This IDC study presents data and analysis on the worldwide optical automation market. Data for 2004–1H07 is based on actual sales figures, whereas data for 2H07–2011 is forecast. The market is analyzed by shipments and value of shipments by slot size. Detailed data is provided in terms of market value, shipments, average selling value, installed base, regional shipments, market ranking, and share.

The optical automation market showed a decline in 2006. Even with the availability of Ultra Density Optical 2 (UDO2) and Blu-ray Disc (BD), a reversal of this long-term trend seems elusive.

"Compliance with regulatory requirements to accurately and reliably archive data on permanent media will be a key driver in the optical automation market, but competition for other technology will remain strong," said Wolfgang Schlichting, research director of the Removable Storage program at IDC.