The roller coaster that’s IT spending has its ups and downs, and just like travel and entertainment expenses, it’s a prime candidate for cutbacks when times get tough.

And times, they are tough.

That’s why tech spending is only expected to increase 0.9% in 2009, says a revised forecast by IDC.

So what will companies still open their pocketbooks for? Think the three Ss: software, services and storage.

You’ll be in good company if you’re holding off on hardware — spending’s predicted to decline in that category.

Tags: IDC, IT budget, spending