The only constant is change.
Software developers face constant change and seem to thrive on it.
But that's only change within the framework of a familiar world. When the change is fundamental, from DOS to Windows, or desktops to the Web, resistance might lead to casualties, and leaders might fall behind the pack of newcomers, with new opportunities consequently arising. So, the move to a world where the software platform becomes the service-driven network, where the desktop becomes a swarm of software, devices, and networks, and where the number of concurrent users changes from hundreds to millions, is certain to challenge the most hardened geek or enterprising enterprise developer. To thrive today and be ready for tomorrow, a developer needs to know which of today's technologies are rock solid and which are built on sand. Others are simply sand, temporary and possibly dangerous expedients that will soon pass by.