The CompTIA IT Industry Business Confidence Index experienced its largest jump ever in December 2009, reflecting renewed optimism and strengthening balance sheets among information technology companies.

For the first time since CompTIA launched its Business Confidence Index in June 2009, more technology leaders have an optimistic view of the economy than a pessimistic one. The December rating jumped 6.3 points to 56.6.

Over the coming six months, IT industry executives expect further strengthening of the U.S. economy, the IT industry and their company. The group forecasts an additional 6.5-point increase in confidence, moving the rating into a solidly positive range on the 100-point scale.

"Many macro-economic indicators have improved over the past six months, lending factual support to the positive perceptions of IT executives," says Tim Herbert, vice president, research, CompTIA. "Yet some big unknowns still loom, such as unemployment, the impact of public sector debt and the tight lending and credit market. Until these factors start to turn around, exuberance about an economic recovery will rightfully be tempered."

Among other positive findings from the December survey, 34 percent of IT executives said they intend to increase capital expenditures in the next six months, compared to 24 percent in September. On the employment front, 31 percent of IT executives plan to increase staffing, up from 24 percent in the September survey.

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