| Jim Edwards - All Rights reserved | | | | |
| | | | I now doubt that more traditional functions |
| -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- | | | | like this will adopt video conferencing. |
| | | | |
| Most people making predictions about the | | | | The "little guy" will get completely |
| future never face accountability for their | | | | swallowed up by big business? NO. |
| erroneous or vague forecasts. | | | | |
| | | | Enhancements in technology will allow |
| "Experts" predict future developments, | | | | creative and innovative companies to compete |
| especially online, and only follow up if they | | | | on a scale with enormous companies. |
| happen to hit correctly. | | | | |
| | | | New ideas, innovations and the ability to |
| I, however, will gladly hold myself | | | | bring them to market quickly through powerful |
| accountable for the following forecast of | | | | online channels will dictate the initial |
| exciting developments that will revolutionize | | | | success or failure in business. |
| use of the Internet for all of us within the | | | | |
| next twelve to thirty six months. | | | | However, once the business gets established, |
| | | | the "little guy" will always lose to the |
| Entertainment | | | | "business" that operates like a business. |
| | | | |
| Download movies through your computer? YES. | | | | Companies large and small learned how to |
| | | | market online correctly in the last few |
| With more than 50% of all online access in | | | | years, so now long-term success directly |
| the U.S. now at broadband speed, the | | | | relates to the ability to operate like a |
| infrastructure for downloading movies exists. | | | | business, not a "lone gun" operating from an |
| Combine that with the availability of cheap | | | | Internet connection in a spare room. |
| CD- burners, TiVo, and portable players like | | | | |
| the new Sony PSP, and all the ingredients now | | | | Social |
| exist for movies on-demand over the Internet. | | | | |
| | | | An increasing feeling of loneliness and |
| Live performances by famous and unknown | | | | isolation for people who work online? YES. |
| artists? YES. | | | | |
| | | | It rates much easier for people to retreat |
| Emerging talents will get "discovered" by the | | | | into a "virtual" world, filled with virtual |
| popular culture through live broadcasts, | | | | friends and relationships, than to face |
| "Podcasting" and other "events" over the | | | | reality in the offline world. |
| Internet. | | | | |
| | | | I think this trend of psychic disconnect will |
| "Podcasting" in particular will drive the | | | | continue until people realize they need a |
| social network effect of people passing along | | | | balance of offline friends and interests too. |
| new music and content to friends. | | | | |
| | | | Three general developments will drive this |
| Business | | | | next wave of technological innovation: |
| | | | faster, cheaper computer processors; |
| True freedom and mobility through video | | | | increased access to broadband Internet; and |
| conferencing? NO. | | | | cheap data storage devices with huge |
| | | | capacity. |
| About 3 years ago, I predicted that | | | | |
| individuals providing personal services such | | | | I also think one of the most important |
| as bookkeeping, accounting, writing, computer | | | | developments to watch in the next year |
| programming or other consulting functions | | | | involves any portable device that allows the |
| would use inexpensive and highly portable | | | | user to take digital media with them. |
| video conferencing access and equipment to | | | | |
| provide face-to-face personal interaction. | | | | In particular, portable MP3 players and |
| | | | portable digital video players, present the |
| I was wrong. People have discovered that, | | | | most exciting and explosive possibilities for |
| with some things, it's just plain easier to | | | | growth. |
| pick up the phone and talk to someone. | | | | |