SMB spending on tech is expected to rise at least 7% in 2005 and in 2006, up from as little as 2% growth since 2001, Gartner says. IDC pegs 2005 spending by smaller firms climbing 7.6% over 2004 levels. Worldwide, small and midsize businesses are expected to account for 24% of all spending on software, hardware and other tech in 2006, up from 23% in 2005, Gartner says.