Future of IT: Technology
By CIOinsight | Posted 12-14-2007Future of IT: Technology
Virtualization Becomes a Foundation Technology
CIOs are convinced of the business value of virtualization. Half of IT organizations have implemented server virtualization; 20 percent to 30 percent have deployed storage, PC or application virtualization. Those numbers are likely to go up, given the economy and how well virtualization has met expectations for reducing costs. Virtualization will be regarded as one of the most important technologies.
Next page: CIOs Smooth Out SOA's Rough Patches
CIOs Smooth Out SOA
's Rough Patches">
CIOs Smooth Out SOA's Rough Patches
Services-oriented architecture's future growth depends on how well the technology keeps its promises. SOA and Web services adoption has soared in recent years; it's now at 60 percent, and three-quarters say it will be the bedrock of their IT architecture. But that last figure is about a five-point dip from the January 2007 Future of IT survey. That's a warning sign. Some users of SOA/Web services say the technology is failing to meet expectations, especially for saving money. SOA adoption will continue, but the bigger story in 2008 is tweaking SOA so it can meet users' high expectations.
Next page: IT's Green Revolution Expands
IT
's Green Revolution Expands">
IT's Green Revolution Expands
Green IT isn't feel-good fluff or an excuse to buy new hardware. CIOs say low-energy/low-environmental-impact IT will be one of the most important technology trends in the next five to 10 years. Green IT means both lowering IT's energy usage and helping companies as a whole reduce carbon footprints, save energy and fuel, and reduce pollution. The U.S. is behind Europe, but regulation, savings and PR concerns, and support from environmentally minded employees, will lead IT in a greener direction. It helps that virtualization dovetails with this trend.
Next page: Need for Storage Continues to Climb
Need for Storage Continues
to Climb">
Need for Storage Continues to Climb
Until companies learn to do more with less data, there's no end in site to the demand for storage. Legal requirements, disaster recovery needs, and strong interest in business intelligence means companies will continue to accumulate silicon-crushing quantities of corporate performance and customer data. In the long run, storage virtualization will help keep related costs in check, but for now storage equipment spending is likely to keep rising faster than spending on other technologies.
Next page: Web Video Becomes a Business Tool
Web Video Becomes a
Business Tool">
Web Video Becomes a Business Tool
CIOs see the value of video. YouTube drew attention to video's high impact on the Web. As a marketing, training and collaboration vehicle, Web video has already taken hold as an important way to convey information. Companies will continue to find ways to generate business value from web video.
Next page: Open Source Use Grows Among SMBs
Open Source Use Grows
Among SMBs">
Open Source Use Grows Among SMBs
About one in three midmarket companies are on their way to becoming open source-dominated IT shops, but the number taking advantage of open source software is much higher than that. Linux use is rising, and other kinds of open source software—database management systems, middleware and development environments in particular—are or will be deployed soon by more than three-quarters of small and midsize businesses. Larger firms will hang back, but the perceived high quality, security and low cost of open source software make it attractive to smaller firms. If open source organizations can get better at insuring compatibility with proprietary software, open source will be adopted more widely.
Next page: Users Check Out Windows and Office Alternatives
Users Check Out Windows
and Office Alternatives">
Users Check Out Windows and Office Alternatives
Microsoft rules the desktop, but its dominance will diminish. Yes, four out of five IT executives say Vista or its successors will dominate their companies' desktops; most others will probably stick with XP. But many say their companies will be using freeware and technologies from the One Laptop One Child (aka $100 laptop) project. Most would be willing to consider a radical alternative to conventional Windows PCs or Macintoshes. Expect to see companies investigate alternatives to "Wintel" and Apple PCs and software as part of their emerging technology scouting and experimentation.
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