Letter From the Editor Jim Browning - 17 October 2001 These are extremely trying times for CEOs, CIOs and other senior executives of enterprises of all sizes. This special Spotlight advises Gartner clients on how to deal effectively with today's difficult economic conditions. Consumer confidence is weakening, technology stocks are hitting 52-week lows and global Fortune 2000 companies are announcing huge layoffs. The economy is in a slowdown, and many signs indicate a full-blown recession is coming. The recent terrorist attacks will have serious economic effects. In the short term, the impact will be negative, as some industries take drastic steps to survive. For example, United States' airlines and aerospace companies have announced layoffs totaling more than 120,000 workers, and two European airlines have declared bankruptcy. Some businesses may have to close their doors. In the long term, however, the United States will undoubtedly spend huge sums to rebuild and strengthen its national infrastructure—especially for heightened security. Other countries will likely follow suit.  Read more

Jim Browning

	Overview Smart IT Actions for Tough Times Jim Browning - 17 October 2001 In today's difficult economic environment, it is critical that CIOs and other IT executives seize the many opportunities to save money while delivering first-rate IT services. IT managers must spend smarter and be relentlessly efficient.

Economic Outlook, 3Q01: Lengthening Shadows George Shiffler - 18 September 2001 This Perspective presents Gartner Dataquest's latest view of the global economy based on recently released forecasts from DRI-WEFA, Gartner Dataquest's preferred third-party source for global macroeconomic data.		Can You Survive Without Cutting Your IT Budget? Barbara Gomolski - 17 October 2001 Most IT budgets will be kept intact through 2001. However, IT investments in 2002 will face greater scrutiny and must promise to deliver a tangible business value to receive approval.
The Gartner Portfolio Management Tool for IT Investment Bill Rosser - 17 October 2001 Portfolio management is a simple, yet practical tool that can substantially enhance the process of choosing and tracking IT investments for optimal payback.		Workforce Profiling: Welcome to the Matrix Bill Kirwin - 17 October 2001 With work becoming less defined and its relationship to IT more complex, Gartner introduces the Workforce Characteristics Matrix - which employs user, usage and workplace to define IT requirements.
Save Big by Consolidating Little Telco Contracts Jack Heine - 17 October 2001 Employees using cell phones and PDAs on the job are commonplace. Yet, they rarely negotiate the most cost-effective contracts. Enterprises may be missing big cost savings by not consolidating these contracts.		IT Asset Management: Reduce Costs and Minimize Risks Patricia Adams and Frances O'Brien - 17 October 2001 Failing to properly manage IT assets can be costly to enterprises. IT asset management initiatives and policies can lead to quick and easy reductions in IT costs while also minimizing risks.
Take the Slack Out of Underused IT Resources and Save Mark Nicolett - 17 October 2001 Identifying underused server, storage, network and software resources can result in cost-saving opportunities and justification for retaining the IT operations staff.		Web Services' First Payback: Internal AD Efficiency Whit Andrews - 24 September 2001 The move to Web services—a key application development model—will be arduous. Cautious enterprises should start by looking within for quick-fix problems that can exploit Web services and cut costs.
Hosting Services: The Price Is Right for Enterprises Ted Chamberlin and Jim Browning - 17 October 2001 Bad news for Web hosters is good news for enterprises seeking cost-efficient ways to facilitate their Web sites. Enterprises can negotiate for considerably lower rates and better contract terms today than in 2000.		Survive or Thrive? Leveraging the Downturn Hung Lehong - 17 October 2001 Enterprises face a big choice when confronting a stagnant economy - pull in the horns and cut budgets to survive, or seize the moment to transform their businesses and thrive in a new competitive environment.
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