Declining Communication And Info Technology Costs:
Increased dependence on Comm. Tech.- new economy
uses computers and micro-chips.
Increased competitiveness- new economy gives 'edge'
to those with greatest supply, processing, and distribution efficiency.
Increased Inter-connectedness- eg. 'Just in time
manufacturing' needs rapid communication and coordination between suppliers,
'consumers,' and manufacturing backlog.
Increasing spread of Comm. Tech- greater market
'speed' and interdependence means even more need for comm. technology.
Positive feedback loop.
Better Access to:
Competitors and Idea Providers- what are they
doing and how can we work with (collaboration) or against (competition)
them. How to find out and get access to the best in new techniques.
Resources and Suppliers- how to get good quality
inputs quickly, reliably, and at low cost.
Customers- how to find out what targeted
groups want, need, or might want, how much they might pay, how they are
changing. Declining mass audience and increased customization.
The Network Society- Dispersion and Integration
of Companies
WANs- Wide Area Networks- stable and private (cf.
Reading)
LANs- Local Area Networks- quick and open (cf.
Reading)
Intranet- A private network using 'Internet' protocols.
Space of Flows- Money goes where it is treated
well.
The need for standards and interconnection
When do standards need to be set? Market vs. State
Politics of Standards- Who will the standards
favor?
Politics of Connectivity- Who will have the services?