While we're watching to for signs of whether the economy will grow more quickly or slide back into recession, Forbes contributor Joe McKendrick suggests we watch new technology platforms for signs of recovery.  And he says the new platforms "tilt the scales" in favor of entrepreneurs (and consumers) for the following reasons:

1) Technology platforms offer new recruiting and employment tools.

2) Technology platforms offer entrepreneurial resources

3) Technology platforms offer access to capital

4) Technology platforms offer economic boosts for distressed communities or regions

5) Technology platforms offer access to new innovation

Read Five Ways Cloud, Social and Mobile Technologies are Lifting Our Economy here.