Demand for thin client technology in EMEA declined slightly in the second quarter of 2006 compared with the first quarter, research reported today.

A newly published IDC study found that 270,231 thin client terminals were shipped in EMEA in the second quarter.

Wyse Technology returned to market leadership with 29 per cent of the EMEA market in the first half of 2006, while HP and Neoware remained in second and third positions.

Overall IDC noted that western Europe grew 21 per cent in the first half of this year compared with the same period in 2005.

Thin clients represented four per cent of the commercial desktop market from 2Q05 to 2Q06, and six per cent of the commercial desktop market in 2Q06.

"While the second quarter was slower than anticipated the thin client market continues to grow strongly, especially when compared to the commercial desktop market," said Chris Ingle, group consultant for EMEA systems at IDC.

"IT departments are looking for secure, easily maintained systems for users who do not need a mobile computer, and thin client offers these advantages."