Despite the weak economy, 9 out of 10 global CIOs have not modified their IT budget for the second half of the year, signaling continued growth in the industry. Forty six percent of U.S. companies plan to purchase new PCs and perform at least one desktop refresh in the next 12 to 18 months. [Global Services]

In another survey, CIOs are anticipating a modest fourth-quarter hiring bump. Contributing to the slower pace of hiring in the industry is the inability of firms to find qualified IT specialists. [CIO Update]

In Ohio, the high-tech firm Savvis Inc., which has already added 120 people to its St. Louis payroll, will be looking to add another 170 IT positions. [St. Louis Business Journal]

Hawaii is allocating $62 million statewide to build and connect cutting edge information technology facilities on college campuses, with the bulk going toward UH Monoa. [The Gov Monitor]

State and local governments anticipate a year-over-year rise in IT spending of 3.1 percent for infrastructure to boost productivity and comply with the Obama Administration's request for transparency and accountability in government. [Washington Technology]

A glimpse into the future reveals workers will fall mostly into one of two categories: well-paid educated professionals or low-pay positions. The middle tier jobs in manufacturing, real estate and financial services will go and may never return. [The Seattle Times]

-- Dino Londis