Some of the key points noted by IDC, in its Worldwide Network Test and Measurement 2004–08 Forecast:

• Test and measurement players are under tremendous pressure to deliver tools based on open standards
• Through the first half of 2004, Agilent remains the market leader with 36.6 percent market share (global)
• The R&D market feeds the network lifecycle and supports a long-term revenue stream for network test and measurement vendors
• Today's network test and measurement market is made up of 25-30 vendors
• Emerging areas for wireless test include wireless LAN, WiMax, consumer devices, and RFID