We're about nine months into 2016, so let's check in on how the year has gone so far as we enter the fourth quarter.

Gartner, for one, said in July that worldwide IT spending will be flat this year, at about $3.41 trillion, although the research firm forecast growth in software (5.8 percent, to $332 billion), IT services (3.7 percent, to $898 billion) and data center systems (2 percent, to $175 billion).

Meanwhile, IDC said in August that technology spending in such key industries as health care, financial services and manufacturing have helped prop up spending this year, while spending among consumers and in the public sector has been a drag on the overall IT market.

How has this year worked out for you, and how will it have worked out by year's end? Click here to vote in our poll.