Tech optimism - it's everywhere

It's not only silicon.com readers who are feeling chipper about the state of the tech economy. At the start of the year, we conducted a quick poll asking to what extent the IT is industry "well on its way to recovery". A strong majority agreed it is - 21 per cent answering 'completely' and 41 per cent 'only somewhat'.

Today, figures from similar samples of users back up this finding. The Communications Managers Association (CMA) has released highlights of a full report due out in March showing capital expenditure on ICT infrastructure rising in 2003 - though overall ICT spend, which includes wages, was slightly down. However, perceived job security in communications was up. A total of 419 ICT professionals were questioned.

Similarly, a survey by Eurocom Worldwide points to confidence in several areas, including job prospects as well as revenue growth. While bosses are generally bullish about growing sales, the climate for hiring - given a further boost today with figures from ATSCo - is normally a better gauge. Eurocom found 57 per cent of respondents saying their organisation would increase jobs during the next six months, 39 per cent saying recruitment was on hold and only 4 per cent looking to shrink their workforce.

Alongside this optimism has been a rally in stock markets around the world since the start of the year, and many well-known companies in the tech sector have announced large contract wins.

However, every silver lining has a cloud - and respondents to all these recent studies expressed concerns. The CMA survey pointed to issues over regulation and a desire for greater use of fibre in broadband provision.

Eurocom's sample said the biggest threat to growth would be a slowdown in the global or US economy.

Meanwhile, 16 per cent of silicon.com readers, when asked whether we are well on our way to a recovery, chose the response 'what world are you living in?', suggesting a certain scepticism.