Go back about sixty years to an RCA shareholders meeting, when the CEO first announced that they invented a new product which would bring them millions and millions of dollars....TELEVISION.
The best argument for the growth of the Internet comes from its benefits to businesses. John Sidgmore said BtoB is expected to reach anywhere from $1.3 trillion to $4 trillion by 2003. (Giga Group is at the high end.) By 2001 5% of all business will be transacted over the Internet. By 2004, it will be 2/3. "Access to the Internet changes the cost structure of doing business," he says. "Its ubiquitous nature allows access to customers, suppliers, and employees. This changes all models. It is impossible to see the industry slowing down short or long term. . ."
Now, having said this, I find it interesting that most speakers, or writers for that matter, spend a lot of time justifying the Internet based on individual usage --- streaming video, music, shopping, and so on --- when, indeed, if none of these ever materialized beyond what they are today, the Internet would still grow at astounding rates. Simply put, businesses who do not take advantage of the efficiencies afforded them by the Internet will not be able to compete and eventually won't exist.
Pat |
