Japan Security Software 2006: Secure Content Management and Threat Management

In this IDC study, which is a translation of the Japanese study we explore the trends in two segments of the security software market, namely the secure content management (SCM) and threat management (TM) markets. The SCM market is the largest segment of the security software market based on function. This is because SCM products are necessary regardless of industry and company size as basic security solutions that prevent damages caused to internal contents. Since content management products already enjoy high penetration rates, dramatic growth cannot be expected. However, as they are widely installed in network components ranging from clients to servers, steady growth is likely to be maintained due to the demand for renewal products or additional functions. TM products are also basic security products that protect network systems from external threats. However, TM software vendors are losing market share to their competitors in the security appliances market.

"SCM and TM products are products that detect threats from networks and protect systems from these threats. As long as malicious intrusions remain a threat to network users, the demand for these products will continue to rise with the number of systems installed. However, as the market for security appliances that realizes TM with hardware is growing rapidly, the TM software market can hardly be expected to expand," observes Takuo Tsukamoto, manager, Security Research, IDC Japan.