The Future Direction of IT

byPeter Flory

14 May 2009 1Athena Consultants

Object orientation and “components”- data and functions combined, reusable objects – now mainstream!

Neural networks- interconnected artificial neurons (computers/programs)

Artificial intelligence- Yes, some computers can actually ‘learn’

Genetic programs- ‘survival of the fittest’ applied to computer programs

Quantum computing- superposition and entanglement, not just on and off

Biological computing- enzymes and DNA instead of silicon chips

Nanotechnology- entire devices smaller than a pinhead

Are you ready for a brave new world?


“By 2010 I anticipate chips implanted in our skin. I won’t have to carry keys for my car or house”Dr Peter Cochrane, Chief Technologist, BT

“By 2040 we’ll have created machines as conscious as humans”Professor Igor Alexander, Imperial College London

“By 2050 human beings will be relegated to a role similar to that of the domestic cat”paraphrased from Professor Kevin Warwick, Reading University


“Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons”Popular Mechanics magazine, 1949

“I think there’s a world market for about 5 computers” Tom Watson, chairman of IBM, 1952

“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home” Ken Olson, president of DEC, 1977

“640K ought to be enough for anybody”Bill Gates, 1981

“We don’t see Windows as a long-term graphical interface for the masses”Lotus development official, 1989

“The Internet will collapse in 1996” Bob Metcalfe, the inventor of Ethernet, 1995


Everything we will discuss is being done by someone in the NfP sector

Are you doing it all?


Technology Green IT CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Outsourcing Systems Integration The web Clever stuff Summary


Everything is getting smaller Virtualisation Communications are getting faster (and easier) Broadband, wireless networks and VOIP are

commonplace Video conferencing and webinars Mobile devices, SMS and MMS Which means:

◦ You can work from anywhere. Why go into the office?◦ You can save time and money◦ You can communicate with supporters anytime,

anywhere


There are far more computers in the world than human beings and they are increasing exponentially

The Earth’s resources are being used up at a staggering rate (they will run out!)

Optimise use of resources Minimise use of energy The need to recycle Which means:

◦ It will save you money◦ It will help save the world!


“Your best future customers are your current customers”

360 degree view of a customer’s interactions with you

Relationship management (in both senses) ‘Real’ CRM includes; contact management,

marketing, sales, service, integration plus analytics that feed back into marketing(Do any of the NfP database suppliers understand that? I don’t think so!)

Which means:◦ More focussed communications◦ More effective service◦ Better ROI◦ Happier customers


Hardware and network support SaaS (Software as a Service)

◦ The latest iteration of outsourcing – remember computer bureaux and then ASPs (Application Service Providers?)

It is becoming more prevalent Even Microsoft are doing it! Which means:

◦ You pay for what you need/use◦ Less work for you◦ Less worry for you◦ Cheaper (is it?)◦ More secure (is it?)◦ Beware the DPA


One all singing all dancing database versus “best of breed” software?

Integration is easier than ever before◦ Microsoft .NET◦ SQL Server

There is a wealth of software out there◦ Recent examples: texting, table planning

Which means:◦ Why re-invent the wheel?◦ Easier to get what you want◦ Lower costs


People expect to do everything on the web now CRM and CMS in one system? Websites and databases are merging (are they?) The Facebook phenomenon, Twitter, Flickr, etc Interactive webinars (are conferences like this

out of date?) And soon – the Semantic Web Which means:

◦ You have to provide the facilities◦ Less work for you – people enter their own data◦ Easier to spread your message◦ Loss of control?


Pareto and RFV Analytics and Predictive analytics Data warehouses Cubes Which means:

◦ You know more about your customers◦ So you can serve them better◦ But it isn’t easy!

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Technology -Moore’s Law and the connected world◦ Why go into the office?

Green IT◦ Make better use of your resources

CRM – Holistic view and relationships◦ Serve your customers better

Outsourcing◦ Let someone else do the work

Systems Integration ◦ Why re-invent the wheel?

The web◦ The world is getting smaller

Clever stuff◦ A “big brother” scenario?

Keep up or die!!


Computer augmentation - Everyone will be a cyborg

Not just a ‘wired world’ but a ‘wireless world’ with instant access to any information and complete and instant connectivity to anyone and everyone

Complete loss of privacy as we all become part of a single social organism

Welcome to world of ants!


Peter FloryTel: 0118 986 6623

Mobile: 07860 451 830

E-mail: [email protected]


The Future Direction of IT

Technology

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