Gartner Inc., an information technology (IT) research and advisory company, has highlighted the top 10 technologies and trends that will be strategic for most organizations in 2012. The analysts presented their findings during the Gartner Symposium ITxpo that was held in Orlando, Florida, last week.

Gartner defines a strategic technology as one with the potential for significant impact on an enterprise during the next three years. Factors that denote significant impact include a high potential for disruption to IT or the business, the need for a major dollar investment, or the risk of being late to adopt.

A strategic technology may be an existing technology that has matured or become suitable for a wider range of uses. It may also be an emerging technology that offers an opportunity for strategic business advantage for early adopters or with potential for significant market disruption during the next five years. These technologies affect the organization’s long-term plans, programs, and initiatives.

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