Forecast 2004 Roundup

Computerworld - Computerworld columnists and outside pundits weigh in on what the new year is likely to hold for enterprise IT.



Security Outlook

More creative forms of spam, more desktop management controls and a major incident involving disclosure of corporate information through instant messaging or a Wi-Fi breach are among Peter H. Gregory's predictions for the new year.



Death of the Microprocessor

Expect to see full 'microsystems' stamped on a single chip and more micropayments on the Internet, says Sun CTO Greg Papadopoulos.



Hey, It Could Happen! A Contrarian's Approach To Predictions

Johanna Rothman has an opaque crystal ball, but lots of insights that could improve your software development.



Software testability: On the train or on the tracks

Linda Hayes predicts that software development will mature into a true discipline that incorporates testability.



Linux Adoption To Soar In '04

A new and improved kernel combined with efforts to cut IT costs will prompt more organizations to use Linux for more tasks, OSDL's Stacey Quandt expects. But don't expect across-the-board desktop deployments next year.



IDC predicts 'tech resurrection' in '04

It also envisioned a continuation of offshore outsourcing of IT services, wireless technology adoption and brisk consumer spending on new media technologies.



2004: It's IT's Turn

Staffing problems will reappear in key areas, Frank Hayes predicts. And no long-promised technologies will save the day. But there is some hope for improving IT's standing with management.



'Tis the Season to Predict

Michael Gartenberg offers 10 surprising predictions for the coming year.



There's no 'next big thing' in IT

Wal-Mart's RFID mandate and Sarbanes-Oxley will trigger a slight uptick in IT spending, Nucleus Research says. Also, expect more vendor mergers and more open-source progress.



Consolidating and 'Digesting' Technology

Avanade's Christopher Burry outlines how organizations are likely to meet the challenges of mobile technology, security, business continuity and tight infrastructure budgets.