For the fourth consecutive year, ABI Research puts a different twist on the traditional December activity of surveying the year just past and speculating about what the new one will bring, with a white paper titled "What’s Isn’t Going to Happen in 2009." The paper is available for free download from the company's website.

Given the global recession, lots of things won't happen in 2009, of course. So ABI Research's analysts focused on several of the company's core areas of expertise, including mobile marketing and mobile banking, near-field communication, digital media, IPTV, transportation, navigation and location based services, mobile phones and mobile telecoms, intellectual property, Wi-Fi, WiMAX and other networks, with a special look at Asia.

Any contrarian look at what won’t happen naturally sheds light on what might. While many markets are undeniably in turmoil, there are opportunities as well as challenges, and surprising bright spots amid the gloom.

Will mobile marketing hit the big time? No; but the mobile Internet is powering ahead and creating a foundation for the future.

Will IPTV replace traditional broadcast TV? Absolutely not. But some markets are robust and some providers are prospering.

Will the “location industry” get lost? No: in fact 2009’s climate may have a bracing effect in the longer term.

With its mix of expert opinion, informed assessments, and wry humor, "What’s Not Going to Happen in 2009" makes for a lively and informative read.