SMB predicitions for 2008 focus on user experience

Implications: 1. IT professionals will be measured on business value 2. Tangibile and visible results will matter

Analysis: With the meltdown of subprime lending market, the focus in 2008 will shift to delivering value.  People will be nervous about the economy and their jobs and will be doing things that show real value.  2008 will not be a year of hype.

The article mentions Green computing as one of the current trends in the market and that 2008 will be the year we all get tired of everything Green.  I tend to agree that we will get tired of green computing but only because people will be delivering on value.  They won't care if it is green, purple, or yellow as long as it save the company money or increases capability.  IT professionals will be quick to work their way thru the hype and quickly move into delivery.

IT staffs will also focus on delivering solutions that make end users lives much better and easier.  Microsoft Sharepoint 2007 has a much better user interface and will drive much greater use of content delivery and document management.  The ease of implementation of Software as a service will continue to make implementation easier and bring more value quickly.

The good news is that there is an IT talent shortage.  This is true on a global basis which will result in the continuing increase in IT salaries.  There will be opportunities in 2008 for those who can show a history of delivery.  A history of delivery has always been a positive, but in 2008 it will be more important as business will be more nervous about the future.