Global spending on IT products and services should grow in the low- to mid-single digits over the next 12 months, according to forecasts published Thursday.

Gartner predicts spending to increase 4.2% compared to 2012, to $ 3.7 trillion, or 3.9% when the effects of changes in exchange rates are excluded. Forrester is calling for a 5.4% uptick in worldwide IT spending in 2013, to $ 1.8 trillion, or a 3.3% gain excluding exchange rate shifts. Unlike Gartner, Forrester does not include spending on telecom products and services in its forecasts.

Analysts at both firms said the end of uncertainty related to the so-called fiscal cliff helped ensure at least modest growth for the IT industry this year.
Network Computing