Survey: IT Confidence Index Shows GainsSurvey: IT Confidence Index Shows Gains

Hey, you look different--is that confidence you're wearing? Business technology executives' outlook on business overall--and IT in particular--is up over the past six months, according to the March information IT Confidence Index, a quarterly survey of 300 business technology execs, using questions about the economy, company prospects, and IT spending to gauge their outlook.

Here's what's most interesting: An upbeat view of IT spending is what has these executives tapping their toes.

The index is up 6% from December and 8% from September. However, it's down 6% from a year ago, largely because fewer execs feel good about the overall economy. Fifty-four percent have a positive view of the economy this month, compared with 64% a year ago. In both surveys, seven out of 10 like their own companies' prospects.

However, the view this month of IT is much brighter than it was a year ago. Last March, 45% of execs had a positive view of their company's current IT budget and spending plans. This month, 69% have a positive view.

Yet IT execs' confidence can be fleeting: Only half are upbeat about their IT budgets as they look out to the next three months.