CIO recently published its predictions for 10 trends in 2010. Chief among the "good news" is that expectations are that the market for outsourcing in 2010 will improve with the general economic recovery. However, trends expected for 2010 may alter the landscape for both customers and providers.

Among the most interesting of the cited trends is that multi-sourcing seems to be waning as a practical approach. While it makes a huge amount of sense, theoretically, it turns out that juggling multiple providers can be a challenge (except for the most commoditized of services).

Another interesting trend is the effect of the weak dollar. On-shore US locations, particularly in economically distressed areas, are beginning to look like relative bargains compared to other markets. This will likely be particularly true for public sector outsourcing, where U.S.-based solutions are likely to get preferential treatment.

Now that 2009 is almost behind us (good riddance), many are looking at 2010 with cautious optimism. So maybe it's time to sit back and let 2009 slip into the history book.

Happy New Year!