Now that we’re into December it’s important to take a minute to reflect on the main events of 2009 so that we may be prepared for the upcoming year. The networking space has undergone considerable growth and change over the last twelve months, a matter ChannelWeb took the time to document in their article “The 10 Biggest Networking Stories of 2009″ This insightful column discusses the major developments that impacted networking over the past year, ranging from takeovers to new product launches to industry-wide issues with impending consequences.

As the economy struggled during this downturn, we saw several major players in the networking space disappear and several still continue to grow. The consolidation of the video market and the takeover of Nortel’s enterprise unit by Avaya (following Nortel’s filing for bankruptcy), is an example of this shift. While HP’s and Cisco’s rivalry heated up, 2009 also saw this segment’s alternative vendors, including Juniper and Brocade, taking actions to increase their presence in the segment.  The networking space within the channel is growing stronger still and 2010 will most certainly bring about big changes.

While these and other organizations continued to fight it out in the networking space, Google made a strong entrance into the market with the introductions of the Google Android and Google Voice. As Google continues to develop its communication strategy and product offerings, it will be interesting to see the industry-wide implications of its entry.  Key networking players will need to continue innovation to stay relevant as products such as the Android emerge on the marketplace.

2009 was also a year for industry-wide changes. The convergence of data centers and networking became an important industry issue acted upon by Cisco, HP, Juniper, Brocade, and other smaller players.

This year also saw the long-promised ratification of 802.11n by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This amendment, which improves upon the previous 802.11 standards by adding multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and many other newer features, had been promised since 2002. The question of net neutrality emerged this year fueled by mobile platforms, wireless access security issues, illegal downloading, and other similar stories.  Currently, the FCC is accepting public comments about draft rules through January 14, 2010.  It will be interesting to see how this and these other events continue to affect the networking space.

2010 promises to be an exciting year in the networking space, particularly in the channel.  Check out the video below and hear what Melissa Dougherty, Director of N. America Channels, has to say about WhatsUp Gold’s new Flow Publisher. And trust us, that’s only the beginning . . . stay tuned as WhatsUp Gold plans exciting things to come in the first quarter!