Top IT Trends for 2011
It was nice compiling our list of the top tech trends for 2011. We need to review our predictions for 2010 and look ahead with optimism. Unfortunately, economic problems continued throughout 2010, delaying expected IT spending and slowing growth. Again, the trends have not changed much from year to year as the technology is a silent revolution. But don’t be disappointed, those same trends are driving new models that will revolutionize the way we do business. As technology advances, the numbers continue to drive IT investments. Businesses will implement common sense infrastructure improvements and avoid ostentation. The shine will come from consumer electronics this year as mobile devices get better, cheaper and faster.
Cloud Computing – The Application Server Provider (ASP) and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model is Cloud Computing. More than ever, this is technology in search of a moniker that will catch on and become a household name. We all do cloud computing, even if we don’t understand the concept. From our social networking sites to our online backup and online apps, every monthly subscription is a testament that cloud computing solutions work. This form of computing through the Internet will continue to grow, offering more and better services at competitive prices.
Mobile devices and applications – Smartphones are considered one of the most popular items for consumers. The use of mobile apps has gained such acceptance that an explosion of development, hoping to capitalize on commercial success, will bring even more mobile apps to our handheld devices. Context-aware computing, which has been around for more than a decade, may see 2011 as its breakthrough year.
Business analysis – The amount of electronic data now exceeds a zettabyte (that’s a one with twenty-one zeros) and no end in sight. But data has a shelf life and must be processed before it expires to make sense or benefit from analysis. With increased computing power, a terabyte of data can be processed, measured, and interpreted in real time, enabling rapid business decisions. Computer programs, algorithms, and models will take advantage of processing speed to provide timely information. Business strategies and marketing tactics will immediately change to reflect the patterns revealed by the numbers. Trading acumen is essential as the numbers will continue to be governed by GIGO (Garbage In – Garbage Out).
Work from anywhere – Driven by the growth and availability of bandwidth and cloud computing, we will be able to conduct real business from anywhere. Files and documents will be migrated to the cloud for workers to access anytime, anywhere. Productivity tools will help the worker while providing efficiency measures to the employer. Communications from almost anywhere will allow us to buy, sell and talk without problems. Tasks deemed too complicated to be mobile will be routinely performed on the go. Voice recognition will provide the necessary hands-free environment.
social networks – The transformation of the way we communicate, personally and professionally, will continue unabated. Social networks are still the favorites of marketing. Players will certainly change as Fortuna spins her fickle wheel, but online social interaction is the future of human communications. We’ll find ways to make it more meaningful and efficient, but there will still be spam, scams and information overload, just like the old way of communicating – remember spam! The demand for social media consulting will continue and the best opportunities are likely to be for small businesses serving the Fortune 500.
Absent from the list is Green IT and Smart Grid Computing. Green IT certainly has its place, but economics has taken precedence over management. Smart Grid initiatives are developing rapidly, but the crystal ball is too cloudy to see if it will take root this year. We will continue to watch Smart Grid as it is a promising technology trend.
Disclaimer: Like horoscopes, our predictions for the top IT trends of 2011 are general in nature and for entertainment purposes only.
LAN systems Top IT Trends for 2010