Several recent information trends can be expected to accelerate in 2010 and beyond. Which of these trends are you?
Growth of mobile computing
Smaller and less expensive devices (netbook computers, smartphones, etc.), along with increased availability of Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile broadband on 3G networks, have fueled the expansion of mobile computing.
This trend will continue. Now even faster 4G networks are being built and free Wi-Fi is becoming easier to find. McDonald’s will offer free Wi-Fi in some 11,000 US stores starting in mid-January 2010. The variety of computers and smartphones will increase, while prices will continue to fall. According to DisplaySearch, netbook prices, which fell 15% in 2009, are expected to drop another 15% in 2010.
Increased acceptance of cloud computing
As mobile computing increases, so does the need to access your data and software from more than one computer. Cloud computing, where data and/or software is hosted by a service provider accessible via the Internet, is a convenient solution. Many companies are also using cloud computing to reduce the need for local server support, to maintain offsite data backup, and to provide collaboration tools for their employees and customers.
Among individuals, webmail remains the most common use of cloud computing. However, more and more are beginning to store data online and/or use online software like Google Docs. The convenience of access from anywhere seems to outweigh concerns about privacy and reliability. According to a September 2008 report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, about 69% of Americans online used at least one cloud computing application. That number is certainly higher now.
Bigger drives for less
More of us need to store large files of video, photos, and audio. Fortunately, the cost of large hard drives has plummeted, and even general office supply stores are selling more of a terabyte model of hard drives. Some of these drives can be configured to be accessible via the Internet, so you can access your files even when you’re away from your main computer.
More social networks
According to the New York Times, at the end of 2009, Twitter was approaching 100 million users; Facebook had reached 350 million users and could hit 500 million by July 2010. Although MySpace’s growth has been eclipsed by Facebook, MySpace remains strong among younger online users and those interested in music. LinkedIn is primarily for professional networking, but has been adding features as it competes with Facebook and other sites for market share. Other social networking sites are strong outside of North America. For example, Orkut is popular in Brazil and India. Still others market to niche audiences. Ning makes it easy for organizations and interest groups to create their own online communities.
If you’re not already participating in an online community, will this year be the year you join?
Greater use of libraries.
As the economy worsened, library use increased. People have turned to libraries to access the Internet, job search resources and entertainment, as well as books. Many libraries are also reaching out to Internet users through social media; answer queries via email, instant messaging and/or specialized web applications; and provide registered library users with web access to expensive databases. If you haven’t been to your local library in a while, stop by their building or website and see what they have to offer you.
