Network World 500 Research Reveals Up Tick In IT Purchase Plans For The Second Year

June 17, 2004 – Southborough, MA – Network World, Inc., the leading network IT media company, today released the 2004 Network World 500, its annual study that tracks technology deployment in the enterprise. The results reveal that 57% of respondents will spend more on technology in the next 12 months compared to approximately 40% last year. Leading the way are enterprise applications with 57% of respondents planning to spend more in the next 12 months, followed by handheld devices (56%) and security (54%).

  • Bolstering security remains the top concern for the third year in a row. The results indicate that the biggest perceived security threat to an organization comes from within the company.
  • Compliance with regulations is new to the list of top concerns. 60% of respondents said ensuring compliance with regulations over the next 12 months is extremely important and will drive over half of the respondents to upgrade their applications or purchase new applications.
  • 83% of respondents agreed that this year’s dollar buys more technology than last year’s, and 60% are motivated to spend by the deals that vendors are offering in certain areas.

The Network World 500 focuses on the leading technology and management issues facing Network IT Executives. The report covers key topics such as network management software, servers, outsourcing, VoIP, storage, e-business and much more. Visit www.nwfusion.com/nw500 for the full report.

About Network World
Network World, Inc., the Leader in Network Knowledge, empowers Network IT Executives through education, information and community. Network World, an IDG company, is the leading provider of news, analysis, reviews, events and education on information technology. Network World publishes the leading newsweekly, Network World, hosts the most active online community, Network World Fusion (www.nwfusion.com), and produces educational seminars and events worldwide. Network World's portfolio of strategic marketing programs provides marketing and agency professionals with the tools to generate high-quality leads, optimize marketing campaigns, and create new revenue opportunities.

About IDG
International Data Group (IDG) is the world's leading technology media, research, and event company. A privately held company, IDG publishes more than 300 magazines and newspapers including Bio-IT World, CIO, CSO, Computerworld, GamePro, InfoWorld, Network World, and PC World. The company features the largest network of technology-specific Web sites with more than 400 around the world. IDG is also a leading producer of more than 170 computer-related events worldwide including LinuxWorld Conference & Expo®, Macworld Conference & Expo®, COMNET® Conference & Expo, DEMO, and IDC Directions. IDC provides global market research and advice through offices in 50 countries. Company information is available at www.idg.com.

TerryAnn Croci
Sr. Director of Marketing
Network World, Inc.
Phone: (508) 490-6420
Fax: (508) 490-6417
tcroci@nww.com
www.networkworld.com for corporate information
www.nwfusion.com for the latest network news and analysis