Gartner singled out virtualization is the top strategic technology for 2009 at its Symposium/ITxpo this week, restating what it said six months ago when it identified virtualization as the highest-impact trend changing infrastructure and operations through 2012.

Cloud computing is second on Gartner’s list.

Cloud computing has never been on the annual list before. Now it’s a platform for SaaS, infrastructure, content and business processes, reduces the barrier to entry, scales and lets business grow faster.

Gartner thinks 80% of the Fortune 1000 will be using clouds in one way or another in the next three or four years.

Virtualization was Gartner’s number five pick last year. It was moved to the top because it seems to be touching everything and, like clouds, is a recourse in times of economic downturn.

It will transform how IT is managed, what is bought, how it is deployed, how companies plan and how they are charged.

It’s also supposed to create a new wave of competition among infrastructure vendors that disrupts and consolidates the market over the next few years.

There’s a strategic advantage in early adoption. Server virtualization is in progress; the opportunity is in storage and PCs.

Gartner figures that virtualization reduced the x86 server market by 4% in 2006 and has predicted that more than four million virtual machines will be installed on x86 servers by 2009.

It expects the number of virtualized PCs to grow from less than five million in 2007 to 660 million by 2011.

Virtualizing PCs means breaking the dependencies between the hardware and the operating system (machine virtualization) and between the operating system and applications (application virtualization).

Gartner thinks machine virtualization will have the bigger impact, making personal computing more manageable, flexible and secure by allowing multiple individual footprints to be defined on the same device.

Gartner distinguished analyst Thomas Bittman has said, “Essentially, virtualization creates a fork in the road for operating systems. Traditionally the operating system has been the center of gravity for client and server computing, but new technologies, new modes of computing, and infrastructure virtualization and automation are changing the architecture and role of the operating system. The days of the monolithic, general-purpose operating system will soon be over.”

Heady stuff.

Virtualization Technology Providers and Contributors in 2008-2009
The following companies are among the providers and contributors of Virtualization technology: 3PAR, Accellion, Acronis, Actional, Active Endpoints, ActiveGrid, activePDF, ActiveServers, ActiveState, Actuate, Adaptec, Agile Software, AGiLiENCE, Agilysys, Akorri, AlachiSoft, Alter Logic, Altor Networks, Altova, AMD, AMDAHL, Amentra, Amyuni, anacubis, Apani, APC, Appcelerator, AppSense, AppStream, Array Networks, Ascential, Astaro, Attune Systems, Autodesk, AutoVirt, Availl, Avanade, Azul Systems, Barracuda Networks, BEA Systems, B-hive, Black Duck Software, Blackbaud, Blade Network Technologies, Blue Coat, Blue Lane, BlueArc, BlueNote Networks, BluePheonix Solutions, BMC Software, Borland, Bristol Technology, Brix Networks, BroadVision, Brocade, Burton Group, Business Objects, CA, CalAmp, Cassatt, Cast Iron Systems, Catbird, Cayenne Technologies, Ceedo Technologies, Cenzic, Certeon, CiRBA, Cisco Systems, Cision, Citrix Systems, ClearApp, ClearCube Technology, CollabNet, Compass America, Composite Software, Compugen, Compuware, Configuresoft, Continuity Software, Coraid, Courion, Coyote Point Systems, Crescendo Networks, CSC, DataCore, DataSynapse, Dell, Desktone, Digipede Technologies, Double-Take Software, Ecora Software, EDS, eG Innovations, Egenera, Elastra Corporation, Electric Cloud, Embotics, EMC Corporation, Emulex, Endeavors Technology, Enigmatic Corporation, Enterprise Management Associates, Entuity, EqualLogic, Ericom Software, ESRI, EVault, eXludus Technologies, F5 Networks, FalconStor, FastScale Technology, Foedus, Force10 Networks, Fortisphere, Forum Systems, Fujitsu, GemStone Systems, Getronics, GlassHouse, Green Hills Software, Grid Dynamics, GridGain Systems, GT Software, Hitachi, HP, Hyper9, Hyperic, IBM, ICEsoft, IGEL Technology, Illumita, ILOG, IMEX Research, Information Builders, Ingres, InstallFree, Integrien, Intel, Intellium, International Computerware, iTKO LISA, JBoss, Juniper, KACE, Kidaro, LeftHand Networks, Leostream, Lifeboat Distribution, Liquid Computing Corporation, Liquid Technology, Lynux Works, Mainline, ManageIQ, Managed Methods, ManageSoft, Marathon Technologies, McAfee, Mellanox Technologies, Microsoft, Mid-Atlantic Computers, Mindbridge Software, Mindreef, MKS, MonoSphere, Motorola, MQSoftware, mySoftIT, NASTEL, Ncomputing, NEC, Neocleus, NeoPath Networks, Neoware, NetApp, Netegrity, Neterion, Netuitive, Neverfail, Nexaweb, NextAxiom, Nimbus, Nimsoft, Niyuta, NoMachine, Novell, ONStor, Opalis Software, Open Kernel Labs, OpenSpan, OPNET Technologies, Optaros, OpTier, Oracle, Pano Logic, Parallels, Parasoft, Perforce Software, PHD Technologies, Phoenix Technologies, Phurnace Software, Pillar Data Systems, PlateSpin/Novell, Progress Software, Prolifics, ProSync Technology, Provision Networks, QLogic, Quest Software, Racemi, Raritan, Raxco Software, Red Hat, Reflex Security, Resolution Enterprises, RingCube Technologies, Riverbed Technology, Rogue Wave Software, RSA Security, Sagnet Solutions, SanDisk Corporation, SAP, SAVVIS, ScaleMP, Scalent Systems, Seanodes, Secure Command, Secure Computing, Sentillion, Shavlik Technologies, ServInt Internet Services, Silpion IT Solutions, SIMtone, Skytap, Skyway Software, Software AG, Sonasoft, SourceGear, Splunk, StackSafe, SteelEye Technology, StillSecure, StoneFly, Stonesoft, Stoneware, StoreVault, StrikeIron, STT WebOS, Sun Microsystems, SunGard, Supermicro Computer, Surgient, SWsoft, Sybase, Symantec, Systar, TBD Networks, Tenfold, TheInfoPro, Thinstall, Third Brigade, TIBCO Software, Tidal Software, Tideway Systems, TOA Solutions, TRANGO Virtual Processors, Trend Micro, Tresys Technology, Trigence, Tripwire, Ulteo, Unisys, United Devices, VaST Systems, VDIworks, VeeAm Software, Verari Systems, Verio, VeriSign, Vicom Computer Services, VirtenSys, Virtera, Virtual Iron, VirtualLogix, Virtugo Software, Virtutech, VisionCore, Vizioncore, VKernel, VMLogix, vmSight, VMware, Vordel, vThere-Sentillion, Vyatta, WaveMaker, Web Age Solutions, WSO2, Wyse Technology, XDS, XenoCode, Xiotech, xkoto, Xsigo Systems, Zenith Optemedia, Zeus Technology.

Cloud Computing Technology Providers and Contributors in 2008-2009
The following companies are among the providers and contributors of Cloud Computing technology: 10Gen, 3Leaf, 3Tera, Absolute Performance, Accenture, Akamai, Amazon.com, Appirio, Appistry, Areti Internet, Boomi, Box.net, Canaan Partners, Cloud9 Analytics, CloudWorks, CNI Systems, CohesiveFT, CSRware, DataDirect, Dell, DNAmail, eBay, Elastra, EMC, EngineYard, Enki Consulting, Enomaly, Excelian, Flexiscale, Fortress ITX, Forum, GigaSpaces, GoGrid, Google, HP, IBM, IBRIX, Joyent, JumpBox, Layered Technologies, Level 3 Communications, Linxter, LongJump, MDV, Microsoft, Moka5 (MokaFive), Mosso, NewServers, Nirvanix, Ocarina Networks, OpSource, Panorama Software, Peer1 Networks, Pervasive Software, Platform Computing, PLX Technology, Qlayer, Rackspace, RampRate, Red Hat, RightScale, rPath, Salesforce.com, Saugatuck Technology, ServePath, Skills Matter, Skytap, SnapLogic, SOASTA, Sun Microsystems, Symphoniq, Symphony Services, Tap In Systems, Teneros, Terremark, Transitive Corporation, Univa UD, Verizon Business, Vertica, VMware, XCalibre, Zabovo.com, ZOHO and Zuora.

SOA Technology Providers and Contributors in 2008-2009
The following companies are among the providers and contributors of SOA technology: 3PAR, Accenture, AccessFlow, Active Endpoints, Active PDF, ActiveState, ADP, Agile Path, Agilent, Akamai, Altova, Amber Point, AMD, Antenna, Apatar, APC, Appcelerator, Appistry, AppSense, AppStream/ Symantec, Apptricity, Astaro, Asychrony, Attune Systems, Autodesk, Avorcor, Aztec Software, Azul Systems, BEA, B-hive, Black Duck Software, Blue Coat, Blue Note Networks, BMC, Borland, Business Objects, CA, Cacheon, CapClear, Cast Iron Systems, Ceedo, Certeon, Cherry Road Technologies, Cigna, Cisco, Cision, ClearApp, Cognos, Component Source, ComponentOne, Composite Software, Compuware, Coral8, Covalent, Cretaceous Software, Critical Watch, Crosscheck Networks, Curl, DataDirect, DataSynapse, Day Software, eBay, Elementool, Elixir Technology, Embarcadero, EMC, Endeavors Technologies, Ensim Corporation, Entegrity, Enterprise DB, Epicor, ESRI, Evident Software, eviware, F5 Networks, Farata Systems, Fiorano, Forum Systems, Freedom OSS, Fujitsu, GemStone Systems, GigaSpaces, Green Hills Software, Grid Dynamics, GT Software, GXS, HCL Technologies, Herzum Software, HP, IBM, Illustro, ILOG, Informatica, Infragistics, Infusion Developers, Initiate Systems, InstallFree, Intel, Intelesis, Intellium, InterSystems, Intrepid Solutions, Intuwave, IONA, IT Toolbox, Itellix, iTKO, JackBe, Jive Software, JNet Direct, Juniper Systems, JustSystems, Kaazing, Kapow Technologies, Kidaro, Krugle, Laszlo Systems, Layer 7 Technologies, Levanta, Lingo Systems, Lombardi Software, Magic Software, Managed Methods, McAfee, Megapath, Mellanox Technologies, MG Software, Microsoft, Mindbridge, Mindreef, MindTouch, MiracleSoft, MKS, MomentumSI, MQ Software, Mule Source, NASTEL, Nexaweb, NextAxiom, Nextel, Nokia, Nortel Networks, OASIS, Object Builders, ObjectFocus, Odyssey Software, Opalis, Openmake Software, OpenSpan, OpTier, Optio Software, Oracle, Parallels, Parasoft, Pervasive Software, PlateSpin/ Novell, Progress Software, Prolifics, Protecode, Quest Software, Questra, Raxco Software, Recursion Software, Red Hat, Reflex Security, Research & Markets, RadiantLogic, Ring Cube Technologies, Riptide Software, Rogue Wave Software, rPath, RSA Security, SAIC, Salesforce.com, SAP, Satyam, Scalent Systems, Seagull Software, Securent, Sherpa Software, Sierra Systems, Skytap, Skyway Software, SOA Software, Software AG, Sonic Software, SourceGear, Spike Source, Splunk, SpringSource, Starcom Worldwide, Stoneware, Stonewater Systems, Strike Iron, Sun Microsystems, Sybase, Tenfold, Thinstall, TIBCO, Tidal Software, Tideway Systems, Trivera Technologies, TwoConnect, Vastera, Verari Systems, Verio, Vertigo, Vignette, Virtual Iron, Visual Mining, Vitria, VMware, Vocus, Vordel, Web Age Solutions, webmethods, Whizlabs Software, Wipro, WSO2, XAware, Xsigo Systems, ZapThink and Zimbra.

AJAX & RIA Technology Providers and Contributors in 2008-2009
The following companies are among the providers and contributors of AJAX & RIA technology: 1&1 Internet AG, 3Tera, 4D, Accenture, ACCESS Systems America, AccuRev, Active Endpoints, Active Inquiry, ActiveState, Actuate, Adaptive Blue, Adaptive Path, Adobe, Agitar Software, Ajax13, Akamai Technologies, Alfresco, Allurent, Altova, Amazon.com, AppApliance, Appcelerator, Appeon, Apple, Applibase, Apress, Aptana, Ask Pivot, ASPAlliance, Asperon, Astreya, Altassian Software Systems, Avenue A/ Razorfish, Aztecsoft, Azul Systems, BackBase, Barracuda Networks, Baynote, BEA Systems, Black Duck Software, Blogtronix, BlueFolder, BlueTie, Borland, Bottomline, Bungee Labs, CambrianHouse, Canoo Engineering AG, Cassatt, Cast Iron Systems, Catalyst Resources, Cenzic, CG Principals, Cherry Road Technologies, Chordiant Software, CIGNEX Technologies, Cisco Systems, Cision, Citrix Systems, Claria Corporation, Clearspring, CMS Watch, Codign, Coghead, Cognizant Technology Solutions, ComponentArt, ComponentOne, ConceptSolutions, Conduit Connect, Conference Guru, Coradiant, CoreSpeed, Corizon, Crescendo Networks, Crosscheck Networks, CSS Group, cStar Technologies, CSW Group, Curl, Cynergy Systems, Dassault Systems, DataDirect, Day Software, dCongo, deCarta, Dragonfly Software Solutions, DreamFace Interactive, Dynamic Toolbar DTX, DynaTrace, E*Trade, Edream Solutions, EDS, EffectiveUI, Egnyte, Elastic Path Software, Elementool, eLink Business Innovations, EMC, Encanvas, ESRI, ESRIA, Etelos Systems, etouch, Evans Data Corporation, Ex Machina, Exadel, eXo Platform SAS, exorbyte, Experian, F5 Networks, FAST, Feedback FX, Fig Leaf Software, Fiorano Software, FiveRuns Corporation, Foedus, Foldera, Force10 Networks, Fortify Software, Forum Systems, Fotango, Freewebs, froglogic, Funambol, FundingPost, Fusion Technologies, GemStone Systems, Genuitec, Gizmox, Glassbox, Global Computer Enterprises, GoGrid, Gomez, Google, GreenHat Software, GreenPoint, GroupLink, Groupware Technology, HCL Technologies, Helmi Technologies, Hitachi, HP, Hurox, Hydus, Ibiza Software, IBM, ICEsoft, IDV, idyna TECH, IEEE, ILOG, Impetus, iNetOffice, Infinlogic, Infragistics, Ingres, Inimit Technologies, Innominds Software, Innoopract, Instantiations, Intel, IntelliObjects, Intellium, Interactive Networks, InterSystems, Intuit, IONA, IP Unity, Isomorphic Software, IT Mill, ITtoolbox, Izenda, JackBe, JadeLiquid Software, Jaduka, JasperSoft, Javeline, JBoss, JetBrains, Jive Software, Joomla!, Kaazing, Kapow Technologies, Kasamba, KCSA Worldwide, Keane, Keynote Systems, KNOVE Software, Krugle, Laszlo Systems, Lawson Software, layeredtech, LeapTag, Levanta, Liferay, Lightstreamer, Liobridge, Lombardi Software, Lookout Software, M/Gateway, Mainsoft, Mapsolute, Marathon Technologies, MaxiScale, MB Technologies, Mercury Computer Systems, Metia Software, Microsoft, Midnight Coders, Mindquarry, Mindshare, MindTouch, Molecular, MomentumSI, Murano Software, NDMC, Neocleus, Neotys, Netfective Technology, Netmite, Newput Corporation, Nexaweb, Nextapp, NextAxiom, Nirvanix, Nitobi, Nokia, Northwoods Software, Novell, Novulo, NSIcom, OASIS, ObjectWave, OHM Systems, One Team Technologies, OpenLink Software, OpenLogic, OpenSpot, Openwave Systems, OPNET Technologies, OpSource, Oracle, Originate Labs, OSAF, Parasoft, Passport Corporation, Pathfinder Technologies, Pentaho, Perforce Software, Pervasive Software, Pixsy Corporation, Plaxo, Polaris, Prequent, Primavera Systems, PushToTest, QLogic, Quasar Technologies, Quasidea Development, Quest Software, Racepoint Group, Rackable Systems, Radialpoint, RadView Software, Raining Data Corporation, Real Networks, Reareden Commerence, Recursion Software, Red Hat, Roaring Penguin Software, Roundarch, Salesforce.com, Sandvine, SAP, Saven Technologies, Scalix, Semotus Solutions, Serebrum Software, Servoy, SharpStyle Labs, SkyCom Corporation, SkyFire, Skyway Software, SnapLogic, SOA Software, Sofia Technology, Software AG, Software FX, Software Research, SolovatSoft, Sonic Software, Sonoa Systems, SoonR, Sourcio, SpanStrategies, Splunk, SST, Stampede Technologies, Starcom Worldwide, StartForce, Strangeloop, StreamFoundry, Sugar CRM, Summit Software, Sun Microsystems, Sybase, Tavant Technologies, Telcontar, Tele Atlas, telepark, telerik, Tellme Networks, Tersus Software, ThinkFree, Thinwire, TIBCO, TMP Worldwide, TopQuadrant, TansFirst, Trivera Technologies, UI Foundry, Userplane, Valtech, Value Labs, Venyo, Vertex Logic, Vignette, Virtua, Virtusa, Visible Measures, Visual Mining, VMware, Voxeo, WatchFire, Wavemaker, Web Spiders, WebEx, Webtide, Whizlabs Software, Wily, WorcsNet, Wrike, Wrox, WSO2, Xenos, Xignite, Xucia, Xythos Software, Yahoo, Zapatec, ZCubes, Zimbra, ZOHO and Zoovy.