Industry news

Analyst: IT safe despite current economic climate

Ongoing fears over the credit crunch and an uncertain UK economic future should not overly affect IT firms, one analyst claims.

Gartner predicts the sector will not just avoid the worst of any downturn, but could actually benefit from the circumstances.

IT Week reports Gartner vice president Mark Raskino believes the slow development of IT budgets compared to the dotcom phenomenon means the industry is comparatively stable.

Quoted by the website Mr Raskino said: "This time IT is nowhere near the epicentre and it gives IT an opportunity to get its ideas through the door."

He also said IT bosses who focus on process management and business-enhancing change programmes could benefit from the economic climate.

The UK is currently undergoing an economic growth slowdown with current rates the lowest they have been for around three years.

Gartner provides fact-based consulting services which aim to help firms use and manage IT to improve business performance and efficiency.

Its services include cost optimisation and advice and information designed to aid companies in negotiations with vendors.