Game Changing Technology
by Ed Duncan, Consultant, SBSC, MCTS, MCSE, MCSA
There have been advances in computer technology that are game changers; advances so important that they have changed the way we live, do our jobs, and function in society. Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest recent computer technology breakthroughs, how they’ve changed us, and what influence they will have in the future.
Graphical User Interface / Mouse
If there is a great divide in the timeline of computer history, it would have to be how we used computers before “windows” technology and after. Before “windows” technology computers were pretty boring (except to geeks like me). Monitor displays were dull with monochrome colors (various shades of green or orange) with just lines of commands that were entered and generated output which was also mainly lines of text. Basic graphics and color displays gradually entered the market, but no real breakthroughs came until the early 1980’s when Apple computers gave us the Macintosh. Computers entered the “point-and-click” era where learning to use one was simplified and made easy. ”Windows” technology has been around ever since greatly impacting nearly every industry from manufacturing to movie making. The mouse, a requirement to “point-and-click” has also enjoyed longevity with various designs over the years. The mouse remains strong while other hardware peripherals of its era like the dot matrix printer, floppy disks, and tape backup drives have faded away. The mouse has evolved to include other input interfaces such as the pen and stylus, mouse pointers, and synaptic touchpads that are on many laptops. The future of the mouse is uncertain though as touch screens, and voice-controlled computers continue to emerge.
The Internet / Modems-Routers
No single computer technology has had more impact than the Internet. Before Internet access was made generally available to everyone, computers were isolated and networked computers only existed in the government, colleges & universities, and mid to large sized businesses. Information sharing before the Internet was mailing or faxing documents to your collaborating party. Midsize to small companies could only conduct business locally or regionally. Now the Internet makes it possible to communicate with and attract customers from all over the world.
To get on the Internet though you need a device to connect your computer to the rest of the world. Years ago that required a modem which allowed you to use the existing phone line in your home or business. There was a time when a 56k modem was considered breakthrough technology because it was the fastest affordable device to the average user, but of course that was greatly shattered by advances in routers and broadband technology. There are portions of the country where broadband is not available, so those people must still rely on dial up modems for Internet access. I believe we’ve just scratched the surface at how fast we’ll be able to operate on the Internet, and as speeds get faster, the way we conduct business, socialize, and communicate will also change.
Wireless Communication
Wireless technology has probably been the most popular advancement to date. With wireless technology, we’ve removed the leash from computers and are able to work and get on the Internet anywhere a wireless signal is available. To start a business it’s no longer necessary to run cables and wires all over the office. It’s possible to setup a completely wireless office, including wireless printers and copiers. There are some security hurdles to address before it can be considered completely safe, as well as the speed continues to lag behind wired communication, but don’t expect those deficiencies to last very long because great improvements on this front are introduced every year.
Smartphones
The advancements in smartphone technology are far out accelerating the advancements in other forms of computer technology. Just look at what smartphones are capable of doing now compared to what they could do just a few years ago. Many smartphones can perform some of the same tasks that our computers can do, and being portable makes them more convenient.
The impact of smartphones in society has been so great that there are laws in some states curtailing their reckless use. For example, many states ban texting while driving, taking pictures or recording someone without their consent, or installing apps to track another person’s movement without their permission.
If we want to know where smartphone technology is headed we only have to look at what they’re doing in Japan. Among many of tasks that we do here, smartphones there are also used to conduct business transactions. Phones run apps that allow people to pay for nearly everything from groceries to public transportation. In business, some phones are capable of showing presentations, can interface with CRM applications, or manage systems while out of the office.
Virtualization/Cloud Computing
Midsize to large businesses have known the benefits of virtualization for a few years now, particularly the cost savings. Now small businesses are starting to realize the cost benefits of virtualization too as software vendors develop virtual software solutions for the SMB market. Add services that run over the cloud and we’re seeing a shift to a computing environment with little or no servers in-house and few computers as well. Employees will be allowed to bring in their own personal laptops and connect to a virtual desktop that has all the business applications required for them to do their jobs. The cost savings for businesses will be tremendous as companies no longer have to deal with large internal IT support staff and costs associated with maintaining a data center, including power and cooling.
Ed Duncan is President & CEO of Duncan Technologies and has over 15 years experience in IT consulting, systems integration, and systems administration, with a focus on IT infrastructure for small to midsize businesses. He can be reached at edduncan@duncantechinc.com.