2005: Predictions

For fun, here are some predictions I have for 2005:

• The Semantic Web replaces Web Services as the most talked-about topic in the world of software, with emphasis on RDF and metadata.
• Google releases "Google Forms", a way for people to share structured documents with each other. This could be used to share contact information, resumes, matchmaking information, medical records, etc. and would include security permissions so that users could restrict information to, say, their current doctor or to their friends.
• Lance Armstrong announces that he will compete in the 2005 Tour de France, hoping to raise the barrier even further against anyone who wishes to beat his record in the future.
• Apple announces a cell phone, iPhone, that includes integrated iPod technology, seamless integration with iTunes, and Bluetooth support. It would be particularly cool if the software ran on an embedded version of OS/X.
• America announces serious plans for a permanent manned moonbase, primarily as a preemptive move against the Chinese who have similar ambitions. Imagine how an American would feel if they wandered outside one night, looked up at the moon, and knew that a country other than the USA was living there. The USA is just not going to let that happen.
• IBM announces a new open source language, intended as a successor to Java, that runs on existing JVMs and CLRs. This seems like a natural extension of their existing open-source strategy, and would allow such a language to evolve quicker than through the current means.
• A cure is found for AIDS. The virus is becoming better understood every day, and I've read several articles recently that indicate another breakthrough is imminent.
• A quick-sobriety drug is announced that transforms anyone from being a little drunk to sober in just 30 minutes. This resonates with a recent article in New Scientist about chemicals that induce altered states. The author encourages ways to allow people to enjoy the positive effects of altered states whilst minimizing the negative effects.

I'm going update this entry a few times over the next week with any other predictions I can come up with.