Report: SMB Tech Spending to Increase Steadily Through 2012Report: SMB Tech Spending to Increase Steadily Through 2012

According to new research from Compass Intelligence, small and midsized firms will increase their information and communications technology (ICT) spending by 6 to 8 percent a year through 2012, accounting for $413 billion that year.The five-part report, entitled "Economy 2.0: New Challenges & Opportunities in Business ICT Spending," says that U.S. businesses will spend $688 billion on ICT services, equipment, outsourcing, and personnel, this year, with small businesses accounting for 32 percent of that. By 2012, small businesses will be spending nearly $280 billion, according to the report, while midsize businesses will spend more than $133 billion. Managed and hosted services, wireless, and some networking are predicted to be the fastest-growing technology sectors.

"Leveraging new technologies, particularly Web 2.0, where business customers leverage the Internet in new and creative ways to connect with their partners and customers, will drive business IT spending for the next couple years, with the greatest impacts being felt in the small business market," said Kneko Burney, Compass Intelligence president and CEO.information