Predictions for 2007

Wikipedia describes a prediction as a forecast that is a statement or claim that a particular event will occur in the future . My predictions are closer to my opinions than statements of fact. My opinions are formed from reading and listening to many technical and managerial blogs and podcasts.

Here are my predictions - opinions for 2007:

1) Web 2.0 adoption will continue to grow especially on customer facing sites. Established companies will start to incorporate functionality for feedback and community support around their products.

2) Web 2.0 companies are creating opportunities and not a Dot-Com bubble.

The Wall Street Journal Online invited two technology venture capitalists, who were active in the dot-com days and have invested in the current crop of startups, to debate the topic. Todd Dagres spent nearly a decade at Battery Ventures before starting Spark Capital last year. David Hornik, a partner at August Capital and a former Silicon Valley attorney, writes the popular VentureBlog. Todd Dagres supports that theory that the current Web 2.0 activity is another dot-com bubble and David Hornik opposes Todd stating that this new Internet Web 2.0 activity is an opportunity for progress.

Some Web 2.0 companies may not make it in 2007 however this surge in Technology and surge in spending is good of the economy and good for the Technology Industry.

3) Industry adoption of Web 3.0 functionality or whatever it will be called will not happen until sometime after 2007.

Ken Rutkowski from Ken Radio calls Second Life a Web 3.0 application, however given the complexity defining Web 2.0 and the debate surrounding adoption, I think it's too early to define a company or an application as Web 3.0. My guess is that there will be a lot of discussion surrounding this topic in 2007.

4) Virtualization will continue to grow in 2007

In my opinion, server Virtualization is already mainstream. We will see continued growth in the software applications space, the software testing space and in the storage space. I also think that competition between Vmware and Microsoft will heat up in this space.

5) Continued growth in Voice Over IP (VOIP)

VOIP works great in a nice controlled environment where folks can monitor usage and network performance, however I am still skeptical about Global-Enterprise level VOIP over the INTERNET. Sure Skye works and is very useful on a Business trip, however I would be very skeptical delivering Skye to the CEO of a large global company. I see more development in this space before VOIP is ready for the global enterprise.

6) Email is not dead.

Email may change, however I see it growing in 2007 before plateauing in 2008. Web 2.0 adoption and the Internet usage is still growing, which drives email requests and requirements. In the coming years we may move to more of a voice, video, IM or SMS means of communication, however that is far in the future.

Also, email is embedded in the fabric of all support organizations. We receive hundreds of alerts and events every day. The consumer experience may change, but email will remain at the heart of all support organizations.

7) The convergence of Video, Movies, TV Shows, and Podcasts onto the Internet will continue. The Internet is another delivery mechanism for Content suppliers and they have finally realized that fact.

8) Adoption of Web Based OS's and applications will grow. Products like goowy, youOS, and eyeOS offer community based services that can be useful to many SBM's.

Your comments are welcome .....

Happy New Year