Technology firms, perhaps sensing an end to the recession, are beginning to increase ad spending. Many of these companies have new products and services to tout. And a recent Wall Street Journal article notes that the increase in advertising is designed to win new customers in a tough market.

Here’s a short summary of  ad campaigns that are being launched:

• Google:  The new ad campaign is designed to promote Gmail and Google  Docs.
• Juniper:  The company is spending money on a branding campaign.
• Cisco Systems: The company is generating buzz about its small business product line.
• Microsoft: The company is spending $300 million on the Windows 7 operating system promotion.

Industry watchers point out that tech companies, on average, cut marketing budgets by 8.3% in 2009. However, they point to a turnaround for 2010.  IDC, in particular, expects to see marketing spending increase by 3.5% in 2010 for this sector. In addition, tech companies are turning to a variety of media for their promotions. The Wall Street Journal article notes companies areusing newspapers, magazines, billboards, and online.

[Source: Worthen, Ben and Vascellaro, Jessica. “Tech Firms Make Bet With Ad Blitz,” Wall Street Journal, 10.28.09]