Some interesting reading - http://www.nojitter.com/blog/archives/2009/01/microsoft_gurde.html
I would love to hear your take on this. I'll provide my predictions later.
I am new to this group but I will offer my predictions on this subject.
There is always a large need for conferencing in multiple parties to save on travel costs - UC should be instrumental and will be a high growth area.
In manufacturing most of the plants no longer have an IT staff but either rely on corporate or out-sourced IT. UC will be a large aid since many activities can be addressed without taking down or over the Web or DB server.
#2 I believe the opposite. More mergers/acq/etc. due to poor economic times and future positioning.
#10 We are doing a project now where Field Service will be handled mostly through UC and I see this trend growing very fast since costs are going up of travel/hotels/meals and budgets being cut due to economic conditions. UC also can aid the customer since many issues can be handled now verses waiting for a mechanic to show up on site.
Just my opinion... :-)