EMEA Optical/Removable Storage 1Q05-4Q05 Forecast and Analysis

This IDC study presents data for and an analysis of the EMEA CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R/RW, combo, DVD-Rec, Zip/MO/removable, and 5.25in. optical storage markets. Data for 4Q03–4Q04 is based on actual sales figures; data for 1Q05–4Q05 is forecast. Detailed information and analysis for each category are given in terms of market value and unit shipments. Market share ranking is given as well. Additionally, CD/DVD unit shipments are analyzed and forecast by slim versus half-height (HH) form factor.

The optical/removable storage market remained positive in 2004. Affordable prices are keeping dual-drive configurations attractive. The home PC market will aggressively adopt DVD burners. However, opportunities will also continue for older technologies in the commercial PC market.

"CD/DVD drive vendors need to get ready for increasingly stiff price competition as the DVD feature race is coming to an end and mainstream blue laser–based products are still a few years away," said Wolfgang Schlichting, research director, Removable Storage at IDC.