Worldwide IT spending is set to surpass $3 trillion in 2007, according to research firm Gartner.

This will be an increase of eight per cent compared to the amount spent last year, with a further 5.5 per cent increase due in 2008.

Gartner has warned that IT managers need to be up for the challenges that are to come, which itself highlights the issue of IT support.

Speaking to a group of IT leaders, Gartner's Peter Sondegaard said: "The business plans that you had in June are probably not going to completely address the changed conditions of your business in November.

"Together with your business colleagues and your chief executive you are going to have to deliver new efficiencies, new innovations and new ideas to sustain profitability and growth. IT will be core to many of those responses.

"Simply delivering internally focused savings isn't going to be enough. You [IT leaders] need to step up to the challenge of delivering new solutions to those critical business imperatives."

According to recent survey by Connect, the two biggest IT headaches for businesses were 'everyday hassles with IT' (37 per cent) and 'security concerns' (32 per cent)