Monday 7 January 2008

And now this year's news...

Most years, I like to start with a blog about what might happen in the news – and this year is no exception. Last week I looked at IBM in some detail, this week I’d like to look more generally at the world of computing.

The first one, I mentioned last year – and even last week – is virtualization. Every server farm that hasn’t done it will be virtualizing (and perhaps even its close cousin emulating) this year. Everyone says the word “green” in order to validate the action, but CFOs know the real reason is to save money. Fewer boxes use less electricity to drive them and to drive the necessary cooling. So, although there is a cost in virtualizing, the savings make it a must for all mid to large server installations. And this year there is plenty of expertise available from the people working at sites that virtualized in 2007.

2008 and will also see more takeovers. Large IT companies like IBM and Oracle, will continue to absorb smaller companies that have a niche idea or just a part of the market that they want to possess. 2007 saw a number of familiar companies taken over. Cognos took over Applix before IBM took over Cognos. Oracle took over Siebel. IBM also bought Consul, and CA bought Cybermation. And the list goes on. IBM has started 2008 by acquiring Israel-based XIV. XIV sells storage arrays it calls Nextra.

Compliance will also be on people’s minds. Not only Sarbanes-Oxley, HIPAA, and PCI, but many others that affect the way data is retained by an organization and its availability in the event of a court case. There will also be an increase in the use and sophistication of legal discovery (e-discovery) software.

Lastly, I predict that many people will have a small hand-held device – with telephone capabilities – that will give them access to the Internet. Companies like Nokia are also taking over other companies to ensure they have access to any technology they don’t have themselves. The iPhone has shown us how a “modern” phone should work, and 2008 will see the end of buttons with everything being controlled from the screen.

2008 looks like an interesting year for me. So if anyone out there needs an experienced writer and editor, please contact me at trevor@itech-ed.com.

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