The economy may be slowing down, but technology training is picking up, and there may be a direct correlation between the two. A recent study performed by IDC, the world's leading provider of technology intelligence, industry analysis, market data, and strategic and tactical guidance to the IT community, confirmed the rise of IT training in general and, in particular, the correlation between technology training and the economy.

"It might sound counterintuitive, but as global economic growth slows, companies will be inclined to spend more on IT to cut costs from their bottom lines," said Michael Brenner, senior analyst for IDC's Corporate e-Learning and IT Education and Training Services research programs.

It is estimated that e-learning will overtake classroom-based instructor-led training by 2004. According to IDC, the United States and Western Europe will account for nearly 80 percent of IT training.

"e-Learning removes barriers of time and makes it possible for end users to effectively learn when and where they otherwise could not," according to Cushing Anderson, program manager for IDC's Learning Services research.