Cloud and SaaS tipped for top in 2012 technologies

The list of the top ten technologies likely to take off in 2012 has been compiled by Quest Software and details the innovations that will reshape how and where applications are managed and delivered next year.

Sitting in first place on the list, an increase in uptake of SaaS technology looks set to drive wider adoption of cloud services over a broad spectrum of business and technical operations. In particular, shared business services such as relationship management, HR and messaging are tipped to be the most popular solutions emerging.

The second most important technological change is forecast to be cloud computing, overcoming current concerns regarding compliance, security and access to management controls. Methods to combat these issues will include improved tools and practices, greater auditability and solution certification.

Quest also predicts cloud services will impact corporate identity and access management strategies. The emergence of cloud applications, along with compliance and mobile devices, will offer better user provisioning strategies to control support costs and improve security.

Virtualisation also features on the list, and Quest believes that special-purpose backup tools for virtualisation will significantly improve performance and storage monitoring within organisations.

"The implications on communications, security, provisioning, and systems management are enormous. How organisations are addressing these opportunities and challenges are some of the most important questions the IT community faces today," Ian Hodge, managing director for Quest Software, said.