Five Technology Trends That Could Transform the Federal Government

Input, a market research company focusing on the government sector, has identified five technology trends that it says will transform the federal government: cloud computing, virtualization, service-oriented architecture, open-source software and geospatial technologies.

According to a Dec. 7 news release based on Input's November report, "Emerging Technology Markets in the U.S. Federal Government, 2009-2014," these technological areas are "poised for increased federal government adoption over the next five years as cost-saving initiatives drive investment in these solutions."

Based on the study, Input officials said the company "projects the federal cloud computing market to grow from $370 million in 2009 to $1.2 billion in 2014 at a 27 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR). The virtualization market is poised to increase from $800 million to $1.4 billion over the next five years (12 percent CAGR." Federal government spending on open-source software is expected to grow from $290 million to $430 million, a rate of 8 percent, while the federal SOA market will grow from $330 million to $660 million, at a rate of 17 percent, and the federal market for geospatial technology is expected to increase from $860 million to $1.4 billion, at a rate of 8 percent.

The company also said, "Nearly half of federal and IT industry professionals surveyed by Input believe these technologies will have a major impact on their technology environment despite concerns over security and up-front costs. ...  Obama administration initiatives, along with efforts to save costs and energy, will [spur] government decision-makers to increase adoption of emerging technology projects .... This report [also] examines the market outlook for specific emerging technologies and provides recommendations for businesses seeking opportunities in the federal market."