Most UK firms say they are not cutting IT budgets

But IT buyers are being more cautious than last year, says IDC research

30 per cent of firms expect IT spending increases

Seventy per cent of UK firms still intend to increase or keep their IT budgets the same as last year over the next 12 months, according to research by IDC.

The analyst said only 30 per cent of UK organisations are expecting to reduce their IT budgets in 2009.

But the figures reflect less optimism than last year, when 88 per cent of respondents predicted spending to be the same or greater than in 2007.

"UK enterprises have reviewed their IT spending plans carefully in light of the economic crisis, and 2009 will not see growth similar to previous years," said IDC European Services consulting director Mette Ahorlu.

"However, it is not all doom and gloom. Fewer new projects will start, but projects that address crisis demands, such as cost cutting and work process efficiency with a short-term horizon, have a good chance. Also, projects relating to post-merger-and-acquisition IT integration and global integration of companies' IT environments will fare best."