The IDC study, commissioned by Microsoft, investigates the contribution of IT to gross domestic product (GDP), job creation in the IT industry, employment in the software sector, formation of new companies, local IT spending, and tax revenues in 52 countries, representing 98 per cent of total worldwide IT spending.

IDC forecasts creation of 5.8 million new jobs worldwide and 75,000 new businesses over the next four years. It also said IT spending in India to reach Rs 1,643 billion by 2013. 

Key findings for India:
* Spending on IT will reach Rs 989 billion in 2009, and is expected to grow to Rs 1,643 billion by 2013 for a compounded rate of growth of 11.8 percent.

* The IT market will drive creation of nearly 7,000 new businesses and 3,24,000 new jobs between end of 2009 and end of 2013. Most new companies will be small and locally owned organisations.

* In 2009, local partners in Microsoft ecosystem will generate more than Rs 420 billion in revenues for themselves. They will invest Rs 134 billion in development, marketing, training and sales.