A big change or shift is happening right before our eyes in the hi-tech sector (software, hardware, networking, mobile etc). Some see it, some don't and some choose to ignore it. But if you take a moment, step back and take a quick look at what is happening in the high tech sector - I think some of you might be quite surprised. Why? Because there are some real disruptive forces converging... and maturing all at once which I believe will dramatically change how software is purchased, delivered, implemented and used within organizations - big or small over the next decade.

The Catalyst

What else... the Internet. I think we all forget how much Internet has changed our lives over the past 15 years or so - both from a social and business perspective. It is changing the way we work and the way we live.  Some believe it's becoming as important as the water we drink, the food we eat and the air we breathe. I will leave it up to you to decide on that one :-)

The Forces

Here are what I believe are some of the game changing forces that are... and will dramatically change the software industry:

1. Web 2.0 - new, easy to use and cost effective software that allow us to collaborate and share information like never before.
2. Social Software - the ability to create networks online made famous by Facebook, Linked-In and mySpace.
3. Digital World - analog is dead. Every device made (if possible) will be or have digital components... connected to the internet. Just look at our cars with bluetooth, internet, GPS etc built right in.
4. Broadband - high speed connectivity, at home, in the office... almost anywhere in the world. Countries like Africa leap frogged and wen straight to satellite.
5. Mobile - connectivity on demand through your cell phone, Smartphone... voice, email, text, video, pictures etc. According to IDC, the mobile workforce over the next four years will hit a billion users.
6. SaaS - don't buy the software, IT infrastructure, Data storage, ... just rent it in the cloud (private, public and hybrid)... faster, more cost effective, less financially risky
7. Gen Y -  why can't I use the same easy to use tools that I have at home... at work?

I am interested to hear from you... and what you think some of the potential affects, changes or outcomes might be on the software industry over the next decade or so.To get you thinking...

• Will SaaS/cloud become the preferred choice of delivery?
• Will PC's still dominate the workplace? or will it be mobile/SmartPhones?
• Where will your data be stored?
• Will companies still be purchasing large, expensive infrastructure platforms? Or... will decentralized, but inter-connected applications begin to dominate?
• Will Web 2.0 and self service applications drive software pricing down?
• Where will you be working? At home? Will your office be virtualized? Second Life?
• What will the IT department look like? What will be their role?
• The impact of Green on technology purchases?