This IDC study analyzes current channel trends in the U.S PC market and provides a five-year forecast outlook by detailed channel. The data provides critical information useful for channel planning and forecasting channel growth and penetration. In this increasingly competitive market, vendors need to be cognizant of changes in the markets, evolution with partners, and the preferences and needs of end users, and they must be proactive and aware of these issues and trends.

"IDC predicts that vendors investing in the channel in addition to direct sales will be better positioned to serve the myriad customer segments with multiple routes to market as the PC market continues its growth pattern throughout this forecast, " says Christina Richmond, research manager, PC, Peripherals, and Mobile Devices Channels and Alliances.