Our frequent guest blogger, Atul Salgaonkar of RFID Solutions, points me to this just-released ABI Research report "What Isn't Going To Happen in 2005" (complimentary registration required).

The report projects that RFID will not be disruptive in 2005 and the action will center on planning RFID projects. I quote this short snippet from the report:

"Entire enterprises and global supply chains will NOT be rebuilt by RFID in 2005RFID technology continues to make steady, progressive headway into consumer goods and retail deployments. 2004 was a banner year for new product releases, service offerings, and overall market education. The RFID market is steadily growing and offers loads of promise as the first iteration of intelligent sensor networks. However, the technology has a long way to go to make a measurable difference within its adopters' supply chains and all will not be answered in 2005.

If 2004 was the year of technology advancement, discussion, and frustration, 2005 will be the year business process adaptation dominates RFID planning and discussions."

Read the whole report. It also talks about the delay caused by the "Intermec IP filibuster." And it covers other technologies too -- definitely worth a read.

As Atul points out, the piece seems a little cautious, as far as RFID is concerned.

But look on the bright side: this year's lack of progress is next year's opportunity. There is plenty of work to go around and will be for years to come.