Cloud Computing Predictions for 2017
Looking back on my predictions for 2016, I was off more than I was on. Hulu did well against Netflix but didn't overtake them at all. Apple didn't get as far into original content as I thought. Maybe I get a half point for the DraftKings and FanDuel merger but lose points for the new Apple Watch that showed up and my longshot which didn't happen.
Predictions abound, so once again I will make my predictions with confidence points.
Salesforce Buys Learning Management System
Nobody would argue that Trailhead isn't great. It is. In fact, it has taken over the branding of the entire company. Bears are attacking server rooms and everyone is going back to the woods. That being said, it isn't a true learning management system and currently is a black box of functionality that nobody but Salesforce can play with. I predict Salesforce buys another company for their LMS technology and staff to bring Trailhead to the next level as a product and with customized trails and badges.
Confidence: 7
Movies Come Home
The movie industry is in a crisis. TV is getting better and better, while the movie experience seems trapped in the 90s, but with more goggles, bigger popcorn, and texting. There has always been this cycle of releasing a movie into theaters, then premium places like hotels, then DVD, cable, etc. What has been missing is the ability to watch the movie the day it comes out, at home. This is coming in 2017. It will cost a little bit more, but you will save on the crappy popcorn and screaming two year old behind you kicking your seat.
Confidence: 10
Apple Releases a Dot
Predicting Apple's new product releases is a little tricky. I have done it before, very badly, but keep on trying. Now with Google Home and Amazon Echo Dot, it seems like there is a missing piece in the Apple home product line. I am predicting Apple will release a Dot-like piece of hardware, shaped in a sphere (an apple anyone?) that has a speaker, and Siri is always listening. It will be accompanied by a great Jony Ive video, and I will buy one.
Confidence: 6
Longest Shot: Amazon Buys Slack
Someone has to buy Slack right? Right? Why not Amazon? Well, all the obvious reasons about them not being in the corporate communication space and that there are much better suitors, but that is why they are predictions. Amazon swoops in and buys Slack, as a way to start building their enterprise software business, and it works. Within 10 years, we are all using Amazon Work to get things done.
Confidence: 2
Do you have some predictions of your own? Head over to the Success Community, post them on our Facebook page or directly to me on Twitter @JasonMAtwood.
