Processing .....please wait.. 
The article has been forwarded.... 
News >> Technology >>
Online softwares auger well for tech firms in 2009
By siliconindia
|
Wednesday, 24 December 2008, 23:12 IST |
1 Comments
Bangalore: Though most of the businesses would continue cutting their IT budgets in 2009, analysts believe that companies in online software, mobile applications and security platform may see more investment and attention in the next year, reported The Wall Street Journal. However, mergers and acquisition in the industry will be less in the year 2009 compared to the previous year.
"Overall, there will be a lot more caution and businesses will invest more selectively next year," said Michele Pelino, an analyst, Forester Research. Since businesses can access online software over the internet instead of installing on tech equipment they operate themselves, it can save money and improve productivity, say reports.
Betting big on online segment, Microsoft has recently launched a set of online services. Moreover, Larry Ellison, Chief Executive, Oracle, who had strongly argued that companies can't make money selling online software, last week demonstrated his company's online offerings with Wall Street Analysts.
Mobile technology is another area with lots of potential to grow in future. "We are expecting to see a lot of mobile applications intended to increase productivity as this segment is getting high priority among businesses," opined Forrester's Pelino. He also noted that people already have mobile devices like Apple's iPhone or Research in Motion's Blackberry, and now they want to use these devices for different enterprise purposes.
With its App Store in 2008, Apple created a market for software that runs on mobile devices. Under the Apple's model, outside parties write the software and either sell it or make it available for free through the online store. RIM is also looking to launch a similar store for software that runs on BlackBerrys early next year.
Security is another segment which is expected to get attention next year. As the number of computer viruses and other malicious software have increased enormously in 2008, businesses may spend more money on security. The economic downturn is heightening cyber security problems. Crimes such as phishing attacks are growing in number and companies will be more cautious to prevent such activities.