Apple was a catalyst for a lot in 2009, but there are some trends the software giant can’t take credit for:

•  New “wholesale” markets like CDN and mobile backhaul emerging as hot growth areas
•  Network equipment vendors overnight turning into outsourced network operators
•  DPI and policy entering the network in a big way – adding intelligence to the network
•  Vertical solution areas – most notably smart grids – emerging as key driver of network growth
•  The acceleration of 4G

The great android v. Apple debate after the break… more

The “Google-Phone” — now officially dubbed the Nexus One — looks to be announced next week in partnership with T-Mobile — the Web is adrift with news and rumors, including look-and-feel, availability and even pricing. Here’s our best take on what this important milestone means:

more

Justified or not, the bad economy was everyone’s favorite scapegoat in 2009:

•  The fact that service providers can’t out-innovate Web and media companies when it comes to content and applications.
•  That you didn’t make your sales quote or Wall Street guidance – and your competitor did (there are still good and bad employees and companies, even in a downturn)
•  Apple can sell smartphones despite the economy, yet no one else can sell them because of it

More after the break, including our readers’ responses… more