Here Comes Everybody

HERE COMES EVERYBODYVS

EVERYTHING WIRED MUST CONVERGE

Michelle WallsDigital Media Economics, Fall 2009

What are the key points?

Clay Shirky, 2008 The power of organizations

Christopher Elliot, 1997 Importance of network convergence““

When we change the way we

communicate, we change society.

“

“Convergence…will change the ways in which business is

conducted.

What is network convergence? In 1997 it included the thought to

connect: Electronic commerce Direct marketing Logistics Inventory control Internal management systems Reach customers as if they were on the

company’s network

What does Elliot Predict?

A business strategy will require an “understanding of a company’s communication needs…[and] nature of network convergence.”

Building business networks will never be complete until there is instantaneous communication.

Private networks are already beginning to look like the public Internet.

The Internet will continue to dominate. Linking departments (HR, marketing) is the next logical

step. Rise of the Supernet. Rise of branded networks, that people

pay for. Email will start to replace traditional

mailrooms, and make some jobs obsolete.

What were the benefits of this? Better customer support because all

internal networks are all connected. Inventory management is streamlined on

the companies website. Supernet will have security and access

issues fixed in the Intranet. Extranets, or secure tunnels between

networks.

Where do Shirky and Elliot Meet? Branded networks are important. Advancing technology will change

organizations. Investing in networks is important. We still have a lot to learn about

networks and organizations.

Discussion Questions

Are we at a place where a network/Internet is infinite? Is communication instantaneous?

Looking at the proposed benefits of network convergence in an Intranet, did we find these benefits worth it? Do we have the same issues today still?

What are considered branded networks today?