Predicts 2005: Open-Source Software Proliferates Open-source software will expand into a larger universe of applications, in addition to the Linux operating system. This growth will be based on more development cross-fertilization and reduced vendor lock-in. Predicts 2005: PC Technologies Due for Transition PC vendor consolidation, virtualization hardware and software support, and the move to lead-free components all signal upcoming PC technology changes. Predicts 2005: Mobile and Wireless Technologies The pace of change will quicken in 2005. Expect a greater variety of handsets and services, higher spending on network infrastructure and more corporate use of cellular applications. The era of the smartphone is upon us. Predicts 2005: Enterprise Networking Many IT and network managers will make poor investments in 2005. Be sure to identify the real cause of latency problems, monitor the impact of new applications, back the right projects and consider new sourcing options. Predicts 2005: Emerging Trends Drive Business Opportunities Disruptive trends from emerging technology advances include microcommerce, collective intelligence, augmented reality, "life log" data trails and business transparency. Predicts 2005: Security Focuses on Attack Prevention As new vulnerabilities and their related attacks emerge, security technologies and services will evolve in the areas of perimeter, internal network and host protection, identity and access management, and authentication. Predicts 2005: Servers and Storage Demand for computing power and storage continues unabated. In the server and storage marketplaces, changes in market dynamics will cause significant disruptions in 2005 and beyond. Predicts 2005: Application Integration, ESBs and B2B Evolve The emergence of enterprise service buses and the growing use of business-to-business gateways and external integration service providers are examples of major changes in application integration. Predicts 2005: Application Platform Choices and Risks Abound Despite the wide adoption of some industry standards and continuing market consolidation, users face multiple application platform options as vendors seek to differentiate and build up their software market influence. Predicts 2005: Public Network Infrastructure Infrastructure vendors are learning how to help operators by offering products that will cope with demand for years to come. But their revenue will grow only gradually, as carriers' efficiency drives continue to bite. Predicts 2005: BI and Data Warehousing Face Business Pressures Three major business pressures will drive the growth of the business intelligence and data warehousing market in 2005. Consider these drivers and relevant user, infrastructure and market trends before investing.