Data storage needs will grow.

• Author: Swartz, Nikki
• Position: Up front: news, trends & analysis - Brief Article

According to a report by research firm Aberdeen Group, the need for data storage will explode in the next few years. Worldwide spending on storage technology is expected to increase from $55.9 billion in 2001 to more than $102 billion by 2005. Accordingly, money spent on storage management tools will rise from $7.8 billion in 2001 to more than $21 billion by 2005.

North America is spending the most currently, accounting for $25.8 billion (46.2 percent) of all worldwide storage spending. By 2005, the U.S...