Because of this, we seldom take the time to reflect, and in turn we often lose sight of the fact that technology is but one facet of our lives, a tool to be harnessed and to serve us, rather than the reverse. Here we present some of our thoughts and those of several authorities about what lies on the horizon. In the four sections, we look a mere three to five years ahead--though in Internet time, that can be viewed as an epoch.
E-BUSINESS
In only five years, bleary-eyed, cubicle-sleeping technologists, working side-by-side with a new breed of hypercompetitive entrepreneur, have forever changed how business works.
A glimpse at which new technologies will soon bring more sweeping change in e-business shows that the pace of development continues to accelerate.
INTERNET TECHNOLOGIESÃ,Â
Pervasive. That is what the Internet has become. And yet it remains in its infancy. From a simple conveyor of e-mail and text files to an amazing delivery system for many types of content to a multifaceted tool for business--such is the short evolution already completed. What awaits us?
INFRASTRUCTURE
The next big thing in communications infrastructure is cheap and fast wireless connection anywhere, and we'll get it within a few years. Wireless connectivity and other major developments in wireless are moving fast.
But change doesn't happen without pain.
COMPUTING
Over the next few years, we'll see many new technology developments that will significantly increase processor speeds. We'll also see a rise in pervasive computing. The continued advancement in chips and microprocessors will drive computing innovation.
