Since we like to bring together panels of experts in their fields, we asked a half dozen of the region’s top IT and Communications gurus to share their thinking on a couple of subjects that we’ve been pondering.
  Specifically, we asked these two questions:
  1. Based on your knowledge of the dynamic worlds of information technology (data capture and manipulation) and communication (voice and data delivery), in what areas do you expect the next major technological breakthroughs for business users to come? Hardware? Software? Capacity? Delivery speed? Systems integration? For example, will the iPad be a success? Will it replace the laptop? Will it be successful in the consumer marketplace? Will its success migrate to make it (or some similar technology) a player in the commercial marketplace?
  2. Some economists are predicting that a true economic recovery will occur if and when major breakthroughs occur in one of two areas of the economy—information technology and renewable, sustainable energy...IT and "Green." Do you agree and why (or why not)? Can your company help businesses position themselves to be successful in either the IT or "green" spaces?
  Responding were:
  •  Jim Harte, CPA, CITP, 601 Information Systems LLC
  •  Anthony Mongeluzo, Pro Computer Service
  •  Robert Ferara, Acklink Inc.
  •  Bob Savar, World Wide Web
  •  Darren Crane, DLC Technology Solutions, Inc.
  •  Chuck Reagan, VoIP Networks
Responses to Question #1:
  Jim Harte: I believe the shifting business model of software and technology delivery will be the greatest improvement over the next decade. The advent of the iPhone, iPad, Netbooks, Droid (phones running Android Operating System), Windows Mobile along with their built in delivery platforms (App Store, Android Market, Windows Marketplace) is a real Petri dish for innovation and rapid technology development. This intersection of connected devices combined with affordable data plans, and a built-in distribution network, shifts the delivery of software from a very restricted closed system to a very open and accessible system.
  For $100 you can register as an iPhone developer, download the iPhone application development toolkit and start programming iPhone apps. iPhone apps will soon work on the newly announced iPad as well. Properly designed and developed applications can hit the App Store with relative ease so long as you play by apple's rules. Consider the alternative of having to create packaging, media, distribution channels, establish resellers or develop a sales force vs. the new environment where your application could be accessed by millions of people in a matter of days or weeks. The opportunity is similar for tech companies and developers with on the other platforms in the mobile application space.
  Combine this low cost to enter the marketplace with the built in social webs and distribution channels of the platforms and I believe we are looking at a huge opportunity. The opportunity is two-fold. Technology companies, who understand the new economy of software delivery, will be able to generate products faster, test them in large scale real world deployments (G-mail was in beta for several years) and deliver them to market faster and more efficiently than ever before. Companies and consumers will benefit by getting the technology they want at a low cost with very little friction.
  Anthony Mongeluzo: The major business breakthroughs are going to be primarily software driven in my opinion. Hardware is now so powerful and so cheap it is almost a non-factor. I believe that virtual technology and cloud computing will be at the forefront of a new era in the industry. Additionally, in the telecommunications side blazing Internet speeds that Comcast and Verizon are offering will make VOIP an even more effective form of inexpensive communication. Mini applications on the iPhone and Windows Mobile devices are also going to be very popular for portable applications.
  I reported with Fox the day that iPad came out and while it is a very exciting launch, I don’t see a huge practical use for it. It’s basically a big iPod touch. Apple has an extremely loyal client base though who are willing to spend big money to support the brand so it could succeed just on name alone. I don’t see any benefits to using the iPad over a Netbook but that doesn’t mean it won’t be successful.
  This decade will boast more systems integration between physical desk phones, computers (such as your Microsoft Outlook application) and smart phones (Voice over IP on your phone) and I think that is going to be the most exciting development. The bandwidth (speed) is finally available and between the hardware chipset speed and overall capacity in terms of both storage and bandwidth, software developers have more power to play with than ever before.
  Robert Ferara: Future businesses will benefit from centralized cloud computing. This refers to not owning servers but rather only paying for the services you use.  Websites migrated this way years ago since you do not usually buy a server and tons of bandwidth. Instead you pay a simple monthly fee to have a company make sure your site is available to the world on their servers. The rest of computing can move this way also. Imagine not buying a new server but being able to access all of your applications from any of your devices. You could access your word processing on your netbook, your accounting software from your home PC and email from anywhere ( Iphone, netbook or PC).
  Darren Crane: Of all the technology shifts occurring today, cloud computing will be a significant shift in technology for business users.  Cloud computing is a way to deliver computer applications via a vendor’s server rather than have it live physically in your office.  Web based online accounting packages, hosted email, and online word processors are just the start.   Most major software vendors are readying themselves for a move away from packaged software to virtual applications delivered via the cloud.
  This could possibly eliminate the need for servers altogether for small businesses while providing nonstop access to data from almost any device. Most importantly, cloud computing provides for a regular monthly operating expense rather than large server and software investments every few years. 
  Chuck Reagan: I suspect most future technological breakthroughs will revolve around the continual growth and development of the wireless industry and its ever increasing broadband speeds.  If you consider the growth of social networking sites such as Facebook, and the fact that people are always on-line, I suspect most of the consumer application development will revolve around meeting the needs of those wireless consumers.  With the rapid acceptance of “cloud computing” such as salesforce.com, I believe the business community is next in line to have a wireless revolution.  Our next generation workforce, those who are just graduating into the workforce, or who will do so soon, will not be wired to desks or cubicles, they will be a truly mobile workforce expecting applications and capabilities that meet their mobile needs.
Responses to Question #2:
  Jim Harte: I agree that technology improvements will be an integral part of our recovery.  At 601 Information Systems, we are helping our clients do more with less.  We also help our clients make decisions faster and more accurately with relevant and timely information.  As technology improves, our ability to analyze more date more accurately leads to improved efficiency, profitability and sustainability. 
  Anthony Mongeluzo: I agree that recovery will occur if IT and Green resources are established. It would be almost impossible to find a company that doesn’t rely on Information Technology and energy to run their business. The successful use of technology can lead businesses to greater bottom line profit, increased efficiencies and will help to lead the US out of the problems they are having. I am friends with some people who also provide energy reduction services and it is amazing what they can do so I agree fully with this statement. We have been helping out customers reduce costs almost 10 years now and are in a great position to help out on the information technology side of things. The big benefit that we provide is we are much more than your standard computer geeks who just come out and fix the problem. We provide a consultative approach to IT which is something out customers benefit from in terms of proper configurations and cost savings,
  Robert Ferara: IT and Green go hand in hand. IT and Green both concern themselves with reducing waste and finding efficiencies to save energy. Acklink has products that can share a single computer between multiple users and reduce energy usage by 90%, while still giving the user the same experience they expect. Acklink also created custom scripts to drastically drop power consumption on existing unused computers. We even have a true recycling program where old computers are stripped to raw materials and then become new computers again!
  Bob Savar: Regularly updating Information technology (IT) helps companies save time, money, and resources and is an invaluable tool for marketing, communication, and business development.  Leveraging technology is invaluable in today’s competitive marketplace.  In short, by maintaining an up-to-date IT infrastructure, businesses help stimulate economic growth and “green” practices. 
  World Wide Web Communications helps companies maximize internet and business software by offering the best opportunities for optimizing Information Technology and freeing up existing resources.  This gives companies an opportunity to guarantee future financial success and participate in new economic growth.  This is great for businesses and the economy!
  Darren Crane: Renewable and sustainable energy sources are of great benefit to the environment as well as to our economy due to our reliance on fossil fuels today.  Retooling our energy production and distribution systems to handle this shift in energy source will undoubtedly produce a burst of employment opportunities. 
  Reducing energy consumption is a positive move that all businesses can start doing today.   DLC has recently received a Gold Certification from the Green Business Bureau for its internal green initiatives.  We provide information technology solutions that incorporate environmentally aware recommendations, such as power saving policies and controls or the use of virtualization technologies, plus we have implemented these policies for ourselves as well.
  Chuck Reagan: Recent history has proven that technology advances can certainly have a major impact on the economy, as was the case with the internet revolution.  Moving forward, I suspect we will witness a more gradual increase in technology spending as a result of the technology investments which were deferred during the economic downturn.  These new investments will certainly include “greener” equipment such as cloud computing and  capabilities, such as remote teleworking.  VoIP Networks provides the necessary tools to assists clients throughout the country on helping their workforce become more mobile and collaborative, regardless of whether they are at home, in the office or on the road.
  Here’s some more information on each of the companies that participated in the Roundtable and their respective principals thoughts on what sets them apart from their competitors.
  •  601 Information Systems, LLC:
  601 Information Systems provides accounting and information technology expertise to regional business. 601 Information Systems is managed and operated by CPAs who specialize in business and accounting systems.
“We differ from other IT providers in our financial, accounting and business expertise. We are business people who happen to specialize in technology. Our mission is implementing effective and efficient technology solutions to tough business challenges. Our systems reduce costs, support profitability and enable business owners to manage their operations effectively.”
  •  Pro Computer Service:
  Pro Computer Service is a national award winning IT company headquartered in Medford, NJ. PCS provides on-site and remote support to businesses in the tri-state area. PCS has been in business for almost 10 years now and have offices in NJ, PA, and DE. PCS has 20 employees and is growing in 2010.
  “Most of our competitors bill by the minute, are not consultative, and can sometimes fix your computer issues. At PCS we offer fixed fee services so you never have to look at the watch and we provide a true consultative service, we learn your business model and how you operate so our level of involvement with your organization goes very deep. We consider ourselves your Virtual CIO and a big part of your team.”
  Acklink Inc.:
  Acklink Inc. is a full-service network integration firm whose goal is to proactively manage the technology resources of small and medium-sized businesses. Simply put, our focus is to install, manage, optimize, maintain and troubleshoot your computers and network so your focus can stay on your business. We have the resources and experience to deliver the results that your organization demands
  “Our staff is certified in Microsoft®, Novell®, Cisco®, and Watch Guard® products. Our technicians speak in terms you will understand. Our rates are the most competitive in the area. Acklink Inc. is fully insured and is certified by the State of New Jersey in telecommunications wiring. We are a business we understand what business’s need.”
  World Wide Web:
  With over 15 years of experience, World Wide Web Communications is a proven leader in delivering technology solutions and web development services that improve efficiency, productivity and internet presence. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, NJ, WWWC has helped a wide range of companies succeed in reaching their businesses goals.  
  “World Wide Web Communications offers a unique blend of internet-related services that provide companies with the best technology for their business needs.  WWWC provides services such as Sharepoint, Salesforce.com, e-commerce engines, website design, hosting, Search Engine Optimization and IT support to further the growth and sustainability of its clients’ businesses.”
  DLC Technology Solutions, Inc.:
  DLC Technology Solutions, Inc. specializes in IT Solutions for growing businesses by focusing on enhancing the overall business operation through optimum and responsible use of technology.  With special expertise in healthcare, graphic design, and other industry solutions, DLC is changing the way IT services are delivered to small and medium-sized business.
  “Most computer services companies focus on solving just the issue at hand or require the customer to implement their “cookie cutter” approach to information technology.  At DLC we focus on businesses exclusively and start by understanding how the business operates and relies on technology before recommending or implementing solutions.”
  VoIP Networks:
  Since 1981 VoIP Networks has assisted our clients, large and small, in deploying state of the art communications networks that help their companies to excel. VoIP Networks takes a holistic approach to your communications needs.  We engineer cost-effective carrier services to fit your needs, install world class voice and data networks and follow through with unparalleled support.
  “VoIP Networks take a total cost approach to a client’s voice and data communications infrastructure.  We are successful only if we are able to assist our clients in improving their communications structure while reducing their overall expenses.”