Predictions for 2010

As 2009 draws to a close and we look to start a new decade, I think it is fitting to look back to the year and make some predictions for the coming 12 months.

As a team member at a global venture capital fund, my perspective is necessarily influenced by my exposure to the software and technology marketplace, and the trends I see within our portfolio companies. I am very interested in seeing how these will turn out by the end of the next year, as that will be a very good lesson for me, as well as an interesting study in the art of forecasting with imperfect information.

My belief is that the following areas will witness major transformation in the next year:
 – Web-based healthcare-related data management and portability.
 – Mobile payments and transaction platforms.
 – Distributed computing methodology, infrastructure and development environment.
 – The synthesis of wireless technologies, smart grid and cloud-based analytics engine into a scalable energy management platform for commercial buildings, public lighting networks.
 – E-government platforms will continue to evolve and becoming more transparent and helpful to both the government and its constituents.

 While we wait for these predictions to stand the test of time, best wishes for the New Year!