We take a look at some of the trends Gartner predicts will gain more prominence in 2009:
1. Virtualization - the trend towards reducing the amount of duplication on real storage devices and client devices whilst giving the impression to anyone accessing the information that the data is still stored in its original location. Virtualization would significantly reduce the cost of data storage.
2. Cloud Computing - using the Internet as a means for consumers to access a wide range of applications, traditionally bundled on a PC or laptop. Of more benefit to smaller companies as the service is scaleable and enables businesses to increase application access at a lower cost. Gartner argues that larger companies may also benefit from this model since businesses are rejecting customised IT functions.
3. Servers - Beyond Blades - servers will evolve to enable more accurate provisioning of resources - current server configuration bundles "waste" a degree of resources - organisations will be able to upgrade memory, storage and processor power independently of each other - at a lower cost than upgrading the entire configuration.
4. Web-Oriented Architecture - businesses would do well to adopt the principles and technologies of web-centred models - enterprise solutions adopting this strategy will have an "agile, interoperable and scaleable service-oriented environment".
5. Enterprise Mashups - taking data from different websites to create new sources of data. According to Gartner, organisations should investigate the potential benefits of drawing on data from several websites and integrating the result to deliver their applications.
6. Social Software and Social Networking - Gartner advises businesses to adopt some degree of social software on their websites - websites without a social dimension need to address the issue - or run the risk of failing to engage.
7. Business Intelligence - companies will need to adopt BI tools to maximise performance and results.
And as one of Gartner's vice presidents, Carl Crunch puts it:
"A strategic technology may be an existing technology that has matured and/or become suitable for a wider range of users. It may also be an emerging technology that offers an opportunity for strategic business advantage for early adopters or with potential for significant market disruption in the next 5 years. Companies should evaluate these technologies and adjust based on their industry need, unique business needs, technology adoption model and other factors."
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