Technology Predictions for 2009

1. Windows 7 will bring tech out of the doldrums

When Microsoft delivers Windows 7 by Q3 (Quarter 3), it could catalyze the tech economy. This new OS (Operating System) will drive businesses and consumers to new PC and notebook purchases by Q4.

2. The tech industry will be the first to recover from the recession

While the real estate and auto markets will be very slow to come back, the tech industry will recover fastest and be moving forward again by Q3.

3. The unemployed will start small businesses to survive and will need PCs to make a living

Many of those laid off due to the global recession are professionals who could start specialty consulting services as well as new businesses of various types just to survive. PC technology and communications will most likely be at the heart of their new ventures.

4. Netbook sales will double in 2009

Manufacturers should sell 36 to 38 million netbooks worldwide in 2009.

5. Smart phones will gain market share

In the next 12 months, smart phones such as Apple's iPhone and the RIM BlackBerry will gain a stronger foothold in the United States and Europe. By 2015, smart phones will represent as much as 65 percent of all cell phones sold globally.

6. Android will expand its reach in 2009

By the end of 2009, Expect top see Android in set-top boxes, digital televisions, and Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), and perhaps even desktop terminals.

In fact, Android could emerge as the biggest threat to Linux's desire to make the mainstream, and within the next three years, Android could become a major OS in its own right.

7. Apple market share in PCs and smart phones will grow

Even in a downturn, Apple will grow its market share by at least 2 points in 2009. The ease-of-use message and the complete ecosystem are attracting more new customers to Apple stores, and the company will gain new Mac users at the expense of Windows vendors.

Also, Apple will continue to innovate around the iPhone and even add some models at lower prices to attract new customers worldwide.


8. Microsoft makes a play to purchase RIM
If the Apple iPhone makes any serious inroads into the enterprise, Microsoft will make a bid for RIM (Research in Motion) and use it to enhance and solidify the company's enterprise smart phone position.


http://specials.rediff.com/money/2008/dec/31sld8-top-8-tech-predictions-for-2009.htm