Despite both economic recession and September 11 events, the total Internet security software market grew 18% from 2000-2001 to reach $6 billion. IDC estimates double-digit growth will remain as forecasts indicate this market will reach $14.6 billion by 2006.
"We believe the Internet security software market will rebound in 2H2002 and continue strong growth through 2006," says Brian Burke, senior research analyst for IDC's Internet Security Software service. "Key reasons for continued growth include enterprises allowing increased access to more data by employees, customers, and partners and the desires of corporations to have centrally managed solutions addressing both cost and security concerns."
The security 3As market reached $2.5 million in revenue in 2001 thereby leading the other market segments including secure content management, firewall/VPN, and intrusion detection and vulnerability assessment market segments.
IDC provides the following recommendations to vendors in each of the four Internet security software market segments for competing effectively:
To be successful in the security 3A market, vendors will need to focus on convenience, loyalty, immediacy, privacy, transparency, and cost effectiveness. These elements will make security attractive to a broader audience and help position security as a business enabler instead of an obstacle.
Secure content management vendors should focus on developing or partnering in order to provide a single point of administration, policy management, logging and reporting as customers will begin to expect this in the next 12-18 months.
Firewall/VPN vendors will need to expand the capabilities of firewalls to ensure seamless integration with complimentary products such as intrusion detection and content security.
As the number of companies entering the intrusion detection and vulnerability market increases, vendors have to clearly differentiate their products from the competition to make purchasing easier for customers.
IDC is a global market intelligence and advisory firm that helps clients gain insight into technology and ebusiness trends to develop sound business strategies.