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Whatever happened to...

May 31, 2003 Jeros link
http://www.misweb.com/magarticle.asp?doc_id=21859&rgid=2&listed_months=0

Whatever happened to...
By Louise Richardson

CIOs are renowned for keeping a sceptical eye on the so-called next big thing. But before you dismiss the latest and greatest innovation, it might be time to take stock of the five great promises of our information age.

Few sectors can match IT when it comes to sensationalism perhaps show business and politics, but not much else. Often, this is the product of concerted marketing campaigns or just an idea that takes hold and is perceived as the next great opportunity or threat. The hype lasts a couple of months and then something else takes its place.

The latest in this long line is cyber-terrorism how a few clever hackers can undo western civilisation and send us back to the dark ages. Even in a climate of post September 11 hysteria that was always nonsense. But some of the promises of the information age have both greater longevity and greater credibility. Two years on from the great tech bust, it's time for a stock-take. How far have we really come and whatever happened to the brave new digital age?