In an earlier post on Top IT Trends, I mentioned that we're in the season for lists -- top trends we saw in 2010, top trends we predict for 2011, top things that annoy me about so many blasted lists -- you know the drill. I've received a number of press releases on lists since then, and I've exercised restraint in not sharing them with you, but this morning one came across that was a little bit different.

The folks over at the Enterpise Connect conference (a company owned by the same parent as EnterpriseEfficiency.com) commissioned a survey of their Website's users. These folks are primarily in the telecom part of the business, and they were asked about the big trends they're expecting for the coming year. While some of their list echoes what we're seeing on other year-end lists, I thought the order, and members of the list, were interesting. Here they are…

1. Unified Communications

This is number one, and I find that fascinating, given the ambivalence many in IT are showing toward unified communications. If the telecom people see it coming, then you can believe that the technology is more mature than you might have thought. The key for the IT side of the house is going to be making sure that the bandwidth is in place to support UC. Close behind will be getting the QoS house in order and developing rational policies for UC's use, but I'm convinced the question is now "when" rather than "if" UC is going to be part of your enterprise.

2. Video

This one's interesting because it gets its own entry rather than being lumped in with unified communications. The rationale is simple: People like to see people. What are the critical take-aways for IT? See the three points in item number one, and repeat them here. Bandwidth and its management are the issues that you'll be spending most of your time on (well, that plus how to best explain lighting techniques to people who have trouble operating a Web browser).

3. Tablets

Ahh, welcome to controversy. I've recently been part of an online discussion with a bunch of technology writers on the question of whether tablets like Dell's Streak, Apple's iPad, and Samsung's Galaxy are faddish toys or serious enterprise tools. I fall into the "serious enterprise tool" category of thought, but that's because I'm actually using a tablet to get a lot of work done. If the much-rumored next-gen iPad does, indeed, come with the kind of camera capability and video conference support that many predict, watch your wireless bandwidth requirements go through the roof. This is fair warning -- tablets as collaboration and communication devices are coming, so you should get ready now.

4. SIP Trunking

Here's the only item on the list that is of primary interest to telecom folks, rather than being a shared issue. The important thing here is that SIP is becoming a VoIP protocol that can support enterprise requirements. The good news is that, as SIP trunking continues to roll out and expand, the possibility exists to simplify and consolidate your WAN types. This could make a big difference in your next round of core router purchases, and in your negotiations with WAN providers. It's a good thing, though it means you're going to have to talk to the telecom folks more than you do now. Sorry about that.

5. The Cloud

Why not? Everything else is moving to the cloud -- why not unified communications? The truth is, this is one of those things that's being led by consumers. Skype is nothing if not cloud architecture; Google Talk/Voice/Video is the same; and both are proving to users that they can expect reasonable performance from an out-of-house provider. Expect more players, with many more catering directly to the enterprise.

There were, of course, more entries. Among the other top technologies and trends receiving votes were: smartphones (6), social software/networks (7), communications-enabled business processes (8), and contact centers (9).

Overall, it's a solid list that points to the increasing similarity of telecom and IT. What do you think -- any of these surprise you? I'll look forward to your own telecom lists, and I'll be on the lookout for more year-end lists worth bringing your way.