Dubai: Acer Computer, the world's third largest IT vendor, expects revenues of $800 million (Dh2.93 billion) in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (Meta) region in 2008, an increase of 23 per cent over the $650 million (Dh2.39 billion) of 2007.
"The global personal computer [PC] market is expected to earn over $200 billion in revenues this year and about 300 million units are forecast to be sold. PCs are becoming a commodity as new drivers are going to drive the market rather than technology alone, Emanuele Accolla, vice-president, EMEA, and managing director for Meta region, said.
According to Gartner's research report, close to 350 million units are expected to be shipped in 2009 and by 2011 it will cross 400 million units worldwide.
Total PCs shipped into EMEA stood at 88.1 million units in 2007, an increase of 15.8 per cent compared to 2006. Desktop shipments stood at 45.2 million and Mobile PCs at 43 million units.
The company has reported 38.9 per cent year-on-year growth in 2007 for sales in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, while the market growth was 15.7 per cent.
The IT vendor attributed its positive performance to a new strategic direction focused on strengthening its channel business model and mobility, enterprise, and convergence-related technologies.
In the EMEA region, Acer holds number one position for notebooks with a market share of 20.9 per cent and year-on-year growth of 45.3 per cent.
In the UAE, Acer holds the number two position overall with 18.2 per cent market share and in notebooks, growing 30 per cent year on year with 19.2 per cent market share.
EMEA figures
According to independent research firm IDC, Acer is ranked number two IT vendor for EMEA with a market share of 12.8 per cent in 2007.
"The region's IT market is not just expanding; it is becoming more demanding, especially in the most competitive area, mobility. Our customers expect leading-edge technology, and our number one position across the region is a reflection of the product portfolio Acer introduced in the market in 2007," said Accolla.
"Acer has identified three macro areas on which to focus - mobility, convergence and enterprise. Technology is always being reinvented, and Acer believes in being the first to offer state-of-the-art and innovative technology to its customers," he said.
"The dynamics of the regional market are changing, and in the UAE the market is more lifestyle-focused and Acer's products have been popular, said Krishna Murthy, deputy managing director, Acer Computer, Meta.
