This IDC study provides a top-down sizing of the Windows client operating environment segment of the worldwide operating systems and subsystems market in 2008 and a 2009–2013 forecast for this market.

"The economic conditions are impacting all IT markets, including traditionally downturn-resistant segments such as the client operating environment market," said Al Gillen, program vice president, System Software, IDC. "With the forthcoming release of Windows 7, Microsoft will do its part to try and stimulate an economic recovery. But, how Windows 7 is received has yet to be seen."