This IDC study provides a detailed description of IDC's services market taxonomy. For 2007, the taxonomy includes individual foundation markets grouped within three macromarket segments: project based, outsourcing, and support and training. At the worldwide level, spending is also segmented across three geographic macroregions. These macroregions are further segmented at the regional and local levels.

Additionally, IDC defines a wide range of extraction markets. Extraction markets are combinations of whole or fractions of foundation markets that reflect such market dynamics as the problem being solved or the technology for which the service is provided.

IDC's services market taxonomy is the basis for IDC services research studies, trackers, and forecasters worldwide, as well as the relational multidimensional schema of IDC's Services Market Forecaster database that feeds worldwide and regional vendor trackers.

"IDC's services taxonomy presents a comprehensive and standardized view of the worldwide services marketplace," said Maryanne Coughlin, director, Global Services Model and Forecast Management. "It continues to be the premier source for defining and categorizing external IT and business services."