8. Start of a new beginning for next generation of application and computing devices

Although global sales of PCs in 2010 are up 14% over 2009, this is a lower growth forecast due to the growing impact of netbooks, thin clients and the launch of 30 varieties of tablet devices following the success of the iPad. The PC is not going away and XMG expect growth will continue at same levels in 2011. Over the next 3 years, mobile devices will make big inroads into corporate computing as applications become available. Non-PC mobile devices are expected to outnumber PC shipments as the trend to unchain knowledge workers from their desks continue. Apple are also making inroads into the enterprise PC environment, but even at 10 to 15% above market growth, XMG predict it will be several years before they are considered a major player in this area.

With new operating systems based on smartphone systems (Google Android) and cloud-based OS (Google Chrome) being launched to compete with Windows, Mac OS and Linux, we can expect a slowdown in the market over the next 2 to 3 years while everyone waits to see who wins. Those who try to develop on all platforms will need deep pockets. XMG believe this is "the beginning of the beginning" for the next generation of computing devices and we anticipate many varieties over the next 5 years before it stabilizes again.

9. Green IT finally taking foothold

The series of economic crises in recent years have left the Asia Pacific region clamoring for green IT practices and solutions. Given ICT's exponentially growing carbon footprint, there has been heightened awareness for change in the past 2 years. However, drastic changes and action have yet to take place. In 2011, the ICT sector in Japan, Korea and China will take steps in promoting and initiating steps to implement green IT strategies. As enterprise replace monolithic legacy infrastructure, both private and public sectors in Asia Pacific will be willing to pay a premium for energy-efficient solutions as they realize the benefits of green solutions to reduce energy consumption and positively contribute to its bottom-line.