I have five years' experience as a programmer and systems integrator, mostly on Windows. I'm trying to decide on the next steps to develop my career in IT and have started to look at Java and other Unix technologies. Our company is not taking a firm stand on a technology direction, and I would like to manage my career in the most optimal fashion. There's an IT vendor that gives away a magic eight-ball with answers to your most pressing IT questions. Your best bet is to avoid the psychic route and look into research by some IT trend-spotting firms, such as Gartner Group and Forrester Research.
Some firms offer free report summaries on their Web sites.
Also, look for specialty publications and newsletters that cover the technology areas you're interested in, and do some Internet research. Conduct informational interviews, preferably with people doing the work you're considering. Get the inside scoop on what it's like to work with various technologies from people who have no vested interest in your decision. Consider what would challenge you in a positive way. If you really want to go far in your career, make sure you continue to develop and improve your interpersonal skills.