This IDC study contains the worldwide service provider LAN switch forecast for 2005-2010. In 2004, the worldwide enterprise and service provider LAN switch revenue grew 18% to reach $15.6 billion, and although 2005 is still a growth year, only a 2.5% year-over-year increase is expected, with revenue reaching $16 billion by the end of 2005. The service provider portion of the entire LAN switch market is expected to reach $1.96 billion this calendar year. IDC expects total revenue in 2010 to reach $2.74 billion, a 46% increase over the revenue recorded in 2004.

"The LAN switch market is maturing, and clearly, some vendors are staying for the long run." Eve Griliches, research manager, Enterprise Networks.