Twenty years young, and still growing

Ronald Reagan was in the White House. The PC was in its infancy. The weight of a cell phone was probably measured in pounds, and good luck finding a signal.That was 1986, and a lot has changed since then, including Washington Technology.Twenty years ago, entrepreneur Esther Smith founded this publication with the intention of giving a voice to the growing IT industry in the Washington area. Within a few years, that idea had evolved into a publication that is national in scope and focuses exclusively on the federal, state and local IT contracting market.It is a large and lucrative market. It also is complex and frustrating. But that combination just makes it more compelling and intriguing to write about.With this issue, we launch a year-long commemoration of our 20th anniversary.Not coincidentally, we settled on 20 as the number of trends to feature in our Forecast 2006 cover story. You'll also see other 20s pop up during the year. In September, we have in the works a special issue focused on our industry's past.As proud of our past as we are, our focus will remain on the future and the trends impacting your business.In addition to our 20 trends for 2006, this issue also has stories on the major questions facing the Homeland Security Department, a new and possibly lucrative opportunity emerging in the state and local market and an ominous warning that more contract audits are on the way.It's a good mix of stories to start the year, and the best way to honor our past.