US IT spending to increase 4.7% in 2004, but mostly on the West coast

IT spending by U.S. businesses is expected to increase 4.7% by the end of 2004. This recovery, however, will vary from coast to coast. While relatively strong growth will return this year to many Western states, including California, the same cannot be said for the manufacturing heartlands of the Midwest and South. Technology spending will also remain depressed in states such as Missouri, Kansas, and South Carolina, as reported by Tekrati.