Inspired by social networking tools like Facebook, Wikis, Mashups, Twitter and Digg, the ever changing workplace is becoming more interactive and new business models and strategies are forming. From boardroom, to desktop, to laptop, to mobile we are moving to a space where more collaboration will take place. A study from Pew Internet and American Life predicts that with technology interfaces like touch-screen and voice recognition, the mobile phone by 2020 will have considerable computing and be our primary point of internet access. This technological trend may even be sooner than this. Other informational technology trends that will help create a sustainable advantage for business include:

• Cloud computing environments will expand CRM and HR systems.
• Servers will continue to be virtualized for better efficiencies and lower costs.
• Applications built on Web 2.0 technologies will continue to prosper and be more cost-efficient.
• Document management systems will become more robust.
• There will be more collaboration and cross-functional tools that combine business processes and advanced reporting capabilities.
•  Video conferencing and high definition virtual meetings will take off allowing us to connect with new and existing customers. Companies will be able to embrace the cost-savings and productivity benefits of virtual meetings vs business travel. In addition, video functions will be incorporated for on-demand content and training application.
• Automated speech technologies are becoming more sophisticated and being used to better serve the customer.
•  VOIP will evolve to UC (unified communications) networks to integrate various systems, media, and devices such as cell phone.
• SaaS or software-as-a-service will become the rage.
• There will be a greater need for security across all our intermingled devices.

At the end of the day IT strategies will contribute to the bottom line by driving greater efficiencies across all areas for the business.