Bob Rattivarakorn, Trends Research Analyst with the technology company RarePlay, shares here his impressions of what developments might be expected from the tech world in 2007. He indicates that, over the past year, a proliferation of user-generated content on the web emerged, including online videos, social networks, blogs, and podcasts. Citing tools such as MySpace, YouTube, Second Life, and the so-called Web 2.0 phenomenon, Rattivarakorn argues that this type of communication approach (the generation and sharing of content by and for users) "is still growing and has yet to realize its full potential."

To illustrate what he expects to be significant growth in this direction in 2007, Rattivarakorn examines 9 internet trends; below are some of the highlights:

1. Networking: "This year we will see an increase of niche social networks...[which] will offer passionate users the opportunity to form online communities. In addition, niche social networks could further spin off to form multiple niches within the niche group." Rattivarakorn suggests that the corporate world has "already incorporated blogs as a way to share opinions, thoughts and ideas among employees, customers and clients."
2. Online videos "...will continue to enjoy incredible success this year. Apart from homemade clips, television shows and downloadable films on the web, we will see an increase in the amount of user-generated semiprofessional or scripted series of videos on the Web - offering an alternative to traditional media...Advertising will go beyond pre-roll ads as marketers look for new models that allow consumers more control over the advertising content. Internet-based TV (IPTV) and TiVo will continue to attract more viewers in 2007."
3. Search capabilities: "The growth of multimedia web will result in more interactive search engines. Internet search giants will look forward to develop technologies as well as tap into human intelligence to provide actual results based on tags and content."
4. Social shopping: "Those who conduct their shopping needs online will increasingly turn to social shopping sites where they can find more like-minded shoppers."
5. Online collaboration: "This year we will witness the growth of web-based office applications and open-source collaborative systems on the web...."
6. Socialising in virtual worlds: "Social networking will move beyond real life friends and colleagues to virtual worlds."
7. Convergence of Web/desktop applications: "There is a sign that a hybrid model of the web and desktop applications may soon take off..."
8. Marketing: "Consumers are likely to express their feelings more freely through blogs and online communities than they would for online surveys or focus groups....A growing number of marketers will be eager to the test water..."
9. Moble technologies: "2007 could be the year where everything will go mobile....The growth of mobile broadband offered by several wireless carriers and the rise of 3G or third generation phones will further accelerate greater adoption of mobile web access and use....As a result, mobile devices will act more or less like [personal computers, or] PCs and user-generated content will move towards this platform, including the use of: mobile video, local search (maps), voice messaging, mobile social networking, online music sharing, online games, shopping and financial services."