Forrester Cuts IT Spending Outlook ... Again

There was more tech doom and gloom Tuesday as technology analyst firm Forrester again cut its 2009 U.S. IT spending forecast.

The analyst firm lowered its 2009 growth projection from 6.1% to 1.6%, citing a significant drop in computer sales next year. This is the fourth time that Forrester has cut its 2009 growth forecast, from its initial projection of 10% in February.

"Continued declines in purchase are in prospect for computer equipment purchases in Q4 2008 and the first half of 2009, with little or no growth in communications equipment and IT services," wrote Andrew Bartels, a Forrester principal analyst, in a statement. Software growth will slow to as little as 2% in the next few quarters, he added. ...