Key Technologies for 2010

Gartner just came out with their technology predictions for 2010. No great surprises there, but from a software perspective they gave a clear underscore to the importance of Social computing, Virtualization and the Cloud, and Advanced analytics.

I think we all knew that, but that doesn't mean they are not huge challenges to many software companies and product owners alike.

The current piece of fat-client Windows software that you use everyday for your business needs, probably just isn't up to the challenge. Sorry.

The other day I got an interesting question from a prospective customer in Turkey. Could we implement "facebook" technology into his marble-trade ERP software? The idea was kinda neat. He trades in beautiful Turkish marble and sells his merchandise all over the world. Marble isn't very "virtual" in itself but the product is a highly emotional one. You buy because you "like".

So implementing Web 2.0 technology made sense to him, to enable his buyers to discuss and comment on every particular type of stone, exchange experiences about the different qualities and colors and so forth, and become "fan" of particular types.

This is Marble but your world probably isn't that very different.

Most customers will make their business decisions based on a set of hard values such as price, delivery, service agreements and so on, but then make the final decision based on a certain amount of soft values such as the people they interact with, the look & feel of your product, and how they are treated as customers- lets call it the "customer experience".

In many cases Web 2.0 can make a big difference in the way your customers sees and interacts with your company. And in the process give other prospective buyers a higher level of that "extra" customer experience.

I just love the texture of this marble... :)

Comments

[Hasith]

Another view point is to look at technology positions on the hype curve. Web 2.0, Social networking, Social software suits are no more on the steep hype uphill. They are now beyond the quick harvesting times where the expectations were inflated. But the good aspect is that these technologies are now matured enough to be employed in long term investments (e.g. products).

Gartner Hype Curve 2009 : href="http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=1124212

[Finn]

Hasith, you're exactly right. What used to be a hype for kids, "young adults", and others who love to be on top of the latest technology, is fast becoming a regular business requirement by ordinary business people, to improve a business process. These guys were never "there" in the hype phase, but are steadily focused on their daily business of selling their rocks or other merchandise, and in the process provide the best possible Customer experience.
- And again, those who "don't get it" simply won't get it.. :)