The rapid pace of technological development these days has
people thinking that if they don't learn the newest software or buy the latest PC, they
will be left behind. The sad truth is that they are probably right. But with almost
daily updates in programs and computers, staying on top of change is an almost impossible
task. 
As the founder
of a technology company, I have mixed feelings about how fast we're going. I
cut my teeth on DOS-based systems, and still have an excellent knowledge of the old
operating systems. They were very reliable, as were most of the programs that operated
with them. So why the changes?
Increasingly, we are looking to save time and energy. Automation has taken over in the
workplace to the point that software expenditures are often financed by staff cuts.
Automation has proven good for profits, which is good for business, and many large
software companies, including Microsoft, Novell and Corel have taken advantage of this
fact.
But we have left out a key piece of this puzzle. Along with the release of new
programs comes the release of new hardware. In the past few years, business-related
hardware has changed a great deal. We no longer rely solely on mainframes, but on mini and
personal computers. We have become reliant on certain software packages that require
more powerful computers. Often, when we upgrade these computers, we make changes that
interfere with the operation of older software programs. What can be done to solve
this problem?
Industry must focus upon developing standards that will allow software to operate across
platforms. This could apply to operating system environments as well as to different
types of hardware. As we move into a client/server world, standardization becomes
all the more crucial. If software companies are going to continue to develop new
versions or programs that are not backwards compatible, everything, including PCs and
servers will have to adapt.
Computer operations budgets are rising rapidly, and every company has its different
automation requirements. But most large organizations realize that in order to
survive in the modern business world, they must accommodate such changes. The
challenge will be to find new ways to slow down the frantic pace of change without cutting
into productivity.
Whether we like it or not, technology is going to continue its rapid course of development
and change. The possibilities for the future are almost limitless. We can either sit
back and watch from the sidelines, or join in the excitement of the dance.
Now, where'd I put those ballet tickets....
