Last week began counting down to the winner with one article each day from 10th place to number one.

When we reach #1 on Friday, it will be over to you for the readers' choice award. If you don't agree with the panel of 12 you can still have your say on the most influential person, product, organisation, trend or event for 2009.

We'll publish the results on the website and in the February/March issue of Computerworld magazine.

#4 The global financial crisis

Was it a financial crisis in Australia? Or was it a crisis of confidence?