This IDC study estimates revenue by the dimensions cited for the total worldwide packaged application market in the aggregate for the years 2003?2010. The packaged applications market enjoyed an extended period of growth in 2005, capping the year with a 7% expansion for a technology segment that is considered relatively stable and mature. However, Albert Pang, Enterprise Applications research director, said, "With favorable macroeconomic conditions behind its back, the packaged applications market could surprise many investors and vendors with a decent amount of growth through the end of this decade because of such factors as Web service enablement, accelerated ERP upgrade and replacement activities, globalization pressures, and the corporate push toward greater operational transparency ? all of which will lead to increased investments in packaged applications products and solutions. "