Perhaps it may seem contradictory, but even in these rough economic times, innovation and invention continue to rise. Mark O’Connor, of Lampert, O’Connor & Johnston, P.C., has a few thoughts about the changes in the technological landscape he’d like to share.

Now, businesses have been cautious, since a single bad purchase can doom at least a few employees. He’s noticed companies making purchases and decisions about legal advice on more constrained budgets, although in-house legal counsel has been a primary source of advice.

In order to prepare for the future, he advises close examination.

“Examine the efficacy, privacy and security of cloud computing, including for federal and state functions,” O’Connor suggested. “For tech companies, it will also be important to consider what licensed and unlicensed wireless spectrum will become available by the FCC (News - Alert) in the coming years for the deployment of new wireless technologies.”

Speaking of legality, it will be interesting to see what effects the Apple-Samsung (News - Alert) patent case will have on the technology market. He believes we will have to watch and see if other courts follow the example set by it, as it can have a huge impact on the design and creation of new technology.

If it reaches the point where it prevents innovation due to excluding competition, that spells bad news for everyone.

As it is now, innovation has not been stopped. O’Connor is personally looking forward to the Google (News - Alert) glasses once they become readily available, and is also interested in 3D televisions that don’t require those annoying 3D glasses. There’s also the rise of smartphone payments through mobile wallet capabilities, which he thinks will become very convenient in the future, but as they are now still have too many issues.

It’s clear, though, that the world is changing due to technology. The presidential campaigns, for instance, are using social media to help raise funds and get their messages out.

“On the substantive side,” O’Connor added, “technology issues have made their way onto both the Democratic and Republican platforms. Both parties support an Open Internet, minimal government regulation and cyber-security reform.”

As for his own predictions, O’Connor feels technology will address the relationship between humans and machines in new ways. “As we see already, mobile payments and banking are changing consumers’ relationships with shops and vendors, and will continue to do so,” he said. “I think this trend will continue to have a heavy impact on the fields of education and entertainment in the near future.”

Mark O’Connor will be at the upcoming ITEXPO (News - Alert), where he looks forward to meeting new people and seeing the newest in technology demonstrated. His session will discuss the FCC’s roll-out of broadband, particularly the universal service fund programs and costs, and the impact they will have on businesses and consumers.

To find out more about Mark O’Connor and his firm, visit the company at ITEXPO Austin 2012. Happening now at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX, ITEXPO is the world’s premier IP communications event. O’Connor is speaking at the session, Universal Upheaval: USF Restructuring and Its Impact on Communications Providers. For more information on ITEXPO Austin 2012, click here.