Most companies will soon be meeting their information technology needs courtesy of a confluence of cloud computing, tablet computers and mobile applications.
The rapid emergence of the “cloud” -- an Inter- or intranet system for storing and processing IT functions -- will enable firms to ditch expensive PCs and servers for lightweight, mobile tablet computers without sacrificing any computing power.
“The capabilities and potential of cloud are too great to ignore,” said James Harris, managing director of cloud computing at Accenture, a management, consulting, tech services and outsourcing company based in Washington, D.C. In a statement, Harris went on to note that “the low development cost, short development cycle and quick return on investment are irresistible.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
“The critical issue isn’t whether cloud computing will become a fundamental technology in the next decade, but how companies will be able to benefit from the promise it offers,” he said.
The concentration of dollars on mobile and cloud computing applications over the next five years will be fueled, in part, by the rapid proliferation of tablet computers, according to a study of 2,000 IT professionals in 87 countries conducted by IBM.
Sales of tablets are likely to grow 300% worldwide next year, to 54 million units. By 2014, tablets will make up 32% of the world computer market. Moreover, within two years the price of tablet computers will drop by more than half to under $300.
Tablets run lightweight operating systems such as Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android, HP’s webOS, the open source MeeGo used by Nokia, and stripped-down versions of Microsoft’s Windows. Because of this, and their mobility, they will rely more than traditional notebook computers on getting their applications online from cloud computer services.
By a 9-1 margin, those surveyed by IBM anticipate that cloud computing will overtake on-premise computing as the primary way organizations acquire IT over the next five years.
And more than 50% of respondents predict that spending on software development for mobile devices such as tablet computers and smartphones will surpass spending for all other computer platforms by 2015. This will largely be for applications that run on tablets like the Apple iPad and Research in Motion's BlackBerry PlayBook, as well as smartphones.
More than 55% of the tablets are now cellular/WiFi-enabled but that number will grow to over 80% by 2014.
Backing that up, market researcher Gartner Group predicts mobile application sales will grow from $6.2 billion this year to nearly $30 billion in 2013.
-
Stock Market Today: Cautious Investors Let Stocks Drift LowerMarkets weigh encouraging trends for earnings and tariffs against concerning signals from U.S. consumers.
-
A Smart Way to Combat Economic RollercoastersSavings With rates on CDs remaining high for now, a CD ladder allows you to maximize your returns with flexibility to your cash when you need it.
-
AI Goes To SchoolThe Kiplinger Letter Artificial intelligence is rapidly heading to K-12 classrooms nationwide. Expect tech companies to cash in on the fast-emerging trend.
-
What To Know if You’re in the Market for a New Car This YearThe Kiplinger Letter Buying a new car will get a little easier, but don’t expect many deals.
-
Will Lower Mortgage Rates Bring Relief to the Housing Market?The Kiplinger Letter As mortgage rates slowly come down here's what to expect in the housing market over the next year or so.
-
Car Prices Are Finally Coming DownThe Kiplinger Letter For the first time in years, it may be possible to snag a good deal on a new car.
-
New Graduates Navigate a Challenging Labor MarketThe Kiplinger Letter Things are getting tough for new graduates. Job offers are drying up and the jobless rate is increasing. Are internships the answer?
-
When's the Best Time to Buy a Domestic Flight? The Kiplinger LetterThe Kiplinger Letter A new study by CheapAir.com has crunched the numbers.
-
Woes Continue for Banking Sector: The Kiplinger LetterThe Kiplinger Letter Regional bank stocks were hammered recently after news of New York Community Bank’s big fourth-quarter loss.
-
Anxious Flyers Take Note: The Kiplinger LetterThe Kiplinger Letter Whether it's the routes to avoid that have the most turbulence or the safest airline, we've got you covered.
