This IDC study presents data for and an analysis of the Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R/RW, combo, DVD-Rec, Zip/MO/removable, and 5.25in. optical storage markets. Data for 2Q05?2Q06 is based on actual sales figures; data for 3Q06?2Q07 is forecast. Detailed information and an analysis for each category are given in terms of market value and unit shipments. A market share ranking is given as well. Additionally, CD/DVD unit shipments are analyzed and forecast by slim versus half-height (HH) form factor.

The CD/DVD drive market growth showed a surprising weakness in the second quarter of 2006. The PC market has been aggressively adopting DVD burners. However, opportunities also continue to exist for older technologies in the commercial PC market.

"CD/DVD drive vendors must get ready for stiff price competition in 2006 and early 2007 because the DVD feature race is coming to an end and mainstream blue laser?based products are still more than a year away," said Wolfgang Schlichting, research director, Removable Storage, at IDC.