Taking off

In a few minutes, I'm going to pack up my laptop, double-check that every important cable and document made it into my luggage, and carefully kiss my wife and kids goodbye before heading off into the dark night to catch an early-morning flight to Dallas, TX.

I'm attending the Microsoft Convergence 2006 Conference. In my real life, I'm an analyst with a technology research firm, and a significant portion of the research I do focuses on end-user computing - which means I read, write and speak about Microsoft rather often.

For the next few days, I'll be listening to and speaking extensively with many of the people at the center of this fascinating world. I look forward to learning more about the technology that makes everyday business tick. It may sound somewhat arcane on the surface, but when you realize just how much this influences daily life, you start to view it in different terms. It comes alive.

I hope you take the time to return during my journey to see what I've uncovered. I'll share thoughts and perspectives - and likely an image or two (or three) - before packing everything up again and heading home midweek.

Wherever you're travelling this weekend, have a safe trip. See you from the southwest.