Technology Trends Scanning Worksheet
Click here to download the MS Word (35.5 KB)
- Purpose:
- To summarize technology and technology-related trends. This includes technologies that are emerging, mainstream, or in decline. It also includes investigating innovative approaches on applying these technologies, as well as trends in delivering automation-based services to those that need it (e.g., outsourcing of development or operations, trends in development environments , use of Application Service Providers, or use of Web-based services). Uncertainty on the predictions is shown.
- The source materials (journals, conferences, interviews, etc.) should be retained and referred to in the worksheet. Initiatives other organizations have taken, such as those available from the Promising Practices Library on the National Human Services Information Technology Resource Center ( http://www.acf.hhs.gov/nhsitrc/ppl-appl/ ) may provide additional insight.
- Instructions:
- Column 1 lists the specific technology or technology area (e.g., platforms, data, networking, application area, use, development environments and techniques, operations, outsourcing, user computer skills and knowledge).
- Column 2 predicts the trend (e.g., emerging, waning, reduction in costs, increase in performance-cost, application service models, interoperability, standardization, well established).
- Column 3 provides a time frame in which the prediction will materialize (current, for foreseeable future, near term).
- Column 4 lists the sources upon which the prediction is based, providing contact information, if available. Sources can be presentation, seminars, Web sites, interviews, trade magazines, technology watch organizations).
- Column 5 lists the potential impacts on the current HS and IT business practices and architecture. Impacts should have strategic rather than immediate impact (e.g., significant change to the way the business uses technology, or the way technology is delivered to the end user). Consider how relationships with other partner organizations may change.
- Example
Example - Technology Trends
|
1. Technology/Practice |
2. Trend |
3. Time Frame |
4. Information Source |
5. Potential Impacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Application Services - Vendors are providing access to application services via the Web (e.g., email, virus protection, office products) |
Emerging |
Near future |
Technology trade magazines, many Web sites |
Licensing and sufficient network infrastructure to allow user platforms to access these with response, help desk support, upgrades, other usability and operation issues |
|
Wireless Technologies - Special and general-purpose information appliances that can serve information needs anytime, anyplace. |
Emerging |
Near future |
List journal names, vendor product announcements,... |
Change in the business processes, design of user interfaces to fit small form factors, data rates, networking standards not universally agreed upon |
|
Client-Accessible Application Services - Online ability to determine public transportation routes to go to a specific job site. The system will give a list of licensed Child Care Providers that are on or near the route. |
Existing |
This system is already implemented. |
State of Delaware HHS, Site: www.state.oz.us.gov/trans Program Manager: J. Smith Phone Number: (xxx) yyy-zzzz |
TANF, Child Care and State employment offices |