Computer services monitor: third quarter 2007

14/12/2007 09:30

Computer service companies saw their turnover figures rise again in the third quarter. The demand for computer services remains high. The sentiment among the companies is very positive. Results from the Business Sentiment Survey of October 2007 show that the companies’ opinions on orders received and the current economic climate are positive. Companies are also optimistic in their expectations for the fourth quarter.

Turnover growth continues

In the third quarter of 2007, computer services realized the highest growth in turnover since the end of 2000. Turnover increased by 15 percent when compared to the same period in 2006. As a result of the continuous economic growth, the demand for IT services remains high. Together with temp agencies, computer service companies are the most important boosters of turnover growth in business services as a whole. Over the first three quarters of 2007, turnover growth ended up at 14 percent.

Year-on-year turnover changes

Demand for new staff remains unchanged

Like in the second quarter, the number of new vacancies in the third quarter was comparable to the same quarter of the previous year. In total, 8 thousand new vacancies were created. The number of filled vacancies also amounted to 8 thousand. The number of unfulfilled vacancies has remained virtually unchanged in the last quarter. At the end of the third quarter, there were 9 400 unfilled vacancies in computer services. The demand for IT personnel has been high since the end of 2005.

Number of new and filled vacancies

Increase in orders, positive opinions

According to the Business Sentiment Survey, companies in this branch received a lot more orders in the third quarter of 2007 than in the second quarter. Their opinion on orders received is therefore still very positive. Selling prices and staff numbers have also increased. Opinions on the current economic climate are positive, despite a slight decline in number compared to the previous quarter. The opinions in the computer branch match the opinions in business services as a whole very well.

Opinions on orders received and economic climate

Orders expected to increase

Companies are optimistic in their expectations for the fourth quarter. They foresee a considerable further increase in orders received. The companies also expect a slight increase in selling prices, and therefore also a further increase in turnover. On balance, 38 percent of the companies expect a further personnel increase in the future.