Predictions for 2009

Here are my predictions for the new year

• Computer security still remains unaddressed, as nobody cares enough to fix it.
• The insecurity of the nodes on the ends becomes an even more valid reason to offer internet access instead of true connectivity
• IPv6 still sits on hold and fails to get traction.
• The value of the US dollar increases for a while, then drops to a new low of 1 cent relative to the 1913 value.
• The cutover to digital TV goes bad, and gets postponed at least 6 months.
• Netbooks continue to become more popular
• Fixing things will emerge as the hot new skill set as consumerism ceases to be a viable lifestyle choice for many.
• Just In Time as a management strategy will be shown the door.
• Sneakernet comes back into style as a way to transfer data outside of the net.
• Wifi networks for small groups that aren't network connected will begin to become popular for neighbors in rural areas.
• Software to distribute twitter like feeds amoung ham radio operators takes off, and causes a huge number of no-code amateurs to take up packet 2.0 to get around the phone companies.
• A new standard for tagging links with additional information takes off, allowing us all to vote on anything with a link.
• HyperText Markup Language continues to prohibit the markup of existing hypertext. (A personal pet peeve)
• The US dollar is devalued to 1/2000 ounce of gold, or 1/200 ounce of silver. Gold bugs rejoice. Inflation killed dead in its tracks.
• Growing ones own food becomes a popular hobby.

Ok... it's 1 AM while I'm writing this... and it's a wild stab in the dark. I look forward to the year ahead. I live in interesting times, and hope to do so for a long time.

--Mike--