The world is one strange place right now – but that doesnt mean that its not filled with hope and opportunity – quite the opposite in fact. The following are some of the trends we can expect to see in the technical area which may impact our industry.

[1] Web 2.0 (the feedback component anyway) will morph into Feedback 3.0

Feedback 1.0 was all about individuals providing scathing reviews or complaints to a company email / contact form. Feedback 2.0 moved into the mass appeal where sites such as yelp.com and twitter.com where consumers could rant to a targetted group of people. Feedback 3.0 is all about companies joining in on the conversation and sharing their stories in front of a mass audience. The smart ones are not only providing images and blogs on their websites but also full video capability to show off what makes them different.

Consumers are becoming more selective with their descretionary spending power – and want to make informed choices  – so businesses need to work hard to provide them with all the information they can.

[2] Consumers will continue to focus on “green” issues. Business that can prove their green credentials will stand out in the crowd and win admirers. Car manufacturers such as Fiat in Europe are already getting in on the act with their ecoDrive solution.

[3] The power of the Internet in your pocket.  The blackberry gave way to the iPhone in 2008 and it wont revert. Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Android platform will continue to develop and take market share in 2009 leaving Nokia and Motorola scratching their heads.  You will soon be able to run all aspects of your business from your phone.

Regards

Dean

Tags: bus and coach software, motorcoach software, trends 2009, web 2.0