What follows are the KITE (Kohut's IT Excellence) and the KITT (Kohut's IT Trash) awards. Rather than bore you to death with umpteen categories, I chose to hit on a few items of interest. We start with the OS awards:

OPERATING SYSTEM AWARDS

Most Improved OS: Windows 2000
Still not where it needs to be, but Windows 2000 is so-o-o-o-o much better than NT it truly deserves this award. In addition to the really significant improvements that everyone is talking about, I like the cool little things, like being able to rename network interfaces.

Best Supporting OS: Linux
If it weren't for a few key shortcomings (reliable SMP and better plug-'n-play hardware support, for example), I'd say Linux was ready for a leading role in prime time. For now, it fills some specific needs quite handily: I use Linux for Web servers, SMTP gateways, RADIUS servers and other services that require constant uptime.

Best Network OS: Windows 2000
No, I'm not under the influence of Bill and Co.Win2K really is the best all-around network OS available right now. It offers solid file and print services, great application services, and, thanks to plummeting hardware prices, it runs well on very inexpensive equipment. And, contrary to what you've been reading elsewhere, I've had no problems in finding competent personnel to administer my Win2K networks.

'What Am I and Where Do I Fit In?' OS: Novell NetWare
Novell had it all. Market share, a gazillion certified engineers, and a rock-solid file and print network OS. From a technical perspective, they still do. But providing network services is more than just a technical endeavor these days. Network admins need to know that the products they use are backed by companies that will be there for them. This extends to third-party products as well. Know of any applications being developed exclusively for NetWare? I don't either.

HARDWARE AWARDS

Best Rack Server: Compaq DL360
It's only 1U high. It has a built-in SCSI Array controller. It has two built-in 10/100 Ethernet NICS. It has room for two hot-pluggable hard drives. One person can install this server in a rack without any special tools in less than 10 minutes. It can support up to two processors. And the whole package is less than $6K.

Best Layer 4/7 Switch: Alteon AceDirector 4
Alteon takes a straightforward approach: Whatever can be done in hardware, do in hardware. And that's what makes this switch rock! It's fastwe couldn't overload it on a 10 megabit Internet feed. And it's easy to setup and configure, with a fairly intuitive command line interface. It is a bit pricey, but you're going to pay a lot for any Layer 4/7 switch out there. Get the Alteon.

Best Corporate Desktop PC: Dell Optiplex
Dell has finally won me over from the Compaq camp when it comes to desktops. They're easy to configure, from both a software and a hardware perspective. They are reliable. And they're economical. But what really propelled my conversion to Dell was their tech support. We had both a Dell and a Compaq down for the count. On the next day we had a replacement part from Dell, while Compaq was still arguing with us on the phone about what the problem was really about.

Best PDA: Palm V
It doesn't have a color screen, it doesn't do wireless and it's not integrated with a cell phone. But it DOES handle addresses, appointments, to-do lists and notes with nary a hiccup. I like the fact the Palm V uses a rechargeable batteryno AA's to replace every other week. I like how it syncs with Outlookall of Outlook. I like how slim and lightweight the unit is. And I like how easy it is to use.

Most Wasted Use of Technology: WAP Phones
Isn't it great? You can get the Internet on your cell phone! That's right. You too can have text only, VERY limited content wirelessly beamed to your WAP phone's one-inch display. If this is so great, why is everyone at my company asking me to replace their WAP phone with a regular ole' digital cell phone?

VENDORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS

Best Internet Connectivity Pre-Sales Service: Qwest
Hey, if you think this award's title is too long, let me know what you'd call it! But however you want to identify this, it's important. I've dealt with a broad spectrum of backbone and managed service providers: Exodus, Digex, Genuity, Qwest, InterNAP, Epoch Internet, and PSINet, to name a few. Qwest is the only one that provided quotes as promised (try getting an actual, this is how much it will cost, end of discussion quote from Genuityit took me weeks of phone calls and several face to face meetings!) Qwest was the only company able to get the right person to talk me about a given issue (Why should I have to explain my network needs in detail to the sales rep, when I should be talking directly to the NOC guy?). In short, Qwest knows what it's all about: Give customers what they want, when they want it, and don't make them jump through thousands of hoops to get it.

Best Corporate Hardware Reseller:CDW
CDW isn't just a warehouse-type reseller that decided they should offer something to the corporate worldthey've built their business model to cater to corporate IT from the ground up. They actually sell the higher-end products from Cisco and Compaq, not just the consumer stuff. And they have folks on staff that actually know about the higher end products (try buying a Layer 3 switch from a sales rep that usually deals with Compaq Pressario or HP Pavillion consumer crap!). Add in their excellent Web site (search actually finds the products you're looking for, what a concept), and CDW takes the cake.

Best Corporate Software Reseller: Software Spectrum
Reps who know the ins and outs of site licensing and the myriad legalities that go along with it. Media fulfillment services that gets you the software you need, when you need it. And technical expertise to help you out when you encounter problems. Software Spectrum has it all.

Come On, Listen to What I'm Saying and Stop Trying to Sell Me the Store Vendor: Cisco
This award is not just for Cisco, but for all those Cisco channel partners as well. Don't try to convince me that I need $200K of chassis equipment when a few $3K switches are all I need. And don't tell me that an end-to-end Cisco solution is better just because it's an end-to-end Cisco solution. There may have been a time when Cisco truly had the best of breed products in all categories, but that time is certainly not now. Finally, understand that not every customer has the same requirements as the big guys you sell to direct. Oh, one more thing, for all you Cisco partners out there, sell other stuff as well! We IT guys will never fully trust you as long as you only sell Cisco gear.

Do you have any KITE or KITT awards to add? Horribly disspointed in one of my choices? Post you own winner and losers below. And relax, it's only IT!

Who's your pick for the best an worse in IT? Post your comments below!