The launch of Microsoft's latest operating system will drive the recovery of the international IT industry.

That is according to a report conducted by the technology analyst IDC, which suggested that the release of Windows 7 will benefit European and global hardware, software and distribution revenues and employment.

Scheduled for release in October, the Microsoft program will also spur the release of more than 350,000 affiliated products, which are expected to generate sales of more than £196 billion before the end of 2009.

Specifically, IDC forecast that IT companies would generate more than 300,000 jobs as a direct results of Windows 7.

IDC said in the report: "In the midst of an economic crisis, with most governments seeking economic stimulus to grow their economies, the launch of a major new operating system should be considered good news."

Earlier this month, TechServe Alliance revealed that the declines in IT employment witnessed in the US since the beginning of the recession are starting to moderate.