The main reason I mention this, however, is that I didn't know anyone in Norway was reading this column, although I was aware folks in Romania and New Zealand were tuned in. So, in an effort to get a better view of the global IT picture, I'd like to encourage readers outside the United States to send me a quick e-mail. Let me know where you are and what interests you about the column.

Why bother doing this? Because IT is a global business, and I'm constantly conscious of trying not to be too U.S.-centric. Help me broaden my horizons. And, in an upcoming column, I'll report back on the results of this global IT straw poll.