Convergent

Technologies
APIT 268 Web and Media Technologies
Fall 2008

Preparatory Set for in-class session: Objective 1

Narration by: BNapoli

What is convergent technologies?

What technologies enable convergence?

Internet

Example: iPod (hardware)

iTunes (music)
has the whole distribution
channel: e-commerce, sell,
share .

Satellite

Example: GPS
satellite-based navigation
system made up of a
network of 24 satellites
placed into orbit

Wireless

Example: in-home
purely wireless,
information and data
is pushed around
via a router

Combined technologies that enable convergence?

Cell phone with GPS

Google Earth

What is driving convergent technologies?

First and foremost

The proliferation of digital data
This provides a common base for handling diverse types of
information numbers, words, pictures, video, etc. using similar
devices, processing techniques and media.

What is driving convergent technologies?

Second
Widespread connectivity
Widespread connectivity helps to bring diverse information
together. It extends the value and capabilities of a device
beyond its out-of-the-box functionality.

What is driving convergent technologies?

Last but not least
Continuous advances in technology

From battery life

to processor speed

started with business-side convergent technology need

Originally, this drove convergent technologies
Remote diagnostics
medical data gathering from remote clinics and clients
Sales force automation
Inventory, GPS, wireless, route information

..medical remote monitoring

on call sales systems

growing stronger with consumer convergent technology

What are some examples of consumer convergent technologies?

Mobile
messengers

Internet services
delivered to TV sets
Motor vehicle
On Star

Cell phone
with
Internet

Web casting of
radio and TV
programming
on the
Internet

now business is following the consumer

convergent technology trends
Examples:
businesses are starting to think that they should have forums for
their customers
professionals are participating in online forums for social networking
and support (www.linkedin.com)

How has the consumer been empowered to lead the industry?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Availability of affordable computers and peripherals

Low-cost connectivity
LAN technology
Mass-market server software
Digital media creation tools

Individually each of these mediums are significant. Each is a force

driving the future growth and development of the desktop pc
and computer technology. Together, with Internet capabilities,
these mediums help to create a growth dynamic with incredible
power and global-reaching capability.

what to look for in emerging convergent technology

RFID
Radio Frequency Identification
RFID is an automatic identification method, reliant on storing and
remotely retrieving data using devices called RFID tags or transponders
amplifies or transmits a signal
An RFID tag is an object that can be applied to or incorporated into a
product, animal, or person for the purpose of identification using
radiowaves. Its initial enterprise seems to be focused on supply
chain management (like inventory tracking).

In closing

In this presentation, we have

reviewed:

Technologies that enable convergence

What is driving convergent technologys growth
How convergent technology came to be
What is it thats making convergent technologys growth
so strong currently
Current trends
How the consumer has become empowered
Future implications for converged technologies such as
RFID