10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2010

It’s that time again. Gartner has released its top ten list of strategic technology that will most affect IT infrastructures over the next five years. So where are we headed, and is your organization on track? Find out below. 

1. Cloud computing continues to be on the list. In 2010 it also signifies new services and business value. Cloud computing harnesses the power of the Internet to provide IT capabilities as a service. Users and companies have real-time access to products, software and solutions via web interfaces, without having to own the underlying resource. The silver lining: organizations can reduce costs, yet still tap into a “cloud” of high-performance computing capabilities. Find out more about HP’s Cloud Consulting Services and check if you need cloud computing.
  
2. New advanced analytics provide simulation and prediction to enhance decision flexibility throughout every business process action. To find out more on achieving an unprecedented level of intelligence, see how HP Labs is pushing the limits of this field.  

3. Client virtualization is bringing new ways of packaging client computing applications and capabilities. The end is near for redundant servers. HP offers an extensive range of blade PCs, server-based computing and more.  

4. Green isn’t just fashionable for trees; the use of IT can greatly enhance an enterprise’s green credentials – from the use of e-documents to reducing travel with video conferencing. Find out more about HP’s Eco Solutions and learn how you can solve your technology and environmental challenges.

5. Reshape and rethink the data centre, and build only what’s needed for five to seven years. This cuts operating expenses, and frees up money to apply to other projects. Discover more on data centre design and transition.
  
6. It’s time to befriend social media. Companies are beginning to realize that workers will access Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites whatever they do to stop them.  Organizations must learn the value of social computing in bringing communities together, and use public communities as valuable new resources in promoting their brands and managing their reputations. Get up to speed on the benefits and check out HP on Facebook or Twitter.  

7. Beyond barbed wire, security has evolved to watching activities and identifying trends. A variety of activity monitoring and analysis tools are available, and organizations need to better understand how to use them in order to defend themselves and meet audit requirements. Find out more about how you can improve your data protection and create a secure advantage.
  
8. You’ll probably know about flash memory from USB sticks, but did you know it’s moving up in the world of storage? It’s faster than rotating disk, and traditionally more expensive, yet prices are falling and it looks set to enjoy more than a 100 percent compound annual growth rate over the next years. Flash also offers advantages in terms of space, heat and ruggedness. New HP G5 and G6 servers incorporate this technology.

9. Put the spotlight on virtualization for availability. Live migration is the movement of a running virtual machine, while its operating system and other software continue to work as if they were on the actual server. This takes place by replicating the state of physical memory between the source and destination. HP offers an extensive virtualization portfolio for the journey.
  
10. Get more mobile. By the end of 2010, Gartner predicts 1.2 billion people will carry handsets capable of mobile commerce providing a rich environment for the convergence of mobility and the web. Jump on the bandwagon and check out HP’s new generation of laptops, handhelds, mobile applications and more.

Gartner, Inc. is the world's leading information technology research and advisory company. Analysts examined these trends during the Gartner Symposium/ITxpo that was held from 18 to 22 October, in Orlando, Florida.