Use of Security Software Grows in 2012, as Organizations Adopt New Cloud and Mobile Deployments Across Europe

Following flat, albeit positive growth in 2011, against a backdrop of the most volatile economic region worldwide, the European security software market will benefit from the increased adoption of security software. This will help to strengthen cloud-based computing and mobile adoption, according to a new report from International Data Corporation (IDC).

Cloud-based security software, aimed to protect companies implementing private and public clouds, and mobile security software, which addresses the data and device challenges of BYOD and consumerization of IT, are both in greater demand as companies look to reduce operating costs. In addition, they are also in demand in regards to increasing their commercial product offerings, and adapt to the needs of an increasingly agile workforce, using flexible office-based and mobile devices.

“Cyber criminals and hactivists are thriving in the current economic and political environment. As budget spend goes under the microscope, due to austerity measures and capital controls, CxOs and their management have appreciated the damage that security breaches can inflict on their organization, in both financial and reputational terms. This has raised the necessity to advance security software as a strategic component of the IT infrastructure, creating the need for greater share of budget over the next few years,” said Kevin Bailey, Research Director, European Security Software.

“This market is evolving from a reactive anti-malware execution-based implementation into a complex context aware protection mechanism.”

Further key findings of the IDC include:

• Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K., Austria, and France look favorable for the strongest growth in Europe.

• The functional markets with higher growth prospects are identity and access management and security and vulnerability management, although the secure content and threat management market still commands the highest revenue opportunity.

• Cloud/SaaS-based security will increase in adoption and variety of offerings as customers appreciate the financial and business benefits and vendors address the negativity around security threats.

• IDC believes the current economic uncertainty and weakened GDP forecasts will negatively impact security software demand; we have therefore lowered our growth forecast from the previously expected 8.9% to 5% in 2012.

IDC is a global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets.

IDC helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment communities make fact-based decisions on technology purchases and business strategy.

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