The author states than in the universe we live in, everything is connected to everything else. Living beings are
in a state of constant communication with each other. We cannot carry out our lives without processing loads and loads of information. And we are increasingly coming to depend on applications that store, interpret and make use of this information.
But what does all of this mean? It means that the micro world (the world of atoms and molecules) and the macro world (the everyday world we live in) are increasing being linked by information technology. To cite a popular example, all thecontents of Encyclopedia Brittanica can be stored on the head of a pin! At the macro level, it means that any information that is available anywhere is simultaneously available everywhere – through the internet. It also means that information, that was once the preserve of a privileged class of people, is now available universally.
The falling costs of information in this, the information age, has social and economic consequences. In third world countries, the cell phone has given a right to be heard to those people who were previously without a voice. Individuals harness this technology not only for the power it gives, but for the freedom it confers on them.
Just like any other technology, this technology too can be used for both good and evil. In the hands of terrorists, it can be a deadly menace. But that is not sufficient reason to shun this, or any other technology. Nor could we turn the clock on progress, even if we wanted to. On the contrary, we must find the means to live and prosper in the brave new world that we have created…
It is just not sufficient to understand computers, the author seems to be saying. We must understand the role of computers (and information technology) with regards to the world we live in. We must understand how information technology is helping to transform this world. Subroto Bagchi, the author of this piece, is co-founder of MindTree Consulting, and has also authored a best selling book.