Cybercrime Costs Exceed $500 Billion
This one may be a no-brainerthe amounts stolen by hackers and cybercriminals has been rising rapidly. Next year should be the one where the costs explode, comprising a dramatic percentage of the global economy and a major drain. Cybercrime in 2005 will become even more highly automated and pervasivemajor financial institutions will begin admitting that the problem is far larger than even the alarmists have claimed.
Software Predictions
Subscriptions Thrive
After years of pushing for it, software vendors will finally start to make headway with a pay-as-you-go software business modeland the old software license will finally start to shrivel up and go the way of the dodo bird. Why? IT shops don't want the huge upfront costs for features they don't need, and vendors want steady income spread over longer time frames. Service and support become the major source of income for the software biz. Just be careful you don't get locked into paying for upgrades you neither need nor want.
Linux Arrives On the Desktop
Sure, Linux has gained acceptance in the enterprise, with servers and some mission-critical applications, but would your grandmother use it on a regular basis? Not yet, but companies such as Linspire will finally start to shift the landscape with cut-rate $199 Linux desktop systems that will run basic productivity applications and get granny online in a snap.
Microsoft Goes Open Source
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Already, Redmond has been making noises with tiny steps toward sharing code. With the EU verdict against the company, and Linux making inroads globally, Microsoft could well decide to start going to open source for some of its less-core applications. That would be the ultimate triangulation move to grab ISVs back from the clutches of Java and Linux.
RFID Everywhere
Privacy concerns are allayed, warehouses are awash with RFID tags, and the software necessary to track everything becomes commonplace at suppliers. Sound surprising for 2005? It would be, but you can still pretty much count on RFID continuing its march toward widespread acceptance.
Networking Predictions
We Don't Need No Stinking Power Cords!
Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology will be deployed big-time, allowing wireless access points, VoIP phones, and many other devices to be used with less hassle and expense, because they can get electricity and Ethernet connectivity from the same cable. Electricians unions across the country walk out in protest.
Enterprises Embrace Mobility
So far, corporations have only grudgingly incorporated WiFi, 3G, IP VPNs, and other technologies designed for mobile workers. In 2005, enterprises finally get it, and start designing networks around mobile and out-of-office workers. Yes, we know this conflicts with our first Security prediction, but look for both of these trends to happen simultaneously anyway.
Verizon is demoing crowd analytics technology that uses 5G along with AI and mobile edge computing to give stadium operators insights into the flow of fans throughout a venue.
As we move closer to fully realizing the potential of Wi-Fi 7, it becomes evident that the RF, signaling, and throughput tests are not merely procedural checkpoints but the pillars of excellence in wireless communication.
With low earth orbit (LEO) satellites fast becoming the norm and 3GPP unifying telecom standards around the globe, the satellite IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) sector ought to be looking at a bright horizon. But is this the case?
