Server spending will grow 5% in 2004

IDC offers a forecast for server sales in 2004. The market will reach $53 bln, which will represent a 5% growth compared to 2003.

IDC predicts that the server market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.8% to be worth $60.8 billion in 2008. In particular, the market for blade servers will grow quickly, generating $9 billion in annual revenue by 2008 and representing 29% of server units shipped. Linux-based servers will account for 29% of unit shipments and about $9.7 billion in revenue, IDC said. Windows-based servers are projected to lead, though. They'll account for 60% of all server shipments and revenue of $22.7 billion.