The final outcome of the FCC investigation of Microsoft leaves the company almost unscathed, and it is not broken up. Music on the Web, aided by IBM, will finally sort itself out, as technology and royalty problems resolve. Teleworking continued increase forces corporations to rethink their internal communications growth plans and suppliers. System Analysts become the most sought after resource, next to doctors. Digital voice on the Internet begins to challenge private line service providers.
Content becomes king in buying portal and telephone services.
Fixed line carrier revenue losses partially offset by mobile traffic increases. Accounting rates fail to be replaced by cost based settlements until 2002. Internet revenue sharing becomes a probability as network cost sharing becomes a necessity. The PC still remains in business, as 3-D and animation increase demand for higher speed processors and servers become an integral part of home services. Cheaper bandwidth influences the development and proliferation of PC systems.