The worldwide market for computer servers plunged in the second quarter of 2009, with sales falling 30.1 per cent as compared with the same period last year.

Statistics compiled by the Technology research firm IDC revealed that revenue from server sales plunged to $9.8 billion, the lowest quarterly sales since 1996.

Speaking on the possible recovery of the industry, IDC's research analyst Daniel Harrington said, "IDC expects the server industry as a whole to begin recovery starting next quarter, slowly returning to stable growth in 2010."

IDC further said an aging installed server base could help lead to more demand for servers.

Markets for both the x86 and non-x86 server remained pathetic in the second quarter.

International Business Machines Corp. pocketed the highest market share by factory revenue at 34.5 per cent, with $3.39 billion in sales. IBM was followed by Hewlett- Packard Co. with 28.5 per cent market share and $2.8 billion in revenue.

Dell Inc. and Sun Microsystems Inc. lagged far behind with $1.22 billion and $981 million in sales respectively.