|
After years, tech buying to
surge
By Jon
Chesto
Friday, March 26, 2004
Massachusetts firms will increase their
spending on computers and related items by nearly 5 percent this year in
the first major surge in outlays since 2000, Framingham market researcher
IDC reported yesterday.
The
anticipated 4.6 percent increase in local information technology spending
- slightly less than the 4.7 percent national average - could provide a
major boost to a local tech sector that has languished for nearly three
years.
For
example, Netezza Corp., of Framingham, plans to add as many as 25 jobs to
its staff of 100 this year. Half of that growth will be in Massachusetts,
said Patrick Scannell, chief financial officer.
``People
are really starting to invest in technology (again),'' said Scannell,
whose firm makes systems that store and analyze data. ``Two years ago,
they were only focused on reducing costs.''
IDC's
research shows Bay State firms will spend about $8.6 billion on hardware,
software and related services this year. Spending growth will be greatest
in Arizona and Nevada, while California firms will spend the most.
Terri
Campbell, a portfolio manager at Eastern Bank, said many companies have
held back on orders, particularly for network equipment, to save money in
the economic downturn. But now, many of those firms need upgrades.
|
|
|
