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RSSRetailNOW 2009 Keynote Provides Glimpse Of Future
July 13, 2009
In his keynote address Monday morning at RSPA RetailNOW 2009, futurist Glen Hiemstra provided an in-depth look at the U.S. economy. Specifically, Hiemstra gave attendees a variety of data points which provide indications as to when the economy will recover (“real recovery should occur by the fourth quarter of 2009”) and what factors will play a part in that recovery. He went on to explain that from 2000 to 2008, we were living in a “make believe economy” that we couldn’t sustain forever. Now, the economy is correcting itself. So, what should today’s VARs (and businesses in general) be doing today to be poised for success during the recovery?
One of Hiemstra’s most important points was, “Don’t wait for things to get back to normal. Maybe this is the new normal.” Rather than wait for things to return to what they were a couple years ago, VARs should be looking at new ways to differentiate and at new products and services to provide to customers.
As part of his discussion, Hiemstra also shared a few technology trends he believes will shape the future. The first, cloud computing, will take mission-critical business applications from on-site to the virtual world, allowing people to access information in real time from anywhere.
The second trend is what Hiemstra referred to as “sensor world.” In this reality, sensors everywhere will be connected to the aforementioned cloud to provide immediate and custom feedback to customers. Hiemstra said, “Think RFID [radio frequency identification] on steroids.”
Finally, Hiemstra talked about the impending shift of the Internet from static content to a steady stream of information. Indeed, looking at most people’s web surfing habits, today’s most valuable information is only valuable if it’s the most current.
For more information on Hiemstra and his book, “Turning the Future Into Revenue: What Business and Individuals Need to Know to Shape Their Futures,” visit www.futurist.com.
One of Hiemstra’s most important points was, “Don’t wait for things to get back to normal. Maybe this is the new normal.” Rather than wait for things to return to what they were a couple years ago, VARs should be looking at new ways to differentiate and at new products and services to provide to customers.
As part of his discussion, Hiemstra also shared a few technology trends he believes will shape the future. The first, cloud computing, will take mission-critical business applications from on-site to the virtual world, allowing people to access information in real time from anywhere.
The second trend is what Hiemstra referred to as “sensor world.” In this reality, sensors everywhere will be connected to the aforementioned cloud to provide immediate and custom feedback to customers. Hiemstra said, “Think RFID [radio frequency identification] on steroids.”
Finally, Hiemstra talked about the impending shift of the Internet from static content to a steady stream of information. Indeed, looking at most people’s web surfing habits, today’s most valuable information is only valuable if it’s the most current.
For more information on Hiemstra and his book, “Turning the Future Into Revenue: What Business and Individuals Need to Know to Shape Their Futures,” visit www.futurist.com.
