According to Springboard's latest research, 'China IT Market Predictions 2009', Hong Kong and Taiwan will, on the other hand, experience a significant slowdown in IT market growth, with Taiwan being the worst affected, due to the downward pressure of the ongoing worldwide financial crisis.

"China's huge domestic market and its almost closed financial system will enable the country to cope with the financial crisis better, thereby protecting the IT market from registering a significant slowdown," said Bryan Wang, country manager of Greater China at Springboard Research.

"Moreover, a strong government investment plan will boost spending in various economic quarters and help the Chinese IT market sustain its place as a shining star in the Asia-Pacific region in 2009," Wang said.

Top 10 trends

According to Springboard, the top 10 trends that will shape the IT market in Greater China in 2009 are: