IDC Q2 Results
IDC's preliminary Q2 2003 results show that the PC market in New Zealand reached 123,433 units in Q2 2003. This is a
30.2% growth from Q1 2003 and a 30.4% increase from the same quarter the year before.
The portables market in particular experienced a tremendous year-on-year growth in shipments, of 79.5%. In 2003, the
Ministry of Education's 'Laptops for Secondary School Teachers Scheme' has contributed to the strength of the portables
market.
However, IDC is also seeing demand for portable PCs grow strongly in both the consumer and commercial segments. Mobility
is the word of choice for 2003 as companies and individuals take advantage of price, performance, and longer battery
life brought by new processor architectures, and integrated wireless LAN on motherboard. The launch of tablet PC
notebooks in Q4 2002 and then Intel's new Centrino architecture in Q1 2003 has also boosted the promotion of mobility
within the New Zealand workforce.
"During Q2 2003, the strength of the New Zealand dollar against trading partners such as the US and Australia, has
allowed PC vendors to compete aggressively on pricing in both the desktop and notebook markets. Competitive pricing has
been a key driver for both commercial and consumer spending during the Q2 2003 period", said Sonja Olsson, Senior
Analyst, Hardware Research.
Q2 is usually the strongest quarter of the year for PC purchasing, as it is the beginning of the financial year for many
New Zealand businesses, as well as for the government – therefore, budgets are refreshed, and corporate spending
increases.
Q2 Market and Vendor Highlights
HP maintained it's position as market leader for the total PC market, with a 39.3% units market share. With successful
promotions in both the consumer and commercial space, HP captured first position in the portables market from Toshiba,
who experienced a strong Q1 due to a significant win to the Ministry of Education. HP also continued to lead in both the
desktop and x86 server markets during Q2 2003. IBM reclaimed second position in the overall PC market from Toshiba,
experiencing success with a number of wins to the commercial space. In particular, IBM boosted the x86 server market,
with its shipment of blade servers to Weta Digital. Third and fourth positions were held by Dell and Toshiba
respectively, with Acer rounding out the top five.
Outlook
Over the next twelve months activity will continue to be stimulated by the post-Y2K refresh cycle in the business
market. IDC expects 2003 will display stronger notebook shipments than ever before. "With desktop replacements
beginning, the move towards mobility, and declining prices, the PC market should expect to see an increase in shipments
over 2002, yet maintain constant revenues" said Sonja Olsson. Looking forwards, the New Zealand economy and political
environment will continue to influence IT hardware purchasing. Therefore, the slow global economy may continue to be an
inhibitor to a more significant recovery in both the New Zealand economy and subsequently, the PC market.
About IDC:
IDC is the premier global market intelligence and advisory firm in the information technology and telecommunications
industries. We analyze and predict technology trends so that our clients can make strategic, fact-based decisions on IT
purchases and business strategy. Over 700 IDC analysts in 50 countries provide local expertise and insights on
technology markets. Business executives and IT managers have relied for 40 years on our advice to make decisions that
contribute to the success of their organizations.
IDC is a subsidiary of IDG, the world’s leading technology media, research, and events company. Additional information
can be found at www.idcresearch.co.nz