The following video is part of our "Motley Fool Conversations" series in which senior technology editor Eric Bleeker and Chief Technology Officer Jeremy Phillips discuss topics across the investing world.
In today's edition, Eric and Jeremy continue their rundown of tech trends for 2012 by looking at software eating hardware. The key idea is that companies that rely on specialized hardware will continue to be pressured in 2012. One example is the calculator, which can now be easily re-created on a smartphone rather than a specialized piece of hardware. On the more complex side, advanced software technologies like visualization are now much more important than advances in the actual hardware the software controls. For companies relying on specialized hardware, the rise of "good enough" software from smartphones and advanced software on the enterprise front is a threat that will only grow in the coming year.
Looking for the technology trend set to define the next decade? We're creating 60% more data every year. That's an astounding growth rate that presents opportunity for investors who can find the leaders not only storing the data but finding new, innovative ways of analyzing it. To take advantage of this gigantic technology opportunity, The Motley Fool has compiled a new report called "The Only Stock You Need to Profit From the NEW Technology Revolution." The report highlights a company that has gained more than 200% since first recommended by Fool analysts but still has plenty of room left to run. Thousands have requested access to this special free report, and now you can access it today at no cost. To get instant access to the names of this company transforming the IT industry, click here -- it's free.
