Most software developers and other vendors have a mid-range strategy these days - aimed at SMEs. The proliferation of options for smaller, often cash-strapped concerns calls for a careful strategy to avoid misdirected spending.

The hype surrounding B2B a few years ago was matched only by the silence that followed the concept`s spectacular implosion. Has B2B expired, or are the remaining players just quietly getting on with the job?

Notebook sales enjoyed phenomenal growth in 2003 and the trend is likely to continue, but the market dynamics are not as simple as they first appear - and the extinction of desktops may come later rather than sooner.

The notion is almost Utopian - computing as a utility, available on tap like water or electricity, on a "pay as you go" basis. The current reality is that it`s still more like "futility", with users being rather cautious about embracing this "next big thing".

The IT sector is working towards alleviating the problem of improperly trained IT graduates.

Old-school government turns to a new concept of governmental services with the Gauteng Shared Services Centre. The difference between old and new? The word 'service`.

Drop the ball, quaff the cider; the age-old feud between journos and PRs comes to a head.

There are many little advances in technology that have the ability to alter our behaviour, because of their apparent insignificance.

Local companies may be getting over their traditional resistance to IT rental, but it would seem that rental is not the best solution for everyone.

It`s nice to feel wanted. But there are limits, beyond which you`re just getting used and exploited. For companies, that`s where content management - and its close cousin, security - come in.

Not content to leave data where it lands, storage vendors are now talking about lifecycle data management - caring for data from swaddling clothes to ultimate demise.

ITWeb`s 2003 Business Intelligence Survey shows that SA corporates` interest in BI is on the up, although confusion still dominates this space, with most respondents adamant they`ve achieved return on investment, but unsure of whom owns the project.