Hi, We are all hearing the general recession in the industry, Java Going Low and the DOT coms running out of steam with the VC's burning their fingers and pulling back the money. But it crosses ones mind that what next is in store for the industry and what is the next upcoming hot areas. I have seen potentials in CRM and SCM. But are they the real next or is the industry waiting for a new wave to sweep in ? What is the new Business model that the industry is looking at ?

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

Answers

B2B still seems to be the strongest area. The cost to market is remarkably lower than to a consumer as the sale is traditionally much larger. Besides, businesses pay, consumers want eveything for free.

I think we'll see more subscription attempts but only those that truly make things more conveinient will survive. I think micropayments would improve the situation if a truly universal and easy to use standard were to emerge.

I'd bank on wireless apps (not on WAP though), B2B content solutions, and data sharing standards. .NET is a good idea with the wrong purpose. Will we all be running a myriad of personal servers / services? Probably. But it'll be called P2P.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2001

I am really curious what the basis is for the assertion that java is declining. I read a lot to the contrary so if you could tell me your source I'b be thankful.

-- Anonymous, April 13, 2001