IDC Forecasts Major Tech Trends for 2010

Strategic Insights -

The technology research firm IDC has released its annual Top 10 predictions for 2010, highlighting several major trends and acquisitions in the tech industry. According to IDC, International Business Machines Corp. will acquire Juniper Networks Inc., while Apple Inc. will release a highly competitive tablet computer that will shake up the market. The predictions also include significant growth in smartphone applications, digital electric meters, and electronic health records.

Key Takeaways:

  • IDC predicts that International Business Machines Corp. will acquire Juniper Networks Inc. in a move that will further establish IBM's presence in the networking business.
  • Frank Gens, IDC's chief analyst, cites Hewlett-Packard's acquisition of 3Com and Cisco Systems' partnership with EMC as precedent for this trend.
  • Apple's tablet computer will be a major competitor to Amazon.com's Kindle, with the potential to "deliver a real kick in Kindle's butt."
  • The number of iPhone applications will nearly triple to 300,000 in 2010.
  • The number of Google Android applications will grow from 10,000 to between 50,000 and 75,000.
  • Over 20 million digital electric meters will be deployed in U.S. homes and over 60 million worldwide.
  • The number of Americans with electronic health records will increase to 25% from the current 14%.
  • IBM, Cisco, Google, Salesforce.com, and Microsoft will engage in a intense competition for cloud computing platforms.

Statistics:

  • 300,000: The number of iPhone applications predicted for 2010.
  • 50,000-75,000: The number of Google Android applications predicted for 2010.
  • 20 million: The number of digital electric meters predicted to be deployed in U.S. homes in 2010.
  • 60 million: The number of digital electric meters predicted to be deployed globally in 2010.
  • 25%: The number of Americans predicted to have electronic health records in 2010.
  • 14%: The current number of Americans with electronic health records.

Sources:

  • "IDC Sees Sunny Future, Forecast's, Disappointments" by New York Times, Thursday, 2009.
  • "IDC: Top 10 Predictions 2010" by Euclid Infotech, distributed by Contify.com.