Called Accenture Technology Vision 2013, the report says that this software-driven dynamic is turning not just business processes but also companies and even entire industries upside-down as cloud computing, social media, business analytics, mobile computing, and security have become primary tools for creating competitive advantage.

FORBES: CEO Survival Guide: How To Win In A Software-Driven World

As of the last annual survey, the three-highest rated priorities for investment from 2012 to 2015 included Analytics and Business Intelligence (BI), Mobile Technologies and Cloud Computing.

FORBES: Connect

Mobile apps combined with the power of cloud computing will allow business intelligence and analytics to become affordable to even the smallest of merchants.

FORBES: Mobile: The Biggest Change To Hit Retailing In 50 Years

Lopez Research believes mobile, cloud computing, big data and analytics will change the quality of information and the pace at which business leaders can make decisions.

FORBES: It's The Year Of The Network

"Acer is partnering with WD to bring advanced notebook performance and capacity in the smallest form factor, " said David Lee, associate vice president of Mobile Computing Product business unit at Acer.

ENGADGET: Western Digital builds 5mm-thick hybrid hard drive, Ultrabook makers sign on early