| 
The mobile phones have rung in a boisterous revolution. Just less than a decade ago, to be able to make a phone call, one had to necessarily be in close proximity of a wired phone.
Today, one's voice can be heard from practically anywhere (and that may have nothing to do with any fundamental right!). A similar trend is now being witnessed in accessing data. Various wireless technologies hold promise of ubiquitous access. Near line of sight technologies will enable plug-and-play access. Wifi, it's being predicted, will influence data in the same manner as mobile phones have influenced voice.
Hot spots would allow one to connect ubiquitously to the network of one's choice. Freedom at last? The technologist, I'm sure, will nod vigorously in assent at this thought. However, perfection in technology in an imperfect world can lead to strange and often disruptive consequences. How often have our family members expressed ire over our involvement with our mobiles? Or how familiar is the spectacle of someone having a frantic conversation in the middle of a shopping mall, tourist spot or even at the doorsteps of an airplane! The other day someone unkindly remarked that these phones should be made in the shape of electronic collars. One will not have to carry them and anyway they tie you in a leash - a beastly thought!
Let us leave alone, for the moment, the debate over freedom or bondage. One thing that these trends have done for sure is to make us extremely accountable. A missed call demands that it be returned. Visiting professionals/colleagues often have withdrawal symptoms if they are not able to connect to the network especially in India, where the phone systems in some hotels are still antiquated. Simple pleasures of the evening or breakfast in the mornings are often sacrificed because it is naturally expected that mails will be read and responded to irrespective of the geographical or time zone one may be in.
We need to draw a line somewhere so that these devices do not run our lives. Henry Davie's lament of not having any time to stand and stare is still valid, albeit due to a totally different reason altogether!
Rahul Swarup
President
Sify Enterprise Solution
We
welcome your comments and suggestions.
Please e-mail us at esbmarketing@sifycorp.com
|
