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It's been a good year, but there are still some blessings left to wish forDouglas E. WelchInfoWorld, Dec 14, 1992 v14 n50 p59(1) COPYRIGHT InfoWorld Publishing Company 1992
The coming year in computers is destined to make this one look like a stroll through the virtual park. The impossibly fast-moving computer industry appears ready to make a jump into an even higher gear. There are a few things, though, that could really give computer users (and vendors) a boost. Sound digitizing and voice synthesis: Many new computers have built-in hardware to digitize sound, but there is a growing need for a good voice synthesis program. Audio books have shown how useful they can be in filling "lost" time, such as when you are stuck in traffic, and voice programs could do the same. Integrated network management: Network managers are faced with a growing problem today. Every system on their networks uses a different program for setup, monitoring, and operating. LAN administrators must navigate a myriad of dissimilar systems just to perform simple account maintenance and troubleshooting. We need software that will allow all functions of a network to be managed from a central console. As new services are added to the network, their management functions could plug into the centralized software and be totally integrated. Network managers could then create network accounts, mail accounts, and gateway access, and provide other services all within one integrated management system. Multiplatform software parity: Software manufacturers have finally started to develop major programs that operate on several different computer platforms and operating systems. Unfortunately, they end up playing software leapfrog as they release one version with new features before other platforms are available. This can lead to confusion and frustration when users can no longer easily transfer files among platforms. Manufacturers need to develop core technology that ensures new versions will be released for all platforms at the same time and with the same features. Simple microcomputer management protocol: Built into every operating system and piece of hardware, SMMP would allow managers to query all the computers under their control for system and software information. It would also provide the structure for automated updating of software and configuration information. With the growth in distributed computing, SMMP will provide managers a way to control all their resources and provide the best service possible. Easy access to government data: Taxpayers have paid large sums of money to allow the government to collect large amounts of data. This information -- like the census -- should be accessible to anyone for little or no fee. One simple solution would be to use the centralized post office locations as data centers that could retrieve and distribute information for those people without computers. This would provide data access to all Americans and not just the privileged few who can afford the exorbitant fees that are currently charged by some information providers. Low-priced software: In the era of PC price wars, software is still too expensive for many new computer users. What use is a cheap PC without software? Software manufacturers need to develop a series of low-cost solutions for home and small business users. Without such software, pirating will continue to be a major problem for software manufacturers as people find that pirating is the only way they can afford the software necessary to be productive. National network: Through a combination of wireless, copper, and optical fiber methods, a national data network should be built. This network would allow easy access to personal data, company resources, and the huge amounts of data available on the Internet. Information is power, and a national network could be the power company that drives this country into the next century. There is a new feeling in the air, new computers on the loading dock, and a new year knocking at the door. Hold on and enjoy the ride. "Peer to Peer" gives readers a forum for discussing computing and management issues. Send submissions to Rachel Parker, Opinions Editor (MCI Mail 340-4371). Submissions can also be faxed to (415) 358-1269. Douglas E. Welch is a support analyst with a major entertainment company in Los Angeles and a member of InfoWorld's Corporate Advisory Board.
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