Global IT spending will grow from $1.4 trillion this year to $1.7 trillion in 2013, according to a new study from research firm IDC. The report, which covers 52 countries, argues that the IT sector -- and software in particular -- will play a major role as economies try to bounce back from the recession.

The overall numbers are fairly convincing. IT spending is expected to grow 3.3 percent annually through 2013, which is more than three times the GDP growth rate in the countries studied. And between technology vendors and business' in-house IT staff, 5.8 million new jobs will be added through 2013. That's good for a 3 percent increase in the IT labor force -- 3.4 times greater than for overall non-farm jobs.