While market indicators have improved in the U.S. and remain buoyant in emerging markets, the European debt crisis continues to cast a shadow over the near-term outlook for the global economy and IT market. Tech spending has weakened significantly across much of Western Europe, and the associated downside risks could yet derail the fragile momentum in other regions. On the other hand, leading indicators elsewhere (including the U.S. and China) have shown signs of stability and strength, setting the stage for another year of steady IT market growth. Businesses continue to invest in software tools and applications, storage and network infrastructure, and mobile devices.

In this webcast, IDC's team of global tech market analysts and economists will review the current outlook for IT spending in the next 12 months, in the context of a full review of market growth and performance in 2011. A downside scenario for the European debt crisis will be presented, alongside a discussion of global and regional IT and macroeconomic trends. Questions to be addressed will include:

• Which regions will see the strongest IT growth in the next 12 months, and which are most at risk from the European debt crisis?
• What are the top priorities of CIOs, and which market segments are more vulnerable to any slowdown in IT spending plans?
• Will recent momentum in the US economy continue, and will emerging markets remain strong in the face of global headwinds?
• What are the current drivers and inhibitors for tech spending, and which IT vendors stand best-positioned to benefit?