There's no denying it: These are tough times. The economy is bleeding jobs. Companies are slowing spending. The government is running up more red ink to revitalize the economy. And many are questioning the viability of many industry stalwarts. The following are a selection of Channel Insider economic reports from the week. It's not all doom and gloom, but it is realistic assessments.  

Tech Vendors That May Not Survive 2009 
In the Channel Insider 2009 Market Pulse Survey, we asked solution providers which vendors they thought would go out of business or be acquired in 2009. Based on their perceptions and predictions, the following are the vendors that made the endangered species list.

Are These Vendors Really on the Endangered Species List?
Channel Insider’s 2009 Market Pulse report identified the top 10 IT vendors that may not survive the recession. The list has gotten much attention, but is it the right list? Weigh in on this discussion.

Tech Layoffs Climb Above 100,000

Channel Insider has reviewed publicly available reports of layoffs at technology vendors and solution providers. Since October, more than 100,000 technical, sales and market positions have been eliminated as a result of the deteriorating economy.

Intel Remains Profitable but Pressured

Earnings from the top chipmaker show the economic downturn is having a ripple effect throughout the technology community.

PC Refresh Cycles Stretching to 5 Years-Plus

As the recession stretches into 2009, companies are pushing their PC refresh cycles out to five years, according to solution providers contacted by Channel Insider. That's bad news for PC and server makers Dell, HP and Lenovo, but represents a different kind of opportunity for savvy solution providers.

7 Tune-Up Tricks to Improve PC Performance

A grim economic outlook has forced many companies to delay new PC purchases. Can solution providers turn that negative into a positive by breathing new life into old PCs? These 7 tune-up tips will help.

Will That Be Cash or Credit?

Solution providers may have an opportunity to close business and make money by offering their own credit cards to customers. According to industry experts, private-label credit cardholders spend twice as much as cash customers.

10 Recession-Proof IT Jobs

Certain IT jobs are in demand, even as the economy struggles. Companies need people with the skills to enhance productivity, efficiency and process improvement. See if your skill set puts you on the list.