APAC businesses increasing spend on security software

Peter Dinham
Thursday, 21 May 2009 14:26

Business IT - Security

Spending on security software by Asia Pacific businesses, including in Australia, is expected to increase along with intervention by government authorities to drive corporate governance in organisations and re-establish confidence in markets.

In its latest report on the Asia Pacific security software market, IDC surveyed 1,341 IT executives and CIOs in Australia, India, Korea, PRC and Singapore, and says that 36.6% of those quizzed about their intentions say they will be increasing IT spending on infrastructure a software over the next 18 months – with 63% of the group indicating security software will be the main area where they’ll focus their spending.

IDC says spending on security software will be increased to, both address threats and in order to improve compliance.

Judy Wu, lead analyst for security research in Asia/Pacific, says the findings confirmed that IT security investments have now become even more important as businesses recognised the need to hedge themselves against further damage from security attacks.

"Given the current economic climate and the collapse of the financial services structure, IDC expects greater regulatory intervention from government authorities to drive corporate governance in organisations and re-establish confidence in the markets. As a result, spending on security software among businesses will also increase."

Wu says that organisations have also become aware that implementing compliance requirements provide “a good opportunity for them to revisit their current risk management position and identify opportunities for business efficiency and growth,” which, she adds, “will in turn lead to long-term corporate sustainability and social responsibility.”

According to Wu, the economic downturn has impacted the security industry and how businesses manage security in their different environments and, she cautions, ”with reduced budget and staff, it is even more important than before that companies prioritise their limited resources to address the most critical weak spots within their IT infrastructure."