The Convergence Zone

Seems to me, lately, that a lot of people have ideas that are converging on a pretty clear view of what the future will be like. And, unlike the experimental prototype community of tomorrow (EPCOT, yes?), we have a pretty clear understanding of the near future trends. Having recently read, and reviewed in this blog, _The World Is Flat_ by Tom Friedman, and having talked trends all week last week with Jim Pinto and Frank Williams and others, I was really primed for another new book. _Inescapable Data, Harnessing the Power of Convergence_ is a brand new book out of IBM Press (http://www.phptr.com/ibmpress), by Chris Stakutis and John Webster. Stakutis is the IBMer, CTO for emerging storage software. Webster is founder and Senior Analyst for Data Mobility Group, a TLA consultant based in Boston (jeez, aren't they all based in Boston?). Stakutis and Webster have seized on the idea that the ubiquity of data changes everything in our culture and our lives. I think that their basic thesis is correct, and the examples they talk about are fascinating and mind-expanding. From the back of the book blurb: "You'll also gain deep insight into the profound implications of ubiquitous data capture; implications that touch everything from your bedroom to the battlefield: --The emerging "Connectivity Divide"...Which side of the chasm are you on? --Inescapable data's technical components: Async communications, pervasive computing devices, wireless and XML --Global calendars, momentary enterprises: Transforming your life and business --Uncontrolled information availability: Its risks to your security and well-being --The future of technical infrastructure: grids, smart storage and beyond --Radical new modes of information delivery: nonnumeric, nontextual, unobtrusive --Future tech: from holographic displays to fertility 'wall clocks' --Your DNAS on a chip: the heart of your personal health and wellness program." As I get deeper into the book, I'm going to talk about their findings, their theories, and my reaction and opinion to each of them. Already I think this book is worth the $30 they want for it. So, buy it already, read it, and then join in the discussion.