IDC: Disk-based storage has a bright future

The future for disk-based storage is bright and should provide ample opportunity for differentiation and growth for a number of companies on a number of fronts, IDC believes. The major pillars underpinning IDC's growth outlook include virtualization strategies for storage and servers, compliance with numerous regulations worldwide, and the continued evolution of cost-optimized, easy-to-manage tiered storage environments.

"The foundation is in place for continued growth within the storage industry for the next several years," said Dave Reinsel, director, Storage Research at IDC. "The storage industry is responding well to the needs and desires of users, but there are still storage issues that need attention, such as data protection strategies, data migration tools, and technology transitions. These same areas also provide opportunities for established companies to differentiate themselves and for smaller ventures to meet specific market needs."

Among key trends characterizing the storage industry are the following:

Over 50% of all storage terabytes (38% of the worldwide storage revenue) shipped in 2009 will be based on capacity-oriented disk drives.

Worldwide shipments of external disk system terabytes are expected to increase at a 2004-2009 compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 60%, while shipments of internal terabytes will increase at a less aggressive 37% CAGR over the same period.

Worldwide disk storage system revenue will increase from $22.6 billion in 2004 to $26.3 billion in 2009.