SAN FRANCISCO ~ Spending on computer technology will top US$1 trillion this year as the industry grows increasingly vital to national economies worldwide, according to a study by technology market intelligence firm IDC.

An analysis of 82 countries and regions found that information technology (IT) businesses – computer hardware, software and services – are major generators of jobs, companies and tax revenues.

“Growth of the IT sector is critical to the world economy and each of the countries we study,” the International Data Corporation report concludes.