Fewer technology vendors

Gartner, in its Top 10 predictions for APAC in 2004, said the IT industry has entered a period of vendor consolidation and accelerated job losses.

This will last through 2005, with as many as 50 percent of technology suppliers being eliminated from the competitive landscape, warned the leading research and analyst firm.

In a series of regional forecasts focusing on the hot issues for 2004, Gartner said that the days of "the customer is king" will shortly end as market forces crush the weaker vendors.

This will result in most IT sectors being dominated by a few large vendors that will not be governed by cut-throat pricing. Gartner also said that as many as 50 percent of technology suppliers will be eliminated from the competitive landscape.