If every state follows a similar tack, maybe we're onto something and Microsoft's Open XML strategy may not be a great idea, ... But we're not seeing that. Microsoft has not backed down and is committed to using Open XML for its forthcoming Office versions.

IBM is positioning itself to be the vendor of choice when the open-standards strategy manifests itself and Massachusetts divests itself of closed-standard technologies, ... Microsoft now has viable competition on the end user's desktop, whatever that desktop looks like over the next few years. IBM has served notice that it won't go down without a fight.

If you're outsourcing part of your transaction work, you're responsible for making sure the provider adheres to the same security protocols you do. Consumers expect this security whether a bank employee does it or a third party does.

RIM will finally have the power to chew through very complex applications, and make them work. They won't slow down, and they won't crash.

Quite frankly, you look at the numbers, and you realize there has to be something more for eBay to buy into. There's significant risk because the cash is not there now.

The end of shrink-wrapped software in a box and the start of the Internet-based services era. It marks a turning point in the industry.

It's a pretty big number and a pretty big gamble.