Computer software ($315 billion, +0 percent; with $10.4 billion to print, +5 percent), at Number 5, will boot up the new year. Packaged/download software ($3.5 billion to print, +8 percent) will turn around as Microsoft introduces Vista, its biggest upgrade in a decade. A trend to 64-bit computing will foster many new software offerings. Video cards (VRAMs), dual-core, two-chip processing and copious storage products for HD video/DVD and Blue-ray recording will build in late ‘06 for double-digit 2007 sales.
Vincent Mallardi, C.M.C., is a the chairman of the Printing Brokerage/Buyers Association International (PBBA) and is a Certified Management Consultant in the paper, printing and converting industries. He is also an adjunct professor in economics. Contact him via email at vince@pbba.org