Article October 9, 2000 Issue

Invention and innovation

Technology—a powerful servant

By John L. Selover

Did he say three percent?" "Yes," my friend quietely confirmed. The speaker was Sean Maloney, senior vice president of Intel Corporation, in his keynote at the Internet World 2000 Conference in Los Angeles last spring. The 3 percent he mentioned is what we are presently using of the potential of the Internet or World Wide Web. Moreover, he predicted that the Web would soon be three things: wireless, always on, and have infinite bandwidth.

Such bold statements have implications far beyond my present (and probably future) need for comprehension. But they are nonetheless provocative and promising.

It is becoming increasingly necessary for me to know the Web better, and not to be afraid or intimidated by it. In spite of its amazing power and potential, it is a servant, not a master.

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