Convenient and clean top tech trends for 2008

When it comes to computing, being green and convenient are the simple truths that tech workers believe in. It is no wonder that the Web 2.0 bubble still has to burst or that majority of businesses are predicted to embrace open-source software. Gartner shared in a recent trend report that by 2012, 80% of businesses will opt for open-source applications—another way for companies to save bucks aside from subcontracting or off-shoring parts of their businesses.

Web apps for the out-of-office tech worker
As off-shoot of the Web 2.0 phenomenon, web-based productivity tools have become very popular among tech workers, especially online marketers and information developers who want to be able to work with their computers anytime, anywhere. And a way to answer this need comes with rivals that threaten the dominance of Microsoft Office’s word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation suite. These include the mobile worker-friendly Google Docs, Zoho, and ThinkFree, among others.  The combination of wireless internet, mobile computers and web-based applications and online storage are the perfect mix that answers the needs of traveling or telecommuting employees. What makes the deal so much sweeter is cost: these applications are either available at very affordable rates or are absolutely free.

The convenient tech
Going green is a popular meme in the tech industry not only because it is the cool thing for purposes of publicity, but that tech companies find it their moral obligation to combat global warming and e-waste. Last year, chip maker Intel announced it would release more processors that consume less energy but provide the same—if not greater—computing power.  In Silicon Valley, solar power has become en vogue.  It is not unusual now for campuses to have solar panels in their roofs. One such company that top-bills this practice is search giant, Google, which has installed thousands of square feet of solar panels to augment the power requirements of its vast offices and servers. In a recent announcement, Google itself is investing in green technology.

Due to the growing demand for clean energy, venture capital investments jumped to $5.18 billion last year from $3.6 billion in 2006 in US and European enterprises engaged in clean tech.  The National Venture Capital Association reports that it plans to invest up to $27 billion in companies that reduce energy consumption.

To maximize profits and at the same time lower costs, some companies have off-shored manufacturing to China, India, and the Philippines in the past two years. Expect more green investments to be off-shored to these countries and much of the south hemisphere within the next couple of years.

Thanks to nanotechnology, solar panel makers, Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, have already devised ways to make their wares stylish. It is possible now to produce solar panels in different colors to match the facades of buildings.

In the face of the need for mobility and rising costs of energy, convenient and clean are the primary tech trends for 2008. Make sure your business catches up.