This IDC study discusses the Western European Ethernet switching market and vendor market shares for 1H09 and compares them with 2H08 and 1H08. The Ethernet switch market is analyzed by technology for fast Ethernet, gigabit Ethernet, and 10GbE; by OSI layer for Layers 2, 3, and 4-7; by form factor for modular and non-modular; and unmanaged Ethernet switch port shipments and revenue.

A geographical breakdown is included for Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

"In 1H09, the Western European Ethernet switch market's revenue declined by 22% and shipments by 19% compared with 2H08. This decline is related to the current economic instability and the resulting IT budget reductions and project postponements by enterprises. We continue to believe that the Ethernet switch market will recover after the economic downturn as it will be necessary to upgrade networks, make them ready for convergence, and serve as a foundation of the business," said Sylvia Wόnsche, research analyst, European Enterprise Communications Infrastructure, at IDC.