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International Data Corporation (IDC) is a global provider of technology market intelligence, advisory services, and events. It covers information technology (IT), telecommunications, and consumer technology, helping IT professionals, business executives, and investors make technology and business decisions. IDC says it was founded in 1964 and is wholly owned by International Data Group (IDG).
What does IDC stand for?
IDC stands for International Data Corporation. It is a technology market research and advisory organization—not simply a general-purpose data company. Its work includes research and data, advisory services, and events for the IT, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets.
What does International Data Corporation do?
IDC gathers and analyzes information about technology markets, companies, and industry trends. Its research and data are intended to help organizations understand markets and make decisions about technology, sourcing, and business opportunities. IDC also provides advisory services and hosts events for technology professionals and business leaders.
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IDC describes its coverage as global, with expertise at global, regional, and local levels. Its official descriptions identify IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community as audiences for its work. IDC also publishes an online definitions glossary explaining technology and market terminology.
How is IDC different from IDG?
IDC and IDG are related but are not the same organization. International Data Corporation (IDC) is the technology market intelligence and advisory organization; International Data Group (IDG) is its parent company. IDC says it is wholly owned by IDG.
How large is IDC?
IDC’s current About page, accessed October 7, 2026, lists more than 15 billion data points tracked annually, over 800,000 companies tracked, more than 23,000 IT leaders attending its events every year, 1,000+ analysts, and coverage in 100+ countries. These are figures displayed on that page, which does not give them a publication date.
IDC’s Press FAQ gives different scale figures: more than 1,300 analysts and expertise in over 110 countries. The pages do not explain the difference or provide a common measurement date, so the figures should be understood as separate claims from IDC’s respective pages rather than combined into one count.
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IDC’s Press FAQ describes the company’s definition, markets, audience, founding year, and ownership. Its About IDC page presents its current positioning and scale figures. The site’s main page provides access to its research, data, services, and events, while its definitions glossary is an online resource for technology and market terms.
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