This will be the big year for mobile applications, according to ABI Research, which expects downloads from app stores to more than double from 2009 and then grow more slowly through 2013.

IDC analysts on Thursday said the global chip industry will grow this year but offered one of the least optimistic industry revenue forecasts so far this year, saying the global recession remains a problem.

Despite a lagging economy that continues to drag down the market, 2010 promises to be an exciting year in mobile, analysts say.

Two major trends led to lower prices for outsourced IT services last year--the global economic downturn and the uptick in remote infrastructure management (RIM) adoption.

There's no doubt that 2009 was a rough year for startups and established businesses alike, but many are holding out hope that 2010 will be different, especially since venture capitalists seem to be loosening their purse strings. Keep an eye on these five businesses that offer fresh ideas to the Web 2.0 arena.

It was a long year of intense ups and downs in the IT outsourcing industry. Consolidation among vendors and interest in remote infrastructure management increased, while overall outsourcing demand and IT services pricing decreased.

Twitter had a big year in 2009: It announced several partnerships, including one with LinkedIn. In September, Twitter was valued at $1 billion. And most recently, "Twitter" beat out "Obama," "H1N1" and "vampire" to be named word of the year by the Global Language Monitor.

As the economy plummeted in 2009, LinkedIn's popularity skyrocketed. LinkedIn grew to more than 53 million members and announced partnerships with IBM, Microsoft and Twitter. If you're on the hunt for a new job-or just looking to ramp up your activity and connections-start the new year off right with these five tips to help you get more from the business networking service.