The year of grace 2003 should be fascinating. In the last few years, we`ve seen the exciting but predictable boom, the terrifying but equally predictable crash, and a nerve-wracking period filled with the fog of war, corruption, scandal and uncertainty, as the IT market tried to find a solid bottom, and tried to cling to what little respectability it had left.

Investors, management, employees and customers seem to have recovered their collective breath and are starting to look forward with something resembling a steady, sobered gaze again.

Technology isn`t what it used to be. No longer are customers dazzled by the stuff, forking out obscene amounts of cash to get some. None but a few remaining investors with either smarts or guts will touch it with a bargepole. The thrill has gone.