Analyst firm Gartner said IT spending will reach $3.4 trillion in 2010, a 4.6 percent increase from 2009, as slow but steady improvement in the macroeconomic environment in 2010 support a return to modest growth in overall IT spending.

Although modest, Gartner said the projected growth represents a significant improvement from 2009, when worldwide IT spending declined 4.6 percent. All major segments (computing hardware, software, IT services, telecom, and telecom services) are expected to grow in 2010.

“Last quarter, we did not expect to see IT spending levels recover to 2008 levels until 2011, however, now, with the upward revision to the current dollar forecast, we are projecting that global IT spending this year will approach the level seen in 2008,” Richard Gordon, research vice president at Gartner, said in a press statement.

IT spending growth in emerging markets (with the exception of central and eastern Europe and some of the Gulf states) is expected to lead the way, with spending forecast to grow 9.3 percent in Latin America, 7.7 percent in the Middle East and Africa, and 7 percent in Asia Pacific.

Recovery in Western Europe, the United States and Japan will start more slowly, with Western Europe increasing 5.2 percent, the US growing 2.5 percent, and Japan increasing 1.8 percent, the report said.

“As we begin 2010, multiple factors are conspiring to shape IT spending patterns in years to come,” said Gordon. “Although recovery will be slow, over the next 12 to 18 months, gross domestic product (GDP) is projected to increase, consumer confidence is expected to improve, and the availability of credit should increase.

“At the same time, pent-up demand for new technologies will be released as enterprises focus on new growth opportunities and increase spending plans. IT vendors and service providers must ensure that they are poised to take advantage of this improving landscape,” he added.