More than 50 per cent of computing devices sold globally in 2011 will be smartphones, tablets and non-PC netbooks, breaking the PC’s decades-long market dominance, said a report.

“This trend is distinctly different to the netbook phenomenon that was witnessed in 2009, which essentially involved purchasing less powerful versions of the traditional PC,” said Saba Sindaha, partner in charge for the technology, media and telecommunications (TMT) practice at Deloitte, which has announced its 2011 predictions for the technology sector.

“In 2011 the computing market will reach a true tipping point, as it becomes dominated by devices that use different processing chips and operating systems than those used for PCs in the past three decades,” he added.

Operating system diversity

By the end of 2011, no operating system will take control of the fast-growing non-PC computing market, which includes smartphones and the new generation of tablets. Some operating systems will capture more than a five percent share, but no single player will have yet become the de facto standard, the Deloitte report said.

Tablets in the enterprise: more than just a toy

In 2011, enterprises will purchase more than 25 per cent of all tablet computers, a figure that’s likely to increase in 2012 and beyond. Although some commentators view tablets as underpowered media-consumption toys suitable only for consumers, more than 10 million of these devices will likely be purchased by enterprises in 2011, according to the report.

eGov: from option to obligation

The report goes on to say that in 2011, rising demand for government efficiency and productivity will likely provide a major push for greater adoption of existing e-government (eGov) platforms and services, such as online income tax filing and building permits.

Over 90 per cent of businesses in developed countries are expected to use eGov services for at least one process, up from 75 per cent in 2010, the report said.

Squeezing the electrons in

Battery technology will make big leaps forward in 2011 and 2012 with increased energy density and lower prices. Plus, batteries should become more durable and charge faster, the Deloitte analysis said.

Hydrogen: the alternative energy source

Hydrogen will enjoy tremendous success in 2011, but not in the automotive industry as many expected, according to the report.

Its growth will come from other applications, such as clean standby power generation in the telecom industry and indoor forklifts, where hydrogen’s energy density and environmental benefits outweigh its current limitations of high cost and lack of fuelling infrastructure. – TradeArabia News Service