Collaboration can best be achieved when things are interconnected like they are via internet. The specialised activities can be done at selective places and can be distributed easily using internet. For example, after google spreadsheet came into existence, many users of spreadsheet packaged software would not need the latter especially if they are not power users.
This change from laptop to webtop is possible due to 24/7 fast internet connections, which are becoming faster and faster. Internet phones, radio stations are quite common. 100 Mbps internet connection is becoming common in Japan (for less than Rupees 2,000/- per month) which is the speed of local networks. Days are not far when large size internet video becomes common too. When this happens TV business may struggle as via internet the user can choose better what he/she wants to watch.
All that is required in future is specialised service providers providing services via internet (like movies, music, word processor, image processor etc.). There won't be any need to have anything in the personal computer except an operating system and internet connection.
The future of internet based companies and ideas looks very bright. The future looks like belonging to Google. Microsoft still is going to play a vital part of everyday life for most but perhaps not as vital as it used to be as Microsoft Office may go out of business and some people are going to switch to Linux/Mac as it becomes easier to switch.
If fixed phone services are to survive, they will have to start offering broadband and the 24/7 phone (if possible). Nobody likes wires, but due to electromagnetic radiations the wireless world could be a problem.
Many office buildings are not required especially those in service industry as people can as effectively work from home using collaboration tools.
Finally, a webtop is an office providing collaboration, a TV/radio providing entertainment, a software provider, a telephone, a videophone, a shop, a bank, a bill payer and the list goes on and on.
This change from laptop to webtop is possible due to 24/7 fast internet connections, which are becoming faster and faster. Internet phones, radio stations are quite common. 100 Mbps internet connection is becoming common in Japan (for less than Rupees 2,000/- per month) which is the speed of local networks. Days are not far when large size internet video becomes common too. When this happens TV business may struggle as via internet the user can choose better what he/she wants to watch.
All that is required in future is specialised service providers providing services via internet (like movies, music, word processor, image processor etc.). There won't be any need to have anything in the personal computer except an operating system and internet connection.
The future of internet based companies and ideas looks very bright. The future looks like belonging to Google. Microsoft still is going to play a vital part of everyday life for most but perhaps not as vital as it used to be as Microsoft Office may go out of business and some people are going to switch to Linux/Mac as it becomes easier to switch.
If fixed phone services are to survive, they will have to start offering broadband and the 24/7 phone (if possible). Nobody likes wires, but due to electromagnetic radiations the wireless world could be a problem.
Many office buildings are not required especially those in service industry as people can as effectively work from home using collaboration tools.
Finally, a webtop is an office providing collaboration, a TV/radio providing entertainment, a software provider, a telephone, a videophone, a shop, a bank, a bill payer and the list goes on and on.