Digital Lifescapes

More CIOs now accept that their most progressive Line of Business leaders are not a threat to their authority, they're merely driven to find the best-fit solutions to their business technology requirements. By 2018, 50 percent of traditional IT organizations will evolve to support assets and services outside their internal service portfolio, according to the latest market study by Gartner, Inc. In particular, Personal Cloud services are growing in importance, as more employees take control of their digital lives. Meanwhile, IT managers responsible for building the 'digital workplace' will be increasingly challenged, as the personal cloud phenomenon continues to evolve and intersect with official IT-sanctioned initiatives. "The personal cloud is the collection of content, services and tools that users assemble to fulfill their personal digital lifestyle needs across any device. Each user's personal cloud is unique and evolving, as the user's daily needs chan...

The worldwide wearable computing market is finally expanding beyond the early-adopter segment, with more functional and stylish personal accessories that are making their way onto the pages of lifestyle magazines like GQ and Shape. According to the latest global market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), wearables took a huge step forward over the past year and shipment volumes will exceed 19 million units in 2014 -- that's more than tripling last year's sales performance. The global market is forecast to reach 111.9 million units by 2018, resulting in a CAGR of 78.4 percent. Complex accessories -- such as Nike+ FuelBand, Jawbone UP, and Fitbit devices -- will lead the wearables market through 2018, as users continue to embrace their simplicity and low price points. These devices are designed to operate partially independent of any other device, but fully operate when connected with IP-capable devices such as a smartphone, tablet, or a PC. "Complex acc...

Due to continued economic challenges, typical funding for municipal government infrastructure spending has been very limited. However, several forward-looking cities are currently moving ahead with plans to position their communities for the future -- while others are actively preparing to follow their lead. A total of $8.1 billion was invested in Smart City technologies during 2010 across the globe, by 2016 that investment is forecast to reach $39.5 billion -- according to the latest market study by ABI Research . A smart city is determined by six dimensions: smart economy, environment, governance, lifestyle, transportation, and community. There are currently 102 smart city projects worldwide, with Europe leading the way at 38 projects, North America at 35, Asia Pacific at 21, the Middle East and Africa at six, and Latin America with two. Some prime examples of local governments that are undertaking smart city projects are Holyoke, Massachusetts and Amsterdam in The N...

Consumer confidence in handling digital technology has developed rapidly as products such as the MP3 player, PVR, laptop PC and PDA have become progressively mainstream. This enhanced public adeptness has led to increased awareness and demand to be able to do more with their content. By delivering fully portable or mobile services and content, companies looking to succeed in the ' digital lifestyle ' will be tapping into consumer trends towards having things anytime, anyplace, anywhere, anyhow for anybody. The digital lifestyle means that the opportunities in the connected home now extend beyond the boundaries of a house. It provides the chance to convert the latest technologies, services and applications into valued and compelling experiences for the consumer. This forum has been created with an emphasis on discussion, debate and interaction to enable participants to compare ideas and strategies, as well as identify potential partnerships. The event will examine how to c...