Converging forces

Network World - Change is a given in this business, but 2013 promises to be particularly interesting because of the convergence of multiple, transformative developments, none of which are new, per se, given we have been tracking them in depth for some time, but each of which is forcing us to rethink long held conventions.

2013 IT OUTLOOK: Innovation trumps cost-cutting

Cloud computing tops the list of course, giving us totally new ways to think about how to deliver IT services. At this point, every IT decision seems to include some consideration of cloud. And we're certainly still in the midst of the consumerization craze, trying to piggyback on worker enthusiasm for these mobile productivity tools while still safeguarding the company jewels. Lots of questions remain, but many opportunities stretch out before us.

Newer to the scene is software-defined networking, but SDN momentum going into this new year is huge and we are sure to see important advances. The big question for 2013 is whether the movement progresses as a whole, or is subverted by the established providers as they scramble to protect their installed base by offering SDN-like tools but without adhering to the emerging standards.

There are other promising new techs too (big data, for example), so strap in and hold on. IT in the new year promises to be one for the record books.

Read more about infrastructure management in Network World's Infrastructure Management section.