Network And Telecom Hardware Market Grew 13% In 2004: Study

The global networking and telecom equipment market in 2004 grew 13 percent over 2003, as enterprises and service providers increased their spending to deploy more efficient and flexible IP-based equipment, says a report by the Synergy Research Group.

Much of the growth came in the fourth quarter, which saw 9.3 percent year-over-year growth compared to fourth quarter of 2004, according to the study, "Q4 2004 Global Networking and Telecom Equipment Market Shares."

"Sales of IP-based equipment contributed strongly to the growth of the global market for networking and telecom equipment," Joshua Johnson, Senior Analyst at Synergy Research Group said in a statement. "Sales in the fourth quarter hit a high note for vendors as end of year spending from Service Providers around the globe reached peak levels for 2004. Going forward, after the dust settles on the agreements between some of their biggest customers, the vendors' own M&A activity may further change the game in 2005."