1. What is the CDW IT Monitor?
The CDW IT Monitor is a bimonthly indicator of the direction and momentum of the U.S. IT marketplace. Based on a national online survey of 1,000 IT decision makers from business and government sectors, the Monitor measures outlook for IT related spending, investment, adoption, and satisfaction. It also tracks decision makers’ assessment of IT effectiveness in meeting business objectives.

2. When was the CDW IT Monitor launched?
The CDW IT Monitor launched in December 2007.

3. Who do you survey?
The survey sample includes a broad spectrum of IT decision makers, among all sizes of companies, multiple industries, and across three levels of government. Each measurement includes at least 750 corporate decision makers (250 at companies with 1 to 99 employees, 250 at companies with 100 to 999 employees, and 250 at companies with 1000 or more employees) and at least 250 government decision makers (with 100 at the federal level and 100 at the state levels).

4. How is the survey conducted?
Data is collected through a national, online survey of 1,000 decision makers from business and government sectors, who either make the final decision or have at least moderate influence in acquiring, recommending, and/or purchasing IT hardware, software, and services for their organization.

5. Who conducts the survey?
All research design, implementation, and analysis is conducted by independent polling firm Richard Day Research of Evanston, Ill. Decision makers are invited from two large national panels of IT decision makers built and maintained by Survey Sampling and E-Rewards.

6. How is the CDW IT Monitor calculated?
To calculate the IT Monitor, the percentage of unfavorable replies is subtracted from the percentage of favorable replies for each question. These numbers are averaged and then rescaled from 0 to 100. The subindices are calculated similarly, with each based on four questions instead of all eight. The overall calculation is equivalent to the average of the two subindices.

7. Why did CDW launch the IT Monitor?
CDW is in the unique position to offer insights on important industry matters and momentum. We operate at the nexus between those who offer technology and those who use technology to solve business problems.

8. What makes the CDW IT Monitor different from other IT industry indicators?
The CDW IT Monitor is a comprehensive measure that focuses on all aspects of the IT industry, including the effectiveness of IT in achieving business goals, adoption, hiring, and investment trends. It will identify data-backed trends that over time can give an accurate state-of-the-industry viewpoint.