Revenues for U.S. consumer and SMB technology support services will grow nearly threefold in the next five years, with U.S. households accounting for over 40% of the $30 billion market.

The firm's new research reports - Consumer Technical Support Services: Overview and Opportunities for SMB Technical Support – find broadband service providers in particular driving this market. Major retailers and OEM efforts are also important in promoting technical support services to a wider audience. The market opportunity for consumer- and SMB-oriented technical support services is significant because it is currently underutilized. One-third of consumers and 44% of SMBs experienced computer-related problems, but only 13% of those people and 28% of those businesses used professional support services.

The foundation of technology support services is in time-of-needed repair and troubleshooting elements. However, as this market matures, offerings will include support of new devices such as smartphones and tablets. Providers will augment their traditional warranties and service plans with additional services based on a holistic model of support that focuses on time-of-purchase and includes assistance throughout the lifecycle of a technology or service.