Behind the Gift List: Takeaways from this Year’s Holiday Shopping Season

I recently sat down with CompTIA president and CEO Todd Thibodeaux to chat about hot tech gifts this holiday season. We’re both longtime gadget guys and tech tinkerers so it’s always fun to compare notes on product trends. Since many of the tech products that find their way under the tree also find their way into the workplace, it’s worth taking a look at the drivers behind the gift lists and the implications for the IT industry.

This year will again be defined by incremental improvements and new takes on past ideas. A few key trends include:

1. New Experiences with Content

We reached the limit with the size and thinness of flat panel televisions; now it’s about connectivity. Options continue to improve for tapping into one’s existing content archive (e.g. iTunes library) or new sources of content (e.g. streaming Netflix videos). A range of set-top boxes and a budding supply of TVs with built-in wireless connectivity make this possible. Engaging with content has always been a social experience; now that experience goes well beyond the people in your living room. It’s increasingly possible and desirable to incorporate social media functionality into things such as television viewing, gaming and music.

From a workplace perspective, the “new experiences with content” trend could be viewed as “new experiences with data.” Like consumers seeking to expand access and usability of content, employees seek to more effectively and efficiently connect to and leverage the growing streams of data within their organization. This includes the data source known as their co-workers. Social networks and collaboration technologies (e.g. Skype, DimDim or Box.net) increasingly meet this need.

2. Anytime, Anywhere

Not a new concept by any stretch of the imagination, but the ease of working and playing anytime, anywhere continues to improve. Some of the hottest holiday buzz this year revolves around the tablet PC, a product desired for its anytime, anywhere functionality. It doesn’t stop there though.  Mobile products ranging from smartphones and MP3 players to e-readers and gaming devices offer users diverse and rich on-the-go experiences.

From a workplace perspective, “anytime, anywhere” has moved well beyond the laptop and cell phone. Employees now require ubiquitous access to their files, applications, company data and customers. Smartphones, apps, location-based services and cloud/SaaS enable much of this desired connectivity and functionality, but we’ve really only scratched the surface.

3. Accessories

Although sometimes lost among the big ticket items, tech accessories are a holiday staple. Carrying cases, covers, headphones and portable speaker docks, just to name a few examples, complement and enhance the value of core products (not to mention, generate healthy profits for retailers).

From a workplace perspective, think of accessories as the add-on tools that may complement and enhance the functionality of a core product. Sometimes overlooked, simple add-ons can boost productivity and workplace satisfaction. Examples may include dual monitors, mobile apps, widgets, or even a TSA friendly laptop bag.

Technology has never been so accessible to so many people. This has provided tremendous benefits to consumers and workers alike. It has also challenged businesses intent on providing a secure and controlled IT environment or those unwilling to explore the use of non-traditional technologies. A look at the motivations behind why workers seek certain technologies, capabilities or experiences provides many insights that can be good for business and good for the IT industry.

Happy shopping!