The global information and communications technology (ICT) industry has provided the supporting infrastructure for economic growth across the world in the last decade. Despite the setbacks following the failure of dot com enterprises, the ICT industry continues to show enormous growth potential. ICT is a vital component of the infrastructural support needed for the development of any economy. Global trends in telecommunications indicate a shift toward open access, creation of a healthy competitive environment, and a consequent drop in prices. Although companies are likely to continue outsourcing IT services mainly to India, they are also expected to increasingly witness lucrative bids from Russia, the Philippines, Ireland, Israel, and China.

ICT spending is likely to grow impressively, with emerging markets in eastern Europe and Asia leading the way. Shares of IT and telecommunications sectors are almost equally important in the total ICT spending, with governments and businesses accounting for more than three quarters of the spending. The general economy, expanding consumer base, and increasing foreign investments play a critical role in the development of this industry.

The economic future of Russia looks promising in the central and eastern European (CEE) region, owing largely to the country’s stable and strong macroeconomic environment. The gross domestic product (GDP) of over $814.76 billion and economic growth rate of 6.7 percent in 2006 have strengthened Russia’s robust growth prospects. Moreover, strong consumer demand, greater political stability, expanding consumer base, and increasing foreign investment flows are expected to allay hindrances such as energy-dependent exports, weak infrastructure, and geographical imbalances. This industry offers tremendous employment opportunities, considering it witnessed double-digit growth for the last five years and is poised for further growth until 2010.

Russia’s vast human resources and low labor costs hold it in good stead in the ICT industry, while its competent education system provides its citizens with high levels of skills, excellent training, as well as intensive scientific and engineering expertise. However, the country is impaired by substandard process quality, a weak legal system, and intellectual property right (IPR) enforcement. All these are set to change, with the present government strongly focusing on the development of the IT industry, since the telecommunications industry is already well covered.

Frost & Sullivan’s Information and Communication Technology Country Industry Forecast service provides vital inputs for evaluating the attractiveness of a country and its ICT industry. Besides enabling decision makers to assess the impact of non-market forces, it also helps in identifying new market opportunities. This service provides a strong base for preparing contingency plans. In addition, investors can assess industry-specific risk factors as well as conduct a more in-depth micro research.

Frost & Sullivan Growth Partnership Service

Based on extensive and in-depth research, real-world consulting work, and new theories tested in hundreds of companies across many industries, Frost & Sullivan has evolved its Growth Partnership Services (GPS) program that provides established and emerging firms with powerful growth visions. Moving beyond token mission statements, GPS provides an actionable vision to growth consulting partners by illustrating how key intelligence and strategic research based on defined goals can guide day-to-day behavior and overall company direction. The foundation of Frost & Sullivan's GPS includes:

• Assisting companies to reach their full potential in the core business
• Providing growth strategies to help companies expand into related businesses
• Preemptively redefining the core business during market turbulence
• Applying the Frost & Sullivan framework to identify and address common mistakes resulting from misaligned corporate strategies
• Recommending growth management strategies through continuous partnership

To maximize the potential for growth within a firm’s internal and external environment, Frost & Sullivan consultants can facilitate the creation of strategic programs that deliver improved market success. Frost & Sullivan’s strengths lie in combining strategic understanding with market expertise and applying these with absolute commitment to its clients’ growth.

Identify New Market Opportunities

The future trends of the Russian economy have been analyzed along with the performance of various ICT industry segments. This analysis will provide valuable information to industry participants on market opportunities in specific segments of the industry.

Understand Future Industry Trends

The study gives an insight into the dynamic Russian ICT industry, discusses its dependence on the prevailing economic framework and forecasts its future. This will enable industry participants to gauge the direction of the market, enabling them to devise appropriate strategies to improve market share.

Understand Policy and Regulatory Environment

A detailed analysis of the policy and regulatory framework of the Russian ICT industry provides insights into the regulatory environment as it exists and the future direction of the same. This is particularly beneficial in the case of the telecommunications industry, as the regulations form an important criterion for industry performance.

Devise Country Entry Strategies

The study provides valuable information and analysis of the Russian economy’s strengths and weaknesses, which are relevant to the ICT industry. This is useful in devising country specific strategies for industry participants.

Evaluate Industry Segment Potential

This research service offers detailed coverage of economic issues as well as industry-specific and macro economic policies impacting the industry. It provides both country and industry trends and forecasts for major variables and is an excellent tool for companies that plan to enter new geographic markets. This will help corporate planners in developing accurate business plans and enhance credibility to planning company resources.