We assess the economic cost of spam, focussing mainly on the waste of users’ time, the cost of technical support, and the cost of anti-spam technology. Total costs are calculated for Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, UK, and the US, and globally.  

This report was released in conjunction with Report 511 and complemented by a March 2 Webinar. Both reports can be purchased together for $995. Webinar participation is free.

Report 409.

Important Questions Addressed by This Report Include:

• What is the economic impact of spam in 2005, globally, and in various countries?
• How has this changed since 2003?
• What are the main elements that constitute the economic impact of spam?
• What is the ROI (return on investment) of spam filters?
• What should I look for in a spam filter, in order to reduce the cost of spam?

Table of Contents

The Global Economic Impact of Spam, 2005
    Report Structure
Main Findings
  Main Cost Elements
  Three Main Approaches
    Costs of the Different Approaches
    Desktop Solutions a False Economy
    Cost Breakdowns
  Costs of Quarantines & False Positives
  Costs by Country
  Return on Investment
How the Cost Model Works
  Key Cost Elements
  Accompanying Spreadsheet
    ROI
  Model Choices and Ambiguities
    Averages vs. Reality
    Unquantifiable Costs and Savings