Embrace the Swarm (Ch. 1)

Embrace the Swarm

Kevin Kelly explains in chapter 1 that speed in which computers
are being connected and data is being processed relates directly
to the concept of the new economy. The size of silicon chips and
it’s various uses are growing at a significant pace. The increasing
number of uses for logical data in everyday life is staggering.
Everything is being connected to everything. Desktop computers
are quickly becoming obsolete. Stand alone data is being replaced
with swarms of information that is being processed through high
speed networks, hence the network economy. The new economy
came about by exploiting and exploring the power of decentralized
and autonomous networks. The more that this networking
succeeds, the less we notice it. New technologies are becoming
transparent in everyday life. Real-time applications utilize this
swarm of data to the point where it is hardly noticed. Small amounts
of information can become more if we learn to embrace the swarm.

The World Is Flat

Thomas Friedman’s book “The World Is Flat” suggests that information
technology and the speed with which it is changing creates a leveling
effect for large and small business. This implies that having access
to online data for knowledge-based companies can lead to a creation
of competitive advantage. This is a global phenomenon that evolves
around different cultures, religions, educational backgrounds and languages.
Individuals can increase their market value by becoming familiar with
the multiple information systems devices. Creating a web page for a
business helps them to have a global voice which enhances their ability
to provide goods and services more effectively. If smaller companies
think in this “global” manner then they level the playing field with
larger companies. Information sharing is the key to growing a
business in today’s competitive environment.

Greg Burrow