| Gartner, the market research company, just came out with its list of the top 10 strategic technologies for 2009. On the list:
Virtualization. Not just server virtualization, which allows different operating systems to run on a server simultaneously, but also storage virtualization (which allow applications to use a storage pools) and client virtualization (where desktop resources are centrally hosted and managed).
Cloud Computing. There are a number of different takes on what cloud computing is. Gartner says, “They key characteristics of cloud computing are 1) delivery of capabilities “as a service,” 2) delivery of services in a highly scalable and elastic fashion, 3) using Internet technologies and techniques to develop and deliver the services, and 4) designing for delivery to external customers.”
Servers — Beyond Blades. Gartner’s comment here is worth noting: “Servers are evolving beyond the blade server stage that exists today. This evolution will simplify the provisioning of capacity to meet growing needs. The organization tracks the various resource types, for example, memory, separately and replenishes only the type that is in short supply. This eliminates the need to pay for all three resource types to upgrade capacity. It also simplifies the inventory of systems, eliminating the need to track and purchase various sizes and configurations. The result will be higher utilization because of lessened “waste” of resources that are in the wrong configuration or that come along with the needed processors and memory in a fixed bundle.”
Web-Oriented Architectures. This includes service-oriented environments. “The use of Web-centric models to build global-class solutions cannot address the full breadth of enterprise computing needs. However, Gartner expects that continued evolution of the Web-centric approach will enable its use in an ever-broadening set of enterprise solutions during the next five years,” the research company says.
Enterprise Mashups. These are Web applications that combine data from two or more sources. An example commonly used is location-type services put on top of a Google map. But, Gartner warns, “Through 2010, the enterprise mashup product environment will experience significant flux and consolidation, and application architects and IT leaders should investigate this growing space for the significant and transformational potential it may offer their enterprises.”
Specialized Systems. A specialized system, says Gartner, is a single-purpose server, significantly optimized and customized for one function or application, which cannot be easily re-purposed if the original need goes away. The category, says Gartner, subsumes both appliances (such as a data warehouse appliance or a networking router) and heterogeneous systems (hybrid servers that may run part of the application on a graphic card or may mix different processor types with the software divided among them).
Social Software and Social Networking. Social software, says Gartner, includes a range of technologies, including social networking, social collaboration, social media and social validation.
Unified Communications. The technology combines calling, with messaging and management. And formerly distinct markets, which have their own distinct vendors, will converge, says Gartner, resulting in massive consolidation in the communications industry. But, the research firm warns: “Organizations must build careful, detailed plans for when each category of communications function is replaced or converged, coupling this step with the prior completion of appropriate administrative team convergence.”
Business Intelligence. The tools that help organization report and analyze their activities “can have a direct positive impact on a company’s business performance, dramatically improving its ability to accomplish its mission by making smarter decisions at every level of the business from corporate strategy to operational processes,” says Gartner.
Green IT. Deciding to deploy more energy efficient information technology products can cut data center costs. And soon companies many not have a choice but to “go green.” Says Gartner: “Regulations are multiplying and have the potential to seriously constrain companies in building data centers, as the effect of power grids, carbon emissions from increased use and other environmental impacts are under scrutiny. Organizations should consider regulations and have alternative plans for data center and capacity growth.”
Gartner defines a strategic technology “as one with the potential for significant impact on the enterprise in the next three years. Factors that denote significant impact include a high potential for disruption to IT or the business, the need for a major dollar investment, or the risk of being late to adopt. These technologies impact the organization's long-term plans, programs and initiatives. They may be strategic because they have matured to broad market use or because they enable strategic advantage from early adoption.”
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