EMEA Optical/Removable Storage 4Q07–3Q08 Forecast and Analysis

This IDC study presents data for and an analysis of the Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD-R/RW, combo, DVD-Rec, and professional optical/removable drive and automation markets. Data for 3Q06?3Q07 is based on actual sales figures; data for 4Q07?3Q08 is forecast. Detailed information and an analysis for each category are given in terms of market value and unit shipments. A market share ranking is given as well. Additionally, CD/DVD unit shipments are analyzed and forecast by slim versus half-height (HH) form factor. The optical/removable storage market showed moderate decline in 3Q07. DVD burner shipments are saturating. Also, some opportunities continue to exist for older technologies in the commercial PC market.

"CD/DVD drive vendors must be prepared to compete in a low-margin commodity market in 2008 because the DVD feature race is coming to an end, and mainstream blue laser?based products are still a year away," said Wolfgang Schlichting, research director, Removable Storage, at IDC.