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The top 10 techs to watch in 2007

Posted on 27 Nov 2006 at 12:30

Stay ahead of the game as PC Pro reveals the technology buzzwords for the next 12 months

With a new version of Windows to welcome in the year, 2007 already threatens to be a tumultuous time for IT professionals. But it isn't only Microsoft's omnipotent operating system looming large on the technology radar - there's also a bevy of activity going on in the world of silicon, a shake-up surrounding wireless connectivity and communications, and an entirely new computer form factor to get to grips with.

The problem this poses for anyone who calls themselves a computer expert is that suddenly the rules have changed and we need to learn a whole new series of buzzwords, and show some understanding of what they mean. After all, nobody likes being found wanting when friends, colleagues or - worst of all - your boss seeks your advice on a new technology they've read about. So to equip you for the year ahead, we've produced a primer of the key technologies. Some you may have heard of before, some may be completely new, but we predict all will alter the technology landscape in 2007.

1 BBC IPLAYER

The BBC plans to provide downloads of its programming during 2007, promising a sea change in the way we watch television. Its iPlayer is part of a bigger picture (also featuring deals with Microsoft) aimed at making the public broadcaster's content more accessible and relevant. According to the Beeb's director of new media and technology, Ashley Highfield, "the iPlayer will offer you catch-up television on your computer, up to seven days after transmission. You'll be able to download any programme from the eight BBC channels and then watch it on your PC and, we hope, move it across to your TV set or down to your mobile phone, to watch it when you want". The move will alarm ISPs, which will have to handle the extra traffic, and subscribers will have to keep an ever closer eye on their download caps. Trials and a Public Value Test are under way to assess the benefits to licence fee payers.

2 HIGH-DEFINITION MONITORS

Like many trends for 2007, high-definition monitors look likely to take off on the back of Vista's launch, and it could be a bumper year for display manufacturers. Although large 1,680 x 1,050 resolution screens have been around for a while and are increasingly affordable, many of them will be useless when it comes to playing the next generation of films and TV shows from HD DVD and Blu-ray discs on Vista, because they don't include a new Digital Rights Management system built into the new OS. Intel's HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) is designed to ensure HD video is encrypted at every stage of transmission, from disc through graphics card and monitor, so that content is harder to capture and copy. So if you're planning to buy a HD monitor, make sure it has the magical compliance; otherwise, images could be stripped back to DVD quality or worse. Vista will spark another display trend too, with the idea that bigger is better. With monitor manufacturers already rushing to squeeze TV tuners into their hot-cake 22in screens, Microsoft recently announced it would brand a 22in display made by Samsung: a large widescreen is the ideal environment for making the most of Vista's graphics Microsoft claims.

3 SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE (SaaS)

Outsourcing software has a chequered past, but Software as a Service (SaaS) is something every computing professional will be quizzed about by the financial director in 2007, as it provides functionality without operational overheads. SaaS is a delivery method that provides network-based access to, and management of, software - either to home or (more practically) business users. Effectively a fresh lick of paint for the unfashionable Application Service Provider model, software is served up via the web browser for a monthly fee, or by software on demand, where one installation of tailor-made software is available to many users from a central provider. Unlike many ASP offerings, SaaS applications are generally net native and perform better across the web, often with frequent updates. Gartner Research claims that by 2011 the SaaS market will top 25% of all software. Google Docs & Spreadsheets is an excellent example of how simple these systems are to operate for the end user, while software such as EyeOS enables subscribers to access a virtual Desktop from anywhere, as everything from documents to OS resides on a server.