This IDC study presents an analysis of the 4Q04 Japan PC market trends. It seeks to illuminate the current market situation and also forecast future market trends. It also provides an analysis of the channel trends. All product types, including x86 servers, desktops and portable PCs are included in the analysis of the overall market. In this study, the annual data pertaining to the years up to 2004 are based on actual values while those pertaining to 2005 and beyond are forecast values. Similarly for quarterly data, those up to 4Q04 (October-December) are actual values while those for 1Q05 (January-March) and beyond are forecast values. All values have been updated as of March 2005.
"As a characteristic of Japanese PC sales channels, hybrid sales channels combining the efficiency of direct vendor sales and the services of indirect sales are being established. These hybrid channels are inclusive ecosystems that surpass the traditional systems where PC vendors supply the products and channel partners conduct the sales," observes Kumi Shingyouchi, Senior Analyst, Japan Personal Computing, IDC Japan.