Green is expensive.
Here's what will happen. during the recession: layoffs. After the
recession: hiring.
The main question is: how long the recession. That depends on
which political party is in office come next year. Vote Obama, and
you get to watch the Carter years happen all over again.
With the economy lingering on the brink of recession, understanding the future becomes more important than ever. As this photograph shows, IT organizations can expect three important trends going forward:
- Project failures. Project failures will decline as centralized, hierarchical control increases. Detailed instructions from the boss will outlaw failed projects, basically solving the problem.
- Social networking. The trend to eliminate cubicles in favor of open seating will increase, reducing office space costs and fostering community among IT workers. Real-life social networking will play an important role in keeping vital team spirit alive.
- Green computing. Recessionary economics will drive further reductions in the size of hardware; smaller packaging means lower cost. Note how screens are integrated directly into keyboard units, saving valuable desktop space while simultaneously lowering electricity consumption. Also many light ceiling light fixtures remain off, further saving energy.
Although no one can predict the future with total accuracy, pictures are indeed worth thousands of words.
[Image via Shorpy.com: November 24, 1924. Washington, D.C. "Bonus Bureau, Computing Division. Many clerks figure the amount of the bonus each veteran is entitled to." Reference via FedBlog.]
