10 biz-tech trends that would lead 2009

MUMBAI, INDIA: Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communication, recently announced its 10 business technology trends to help corporate and government information technology leaders do more with less.

Verizon Business stands ready to help large businesses and government agencies worldwide make the most of communications and IT to propel their enterprises forward, said a press release.

It has listed out 10 hot trends for 2009:

Enterprise 2.0: Web 2.0 is quickly evolving into Enterprise 2.0 as these rich capabilities are creating new business models for some companies and empowering new strategies for others. The Enterprise 2.0 is expected to bring enhanced collaboration, communications and sharing ideas. Organizations want their employees to get their jobs done no matter where they are located. For that reason, telework is becoming a strategic imperative. Companies would continue to recognize the benefits of enabling mobile teleworkers or at-home teleworkers to remain securely connected to corporate resources.

Doing more with less: More than ever, IT organizations are looking for ways to do more with less. IT organizations are also looking for the right technologies, such as sophisticated automated speech systems, to serve their customers better.

Visual communications: Video would continue to play a starring role, as companies make the most of their IP connections to create a culture of collaboration. So more online, phone and video etc collaboration would take place, as companies increasingly embrace the cost-savings, productivity and environmental benefits of virtual meetings versus business travel.

Unified communications integrated into business processes: Unified communications uses Internet protocol networks to integrate various systems, media, devices and applications to help streamline business processes, and accelerate decision-making. With UC now at the forefront of business communications strategies, companies are making decisions about voice telephony that would help them achieve greater collaboration and productivity.

Ready, set go IPv6: The number of IP-addressable devices and systems is skyrocketing within enterprises and few organizations have current documented data on what those assets are, how they are being used and which ones are most critical to their operations. IPv6 will be a necessity for companies to achieve mobility and scalability with increased efficiency and ultimately move their businesses forward.

Getting SaaSy: The year 2009 would become a perfect platform for software-as-a-service (SaaS) delivery. Serving content, applications and security in a centralized online environment would become the rage. Centralization would keep IT departments on top of their game in 2009.

360 Security: Professionals would need to be security-conscious in and out of the office. Three hundred sixty-degree security, mandatory on any IT checklist, requires that the flow of data be protected in and out of the corporate network and through the extended enterprise of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees.

Eco-responsibility as sound business strategy: Companies would evaluate eco-responsibility along with their technology investments as part of an overall business strategy. A report from climate group mentioned about the reduction of global carbon emissions by 15 per cent by the year 2020.

Cutting through the compliance clutter: Compliance and regulatory oversight are here to stay. Enterprises should be prepared to be strategic, think innovatively and act decisively. Professional services and Web-based dashboards that help track, monitor and enable controls for compliance will provide the foundation for companies looking to get it right.