'Google effect' and Open Source in 2006

I don't put too much merit into predictions outside of my own ;) - but there's this growing sense out in the marketplace that Google and Open Source are going to be more and more disruptive...

Article
"IDC predicted that global spending on IT would grow by 5.5 percent in 2006. Coming on the back of 6 percent growth in 2005, this will force more technology companies into offering IT as a service, predicted Frank Gens, senior vice-president of research at IDC."

"A critical new ingredient we'll see [in 2006] is the acceleration of disruptive business models; 'open innovation' in IT product and service development--the open source effect--and online delivery of IT as a service--the Google effect," said Gens in a statement. "These disruptive shifts will force most vendors to perform a strategic gut check as they enter the year."

I believe the "open innovation' that is being referred to here will be bolstered with Ernie-like initiatives that Tom Howe is pushing. GO TOM (ERNIE)!!

Adam "voiploser" Uzelac