Enterprise Mobility: Tablets, Cloud, Big Data Are Top Tech Trends for 2012: Gartner

Market research firm Gartner has taken a look at the IT landscape and found what the analysts are calling the top 10 technologies and trends that will be strategic-one with the potential for a significant impact on the enterprise in the next three years-for most organizations in 2012. These technologies include tablet computers like Apple's iPad, cloud computing, "big data," and mobile-centric applications and interfaces. Factors that denote significant impact include a high potential for disruption to IT or the business, the need for a major dollar investment or the risk of being late to adopt. A strategic technology may be an existing technology that has matured or has become suitable for a wider range of uses, according to Gartner. It may also be an emerging technology that offers an opportunity for strategic business advantage for early adopters or with the potential for significant market disruption in the next five years. These technologies affect an organization's long-term plans, programs and initiatives. "IT leaders should use the list in their strategic planning process by reviewing the technologies and how they fit into their expected needs, said David Cearley, vice president and Gartner Fellow.