This IDC study, which is a translation of the Japanese report, presents data on the 2003-?2005 actual performance of and 2006?2010 forecasts for the Japan optical automation market. Both actual performance and forecast data are presented and analyzed in terms of revenue, unit shipment, technology (CD/DVD, 5.25in. optical disks, and others), and number of slots. The 2003-?2005 vendor shares are also analyzed by technology.

Ayuchi Takamatsu, research analyst, Storage Systems Research, IDC Japan, says, "In order for the sluggish Japan optical automation market to recover in the future, it is necessary for vendors to cultivate demand in the business sector as a substitute for the core healthcare industry. It is important for optical automation vendors to target certain segments among the myriad of needs that exist among companies at large and establish product/sales/partner strategies that focus on these segments."