Global IT purchases will rise 7.1 percent this year to USD 1.7 trillion, according to data from Forrester Research.

The 2011 global tech market will look similar to the 7.2 percent market growth experienced in 2010, with a few differences. The computer restocking and replacement boom that propelled the tech market last year is coming to an end, with hardware growth slowing to 7.4 percent.

However, software purchases are starting to accelerate, leading to increased demand for IT consulting and systems integration services. Communications equipment purchases will lag the overall tech market growth, with enterprise demand for wireless, unified communications, and videoconferencing strong, while equipment sales to carriers will be more measured. IT outsourcing will match the overall market growth.

The Latin America and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) regions will have the highest growth rates this year, both at 9.8 percent. IT purchases in Asia Pacific will grow by 8.5 percent, with slow-growing Japan offsetting faster growth in China and India. The US tech market will grow slightly faster than the total global market, with 7.5 percent growth, as investments in cloud and smart computing solutions allow companies to grow profits despite weak revenue increases.

IT purchases in Canada will rise by 4.9 percent. Western Europe and Central Europe will have the lowest growth rate, at 4 percent, dampened by weak economic growth and a depreciating euro, both holding dollar-denominated growth down.