Emerging Trends in Technology.

• Position: Business Briefs

During the economic slowdown, analysts at technology research and advisory firm Gartner Inc. say it's imperative that enterprises select technologies that support core business initiatives. To help in decision-making, analysts announced four emerging technology trends for the next decade:

1. Customer Self Service: By 2005, more than 70 percent of customer service interaction for information and remote transactions will be automated. "The non-technology factors driving this increased automation include strong return on investment, better customer reach and improved service quality. This will ultimately result in increased competitiveness and savings that can be passed on to customers," said Jackie Fenn, Gartner vice president and research fellow.

2. Web Services: By packaging business processes as software components, Web services will drive much of the evolving e-business landscape. Companies should start developing Web services capabilities now. But, "because this technology

   is not yet mature or a proven success, they should not create mission-critical Web services projects until a clear case for revenue-generation opportunities can be made," advised Alexander Linden, Gartner research director.

3. Wearable Computers: By 2007, more...