative macroeconomic outlook, there are a number of factors which will to some extent immunise against slowdown in demand. In the consumer segment, growing broadband penetration and the popularity of netbooks will be a bulwark against slowing demand. In the enterprise segment, the industry trend is towards specialised vertical specific applications. Demand for

advanced IT services such as outsourcing is expected to show a strong growth trajectory. Industry Developments The Ministry of Public Administration and Security (MOPAS) has announced the results of its latest process of designating software in terms of its fitness for use in the public sector. On February 2, 2009, the Ministry designated 28 out of 34 applicant software packages as 'administrative software'. Software made by Korean developers accounted for fewer than 40% of the software designated as 'administrative', a lower portion than on previous occasions. In early 2009 there were signs that a turning point may have been reached for memory chips, particularly for NAND prices, and that a rebound could be possible later this year. This would largely be due to supply side restructurings, with leading manufacturers such as Hynix cutting production significantly. In the supply-driven semiconductor market, such actions have offset demand weakness. Competitive Landscape Local vendors Samsung and LG are the leading players in the Korean PC market with a combined market share in the region of around 80%, leaving rivals such as Dell and Taiwanese company Asustek trailing. Samsung is the overall market leader, with around 40% of the total PC and accessories segment. Microsoft has disclosed plans to invest about US$60mn (75.6bn won) in South Korea over the next three years. In the Korean market, the company is continuing to invest widely in many fields. Recently Microsoft teamed up with Hyundai motor company in opening a research centre to develop new IT products and services for automotive applications. The South Korean IT services market is highly competitive, thanks to the presence of strong local market players such as Samsung and LG, as well as the major MNC providers such as IBM and HP. In recent times, traditional IT services providers have faced strong competition for a share of the outsourcing market from IDCs (internet data centres) such as Korea Telecom (KT), LG Telecom and Hanaro Telecom.

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Business Monitor International (BMI) offers a comprehensive range of products and services designed to help senior executives, analysts and researchers assess and better manage operating risks, and exploit business opportunities, across 175 markets. BMI offers three main areas of expertise: Country Risk BMI's country risk and macroeconomic forecast portfolio includes weekly financial market reports, monthly regional Monitors, and in-depth quarterly Business Forecast Reports. Industry Analysis BMI covers a total of 17 industry verticals through a portfolio of services, including in-depth quarterly Country Forecast Reports. View more research from Business Monitor International at www.fastmr.com/catalog/publishers.aspx?pubid=1010

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