The same weak corporate earnings also force companies to cut unneeded technology purchases.

Faced with that uncertainty, many schools have decided to bypass state and local lawmakers altogether to subsidize their technology purchases.

The apparent failure of the Russians' technology purchases of the 1970's was that they could not effectively use the products.

It's good you let your girl determine your technology purchases.

Money from drug sales is often poured back into illegal arms and technology purchases, intelligence officials say.

Most companies, she said, are neither plunging in nor giving up but taking a more cautious, focused approach to technology purchases.

Dr. Cook suggests that many technology purchases are a case of keeping up with the Joneses.

But with the economic downturn and the slowing of technology purchases, Colt's customers have delayed buying communications services.

Microsoft reiterated warnings that growth could slow in coming quarters if companies defer technology purchases because of the Year 2000 problem.

Mr. Browning suggested that a company thoroughly plan its technology purchases so that each contract is clear and understood.