What's Next in Technology?

August 3rd, 2008

Technology's changing Identity

When looking at the latest technologies to come down the pike, I was having difficulty finding that new thing to talk about. While spending some time reviewing the latest technology press, I began to notice that the discussion has not really changed that much. We continue to discuss how to manage business and personal data on computer infrastructure that hasn't really changed that much fundamentally. While we are doing more things with technology, like mobile computing, Internet connectivity, and new forms of gaming, people in the US, Europe, China, etc. are using computers for pretty much the same thing. We just want it faster and more efficient.

Then it hit me that the evolution of technology's role in the world is going to be the next big change. Of the 6 billion people in the world, less than 1 billion are using some form of computer technology. Go even further with some of the basic forms of technology, such as water distribution, electricity, healthcare and you begin to realize that a large portion of those 5 billion people haven't been exposed to advances in those areas as well.

In an expanding global economy, brought on by the advancements in Internet technology which makes the world smaller, the new role of technology will be to bring the entire world the advancements that only a few societies have prospered in.

You already see the movement in this direction by all the major players, such as Microsoft, DELL, Google and others.

There are many ways that the newest forms of technology will impact the globe, but let's just take one example:

• Electricity in developing and 3rd world countries rely heavily on fossil fuels and with fossil fuel prices rising, these countries have not had the money to sustain generation for the entire population. Outages are rising.
• Philanthropic organizations, like Google.org, are working to invest in new forms of renewable energy sources. This form of technology will lower the cost of electricity generation.
• The expanding technologies in Internet distribution will begin to reach these countries on a wider scale. Such technologies improve the business potential, and in turn the likelihood of foreign investment in the communities and the people. As an example, IBM, who was one of the first pioneers in expanding to India for telecommunication and support services, is now considering expansion into Africa. This would not be possible without new forms of Internet connectivity to allow VoIP and data transfer.
• 4) As a result of foreign investment, more global economy funds begin to reach these areas that have been largely ignored. With the lower costs brought on by renewable energy, these countries can utilize these new funds to expand water and healthcare services.

What's next with technology? Technology for everybody.

We are already seeing the effects of this. 120 nations around the globe reported economic growth over the past 2 years. Nations that have been suffering for years in stalled economies.

In the US and other modern civilizations, technology will continue to play the same role as in the past. Faster, sleeker, and cooler. It will continue to bring a daily buzz. Just take a moment to consider that while the technology is making your life a little bit easier and efficient, the advancements that are coming down the pike are going to have an impact greater than any of us can imagine. Our demand for newer and faster technology is driving the industry to find new ways to do things, which in turn are going to improve the standard of living for those not on the grid today. It should be a wild adventure, one which will be a pleasure to watch evolve.