2009 Trends and Predictions

I consider myself a futurist in many ways.

For example, I invested in domain names like blu-ray-faq.com,blu-ray-tools.com, and similar way before blu-ray disc became the hi-def standard. I predicted it would beat out the competition and it paid off.

I really enjoy predicting what the next "big thing" will be and as we approach the 2-week countdown to 2009, I thought it would be fun to start a thread to get everyone's 2009 predictions/trend forecasts.

My predictions (and some obvious trends) are focused mainly on the technology sector and is where I am investing heavily right now.

Please feel free to expand your predictions into energy, health, eco, etc. to help any WF "Authorities" in those niches to take action.

I am writing a more detailed report with more predictions/trends, but here's my short list:

1. Mobile Apps/3G/mCommerce - iPhone and Google will lead the pack to extend mobile devices to do anyting your desktop can. This will make a new crop of "mobile software developers" wealthy despite the micro-payment model. "3G" and "Super 3G" Technology will becomes the undisputed leader for broadband wireless.

2. Cloud/VPN - A lot more content and applications will be served from the "Cloud" and Virtual Private Networks which will enable more mobile capabilities and greatly reduce overall costs for all kinds of business functions including CRM, Telecom and Hosting.

3. VoIP PBX - "Cloud" technology will enable and become the standard storage and app host for all your communication needs (voice/video/text messaging). More companies than ever will move away from hardware-based phones in the office and switch to Voice Over IP, more sophisticated "soft-phones", Hosted PBX and wireless options.

4. Micro-Payments - More options for micro-payments become available. Kindle and iPhone will continue to lead wireless micro-payments for purchasing content and apps, but Google will become a MAJOR player as they move more into the mobile space in 2009.


I could go on with 10 more, but I'll let you guys have some fun and throw a few of your own into the prediction pile.

I'm hoping other predictions like "reduction in sales for over-hyped big-ticket product launches", "increase in start-ups" and "more traditional business standards" will be expanded/discussed here as well ;-)

Predict away...