CHENNAI : Technology forecasting is a bit like playing Russian roulette. Get it right, you are a genius. Get it wrong ... well, just make sure you don't get it wrong.

So when Leonard Brody, Canadian venture capitalist and author lists his top 10 technology forecasts for 2006, he double checks with reference to India.

"The beginning of the end of traditional media," he says only to add after a pause, "it seems to be not the case only here [India]".

Mr. Brody was speaking at a presentation on "Technology update and future trends — The Canadian perspective" organised by the South India Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Consulate of Canada. The venture capitalist has been involved with several success stories of technology firms in Canada, including Onvia Canada. Currently, Mr. Brody is the co-CEO and a director of NowPublic, an online venture specialising in citizen journalism (We Media) and aspiring to become a news agency. So naturally, he is gung-ho about blogging and envisions a time where blogs compete strongly with established news web sites for internet traffic. Future technologies, according to the Canadian entrepreneur, will be mainly for the mobile platform. "Early adapters to technology have already shown a movement towards mobile technologies. As more people move towards online technologies, terror networks will also be targeting the cyber space."

2006 could be the year of widespread acceptance of VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). "In Denmark, VOIP calls have already overtaken voice calls over traditional phone lines. This year the trend will spread to the rest of the world."

Mr. Brody pitched in strongly for Canada as a business destination, saying entrepreneurs in Canada could tap the huge consumer base of North America and yet enjoy the benefits of Canada's low tax rates and quality labour.

Bill Norton of International Trade Canada invited entrepreneurs to set up bases in Canada. Those interested can log on to www.investincanada.gc.ca for more details. Canadian Consul and Trade Commissioner in Chennai, W.G. McEwen, said entrepreneurs could visit the Consulate for details.

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