CONVERGENCE & INTERNET 3.x Overview Convergence Internet 3.x Intelligent Systems & Environment One key element in the emerging situation: meta data systems such as XML are used to objectify and describe digital information. The resulting environment is intelligent and called the Semantic Web by one of its creators, Tim Berners-Lee. He suggests, "A new form of Web content...meaningful to computers will unleash a revolution of new possibilities." Chief among the possibilities is that people connect more directly in plain language through a network of networks that operate across media, time, space & organizational boundaries. People and their systems gain access to an ever-present range and depth of knowledge, tools and resources. Promising new systems such as the Groove Networks platform can augment existing networks or stand alone to enable a distinctly decentralized process for communication between peers. Servers become just one of potentially many participants in peer-to-peer (P2P) communication; edge-based computing and distributed systems for collaboration. System features: computer resources and connections are matched to individual need. Intelligent individuals are equipped with technology rich in features (fat clients) and services, such as network based agents. Lead investors: Microsoft launched the .NET strategy to deliver software services to the individual based on their profile, rather than placing software on a particular machine. The company plans to introduce P2P capabilities into Windows1. It has also invested in Groove Networks. Cross-media communication is enabled by such languages as Sun's Juxtapose (JXTA), the step beyond Java and Jini. Intel produces computer processors for embedded communications and leads a Peer-to-Peer initiative. The potential result of new network design is more efficient use of communication resources, improved productivity and opportunity for participation. Recognizing an environment of peers, these systems enable new levels of affordability and quality in service and intelligence because network resources are localized around individual users and contributors. More and more: Information & mutlimedia communication flows across broadening digital and wireless channels to individually addressable devices as we approach communication anywhere anytime of any kind. File sharing by peers or the exchange of intellectual products can benefit participants in terms of access to linked resources while they contribute to the value of the network by working with it and others. This scenario was exemplified by Napster. In an intelligent environment, competitive advantage goes to those who can leverage the functionality of networks for use as a flexible and extensible operating and service system. Furthermore, an enterprise can transform its balance sheet by mapping its sources and uses of virtual resources to reflect and sustain, if not grow, its chosen niche. Bottomline: growing opportunity in our environment to match emerging technology to the needs of emerging business, growing enterprise and our economy in the process. EngineX  can help. We translate possibilities into profitable reality through application of collective knowledge and relevant methodologies. Contact networks@enginex.com.   Intelligent (n.): understanding, knowledge, and comprehension; the exchange of news, information and knowledge.     Leading Views Groove Networks The Microsoft .NET Initiative 1 Report of P2P in Windows Sun JXTA Intel Embedded Communications Technology News     (c) 1996-2002 EngineX. TOP . All Rights Reserved EngineX | Contact | EngineXNews  | Services  |  About Us  |  Terms of Use |  Join Us