Communications & technology.

• Author: Morgan, Karen
• Position: 2007 Alaska Forecast

While the rest of the U.S. goes through a high-paced cycle of spending in communications and Internet Technology solutions, then cutting IT for immediate cost savings, Alaska's technology focus is steadily growing. Even in the "dot-com" boom-and-bust years, Alaska continued to expand its telecommunication and IT spending. Alaska's economy does not necessarily mirror the Lower 48, which gives Alaskans the benefit of evaluating technology at a more controlled rate.

Some influencing factors for growth in 2007 are both Alaska-specific and national:

* Microsoft will roll out new MS Office products and new operating systems. This will make plenty of work for those consumers who wish to stay current.

* The need to update legacy applications such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and financial reporting.

* The desire to provide...