Security software spend to rise dramatically

Peter Dinham
Monday, 15 June 2009 15:59

Business IT - Technology

Defying economic conditions, spending on infrastructure software in Asia Pacific, including in Australia, is expected to increase significantly over the next 18 months, with security software purchases a top priority for many businesses.

IT executives and CIOs in Australia, India, Korea, China and Singapore have indicated they will be spending more on infrastructure software, with businesses confirming security software is a major focus as they increasingly recognise the need to hedge against further damage from security attacks.

According to IDC, approximately two-thirds of executives surveyed had indicated that security software would be a key focus in order to address threats and improve compliance.

Tim Dillon, Associate VP of Research at IDC Australia, says he 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. Organisations have also become aware that implementing compliance requirements provides an opportunity to revisit their current risk management position and identify opportunities for business efficiency and growth. This will in turn lead to long-term corporate sustainability and social responsibility.”

The economic downturn, according to Dillon, has impacted the security industry and how businesses manage security in their different environments and, he adds, with reduced budgets 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."

Dillon says these issues, and others, will be addressed at IDC's SecurityVision Conference at Sydney’s Westin Hotel this Wednesday, 17 June.