More HD choices, cloud computing, Android assortments on tap

A harsh economic climate continues to unfold this year, but the tech industry is pumped and ready to unveil new products and services. Local experts and executives share their thoughts with us about what to expect:

Fred Hogh, president of Illinois Technology Association, Chicago: Virtualization and cloud computing are the key technologies driving a massive transformation in the world of computing. It's affecting all elements of technology and will utterly revolutionize the way we use, share and consume technology. Cloud computing has been described as a system where users can connect to a network of computing resources and servers on the Internet rather than at a data center.

Mark Gambill, chief marketing officer for CDW Corp., Vernon Hills: Despite the challenging economic environment, CDW believes certain areas of technology will gain more traction and become more mainstream. For example, managed services, virtualization/storage, software as a service, and cloud computing are all areas where we will see greater market acceptance and utilization. Overall, we expect companies will try to do more with less and will turn to technology products and services.

Jonathan Ruff, senior business director for Motorola Labs, Schaumburg: Expect to see lots of new devices on the Google Android platform from multiple manufacturers with a growing number of applications available from multiple sites and storefronts. Next, the growth of broadband wireless. We will see more deployments and increased usage of WiMAX and Long-Term Evolution, or LTE, worldwide. This technology will be used for new video experiences and applications especially social networks and sharing. Finally, with the switch to digital TV, there will be an increase in the number of solutions and applications for video and TV delivery. I expect to see broadcast TV watching habits change from the traditional linear broadcast schedule approach of prime-time programming to more diverse and greater on-demand services directed at set tops, PCs, media appliances and mobile media players and devices.

Rich Ruggiero, spokesman for Comcast, Schaumburg: High definition will become even more central to the Comcast Triple Play, with more HD channels, 3,000 HD On Demand movies each month by the end of the year, and HD equipment included as part of new Triple Play packages. We'll introduce Universal Caller ID, a free feature for Triple Play customers that will provide caller ID information to both their TV and PC screens. Against the backdrop of a challenging economy, we will include an Economy Triple Play package with digital TV, high-speed Internet and home phone service for less than $80 per month.

Meghan Roskopf, spokeswoman for AT&T, Hoffman Estates: Smartphones give customers the freedom to connect with their worlds wherever they are, be it for entertainment, business applications or the sharing of more complex information. Wireless phones have been tightly woven into the fabric of our lives. With a continued emphasis on wireless phones, there also will be a continued emphasis on developing user-friendly applications to ensure the best experience possible.