Washington, January 1 : Technology freaks may get to read about green IT, an extension for Windows XP, greater Linux adoption, and more open mobile networks during 2008.

Forecasts by the InfoWorld website suggest that Microsoft may announce an extension for Windows XP availability somewhere at the end of the year.

Many other companies had recently postponed their plans to switch to Vista. Experts believe that the migration from Windows XP to Vista will remain to be slow for at least the first half of 2008.

Another major happening on the forecast is the greening of IT, which signifies making data-centres and offices environmentally friendly. Efforts will be made to persuade people to shun extravagant lifestyles, so as to protect the planet as well as their budgets.

The European Union will be the main governmental force behind pushing green regulations in 2008.

People may also see more open mobile networks this year, which will increasingly offer Wi-Fi and a plethora of location-based services. Media content, search, social networks, shopping, and a variety of services will all be standard parts of the mobile network experience.

Linux is once again on the IT forecast, with predictions showing that it will make major inroads into the enterprise as well as in government IT. Jim Zemlin, the president of the Linux Foundation, says that he sees 2008 as a "really interesting, breakthrough year for Linux."

There are also predictions suggesting that social networking may invade corporations by year's end, with services like the Salesforce. com offering salespeople a platform to share leads and information. Social networking websites may become a vital part of almost all kinds of companies.

With social networking sites seeping into business, sorting out privacy issues will become a top priority, and this may give rise to new legislations and regulations.

The predictions also suggest that the views of the next US President will not directly affect IT, though presidential views regarding the use of technology have certainly had an effect in recent years. (ANI)