IT leaders with an eye on the economy may be wondering how their industries are expected to do this year. According to business intelligence researcher IBIS, VoIP subscription growth will boost service provider revenue. In contrast, mortgage and loan brokers are not likely to expand their staffs.

IBISWorld forecasts VoIP providers to grow 24.3% this year. You likely know the benefits VoIP brings to your network, and the cost advantages are one reason why business and consumer VoIP services are on the upswing. The company expects Vonage to become profitable for the first time this quarter.

Next, the ethanol industry is driving a robust outlook for corn. Not surprisingly, soaring fuel prices are boosting the need for mining, oil and gas machinery manufacturing.

On the techie side, Web search portals are expected to grow 13.4% this year. Internet advertising is on the rise and broadband penetration continues to grow, IBISWorld notes.

Health and the environment are other hot sectors, with biotech advances needed to support an aging U.S. population. And a focus on the environment calls for biofuels and environmental consulting services. Rising mortgage delinquencies spurred by the sub-prime mortgage bust may bring rosy times for collection agencies as well.

While the above industries are hot, five industries are flopping. They include military armored vehicle and tank manufacturing; chicken egg production; emergency and other relief services; truck, trailer and motor home manufacturing; and metal ore mining.

Amy Schurr is the former managing features editor of Network World.