Revenues in the worldwide Internet security software market were $3.2 billion in 1998 -- up 43%, or almost $1 billion, from the year before, according to a recent report from International Data Corp.
It estimated that 1999 revenues will total $4.4 billion, which would be a 39% increase from 1998.
The market research firm also forecast that the Internet security software market will more than double its 1998 volume by 2001. By 2003 revenues will approach $8.3 billion, a 21% compound annual growth rate from 1998, IDC said.
Network Associates Inc. and Computer Associates International Inc. occupy major positions in the market, according to IDC.
Together, they had one-third of revenues, with market shares of 17.1% and 16.5%, respectively. Next came Symantec Corp. with less than half the revenues of either of the two leaders.
In 1998 the United States was the largest market for Internet security software, accounting for 54% of revenues. Western Europe was next with 28%.
Firewall software is a fast-growing product segment; it had an 80% revenue increase from 1997 to 1998, to $442 million, IDC said.
It added that it expects strong firewall growth to continue, with revenues approaching $1.5 billion by 2003.
-- Ross Snel
