According to a recent ESG survey, staff-related costs account for more than one-third (34%) of IT budgets. The brighter outlook for IT spending in 2010 means that the vast majority of organizations will increase or maintain IT staff levels this year. There is a strong correlation between 2010 IT hiring plans and organizational factors such as overall 2010 IT budget change, purchasing patterns for IT products and services, and management team risk tolerance. IT hiring plans are also linked to business initiatives surrounding international expansion, business growth, and improved security and risk management.