Hardware, software replacements to encourage IT spending growth

The anticipated rebound in technology spending is led by the United States and China, while Europe and Japan lag with expected growth of around 5% in 2004, IDC said. A solid 45% now say an annual increase is likely in the coming year. That's up from 40% of corporate buyers in a similar survey in Q3 2003 who said they were unlikely to increase technology spending in the next 12 months.