SMBs to buy lots of PCs

A study from analyst IDC has found 2005 will be a strong year for SMB buying of PC hardware.

The study, Australian SME Buying Behaviour: Desktop and Mobile PCs 2005, surveyed 400 Australian SMBs and focused on the buying environment, dynamics, future intentions and trends of the market.

"The stable economy over the past few years has helped to sustain the SMB market and keep purchasing of PC hardware from this segment healthy," said Michael Sager, IDC market analyst for PC hardware.

The SMB market was still engaged in the post-GST refresh of PCs that were bought to deal with the new complexity of the GST. This would increase demand from the SOHO and small business markets during 2005, he added.

Demand for desktop systems was expected to slow in 2005. However, Sager said growth in the SMB sector would be driven by notebook purchases, which IDC expected to increase by 14 percent.

Warranty, service and support were the most important factors in SMB purchasing decisions followed by features, capabilities and price, IDC said in a statement.

The company said the results emphasised the need for vendors and channel partners to focus on after sales warranty and service as well as understanding the customer.