Although that figure is the result of a revision downwards, some areas will show healthier rises, according to the market researcher. These include multi-user systems (9.9 per cent) and software (10.1 percent).
The near-term view is only slightly healthier with 1996 growth tipped to be 9.1 percent, boosted by PC system growth of 11.6 per cent. Michael Cranna, programme manager at IDC 's IT Markets Centre in London, called earlier predictions of 35 per cent growth "Kafka-esque".
What growth there has been has been helped by smaller countries with Ireland, Greece, Austria, Belgium and Portugal and Spain all registering double-digit growth.
IDC can be contacted by telephone on 0181-987 7109.