Second question: in 50-60 words In this discussion, name at least one symbol/glyph/icon that you see every day, and describe the metaphor behind it. For example... a icon that you see every day is the Nike Swoosh. Nearly everyone on the planet recognizes that symbol, and the connotation behind it (status, active, sports, etc.). Here is an example for you: The Apple icon symbolizes innovation and progress in the user experience. It's almost synonymous for the latest trend in electronics, and to some "the best that money can buy". The devices most known for creativity and ease of use carry this symbol. Another example: A little old school, but it's definitely making a comeback is the peace sign. "Make peace not war" is a common phrase that goes with it.
Third question (Future Tech) In this discussion, describe or predict what the next great technology will be, and why you believe that. Do you see leading/bleading technology in the market place now? Will that technology survive to become mainstream? Please talk about (wireless) no less than 150 words. Here is an example for you: The cell or wireless phone has been around for years but it wasn't until about 5 yrs ago that I purchased my first phone, now I seriously can't imagine life without it. My grandpa recently upgraded from his 1998 Gateway to a 2003 Gateway. The keyboard and mouse are wireless and then he has the flat screen monitor. The wireless setup he has is so much more neat and tidy compared to the 20 wires I have hanging out behind my computer. It's more convenient and much "cleaner" around his desk. I've also experienced the convenience of a small, home wireless network. With the wireless router downstairs you are able to go upstairs with a laptop (and wireless nic) and surf the net or share files. The capability of taking pictures with your cell phone is just now becoming popular; I would say it's in the leading/bleeding stage of the wireless industry. I'd have to agree that probably 99% of the population has a cell phone, before long the percentage with phones that can take pictures will hop right up there. And then we'll be able to watch TV, listen to mp3's and who knows what else. I definitely believe any feature introduced to the wireless industry will hang on to become mainstream. Another example: I also agree with one of the next major advancements in technology being wireless. Huge strides are already being made in this direction. Phones, house and cell, and computers are the top two successes that I can think of. My husband and I recently purchased a new printer that is also wireless. I think that eventually, we won't have to be "plugged in" for our direct tv. There seem to be more wireless options and I feel that will continue.
I want from you now to watch the video then answer the fourth question in the rest of the page no less than 400 words. Fourth question: what Lessons can be learned from Xerox PARC ? Here is an example for you: What lessons can be learned from Xerox PARC? Can this happen again, or does it currently happen now? I personally was fascinated to learn about the history between Xerox PARC, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Steve Ballmer, and Bill Gates. I was not completely aware of their interactions and the history of our personal computers as we know them today. Of course I have heard the famous words of, IBM, Microsoft, and Apple before but the creators I was not so much aware of. Why in the world would Xerox never sell their creation of their Alto? If they had no intentions to ever use it. Xerox PARC not only created the first graphical interface of that time, but they had the very first mouse, keyboard, and screen. Why were they not able to see past their current business model, as the lecture stated it, and see what might happen with their business with their new creation? It seems like they really weren't smart enough or had no curiosity to speak of. Curiosity of such a machine as what the "Alto" represented at that moment in time had to of been at staggering levels. That is a bit surprising to me, but obviously they lacked it all because history speaks for them. After learning about Xerox PARC, I have asked myself all of those questions numerous times, trying to understand it. Maybe Xerox PARC wasn't completely dumb, after all they were seriously focused on their consumers and their demands for the copier business which was booming at the time. PC markets where not by any means on the same level as the copier market, since PC where nowhere to be found. The lecture is right, how ironic? A major lesson to be learned would to not be so closed ended in your business. Business must be more open ended and up for new ideas, new models, new projects or whatever. The whole idea behind growth in a business is ideas and change. When I learned about Steve Job's, Apple "Lisa", and the astonishing resemblances to the "Alto" I couldn't help but feel sorry for Xerox PARC. Steve obviously saw much more in Xerox PARC's future computing creation and was able to put his curiosity out there for the world to see. I still wonder why Xerox PARC just gave up what they knew to Steve Jobs just two years after their creation of their "Alto"? Another lesson learned could be not give up your business secrets, so to speak. Xerox PARC could possibly have someday been a very successful company if they would have cherished their ideas more. I have heard about other companies throughout the years that have created various items and leave them to rot on shelves in warehouses or factories. I bet some companies have tried to produce some of their crazy ideas into products that have either never passed the test, or once produced seemed to be worthless for them. I honestly think that the story of Xerox PARC could very well happen again, and probably already has happened. I just don't know of any company off hand. It is very sad that Xerox PARC's research facility is currently abandoned and left to just rot. A place that had the very first precious ideas of the computer first, is now full of nothing. That is very depressing to think about. You know what they say, "someones trash could be someones treasure." I guess Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, Steve Ballmer, and Bill Gates know all about that! Another example: Well, the video pointed out some information and history about Xerox PARC that I don't have an experience with it. First, let me start with pointing out some information about Xerox's. Palo Alto Research Center which in California is where most of the personal computer was invented. However, knowing the famed research lab is faced with a new challenge which is reinventing itself again. Furthermore, after more than 30 years of working in the market with a famous breakthroughs that have shaped the high tech of the world, Xerox PARC is at a new place in its history. That means Xerox PARC must now seek its own revenues through patents, licensing its technology and finding a new high technology. In fact, knowing that the rich history of innovation comes with a twist, however, Xerox PARC was very slow to recognize the potential of the gadgets being developed at Xerox PARC. To be honest, the company made billions of dollars from the laser copier, which is enough to call its investment in Xerox PARC a success, but they failed to cash in on any of the research center's personal computer innovations. Moreover, scientists at Xerox PARC decided to continue to do respected work in an expanding variety of fields though the 1980s and 1990s, from computer science to nanotechnology stuff. The speed of the business product development cycle, beside the rising and pressure on company to show increasing returns on investment. In short, the first home computer with a GUI was the Apple Lisa, which is the first graphical user interface was developed by the Xerox Corporation at their Palo Alto Research Center back in the 1970s. However, Steve Jobs decided to visit PARC and was amazed and impressed by the Xerox Alto, the first computer ever with a GUI. Furthermore, Jobs had to designed the new Apple Lisa based on the technology that he saw at Xerox. Knowing that this problem will remain and the reason why because we live in a world where things are hard to be saved from others. What I mean here is stealing others ideas not something that new in our planet and people need to be aware of it and make sure that their inventions are saved and secured. I know that Steve wanted to get more from Xerox, I mean the future of Xerox, but the question here that we need to ask ourselves, why Xerox PARC gave up if they know that they will make it. I know it's a hard lesson, but we can't learn if there's no mistake in our world. I think everyone learn the lesson from this and everyone need to make his/her innovations secret and secure from others, just to make sure no one will steal it. I do understand that sometimes we don't know if our innovations going to be successful but being aware is what we need in this world. Finally, I would say. yes, this will continue with the time and we need to be more aware and careful about it. Thank you.
