Networked Storage (SAN and NAS) Opportunities in Western European Vertical Markets: An IDC Survey, 2006

This study is based on the results of IDC's European Vertical Market Survey, carried out in July 2006, in the top 5 Western European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the U.K.), among 1,950 companies with more than 20 employees.

The survey investigates vertical market IT spending directions, solution priorities, investment plans, and adoption of new technologies, as well as mobility, outsourcing, the role of IT within the organization, and customer satisfaction with IT suppliers.

The focus of this study is on SAN and NAS awareness, adoption, and short-term investment plans by vertical market. Results are presented for total Western Europe for the following vertical markets: financial services; manufacturing; government; healthcare and education; communications and utilities; retail and wholesale; transport, and other services.

"The survey confirms SAN as a relatively well-known technology and reveals a considerable improvement in NAS awareness, documenting an increase in technology awareness particularly in the industries where familiarity with SAN and NAS was previously sparse," said Serena Da Rold, program manager, IDC European Vertical Views.