We have seen many changes in technology in the last 20 years. Twenty years ago, most data processing was confined to a data processing shop, containing mainframe computers occupying large amounts of floor space. I suspect many of you can remember your first experience on a personal computer. The first PCs had barely 32k of memory, no hard drives, and green phosphorus monitors. The laptop I carry now processes more information at a higher speed than the mainframe computers twenty years ago.
Information technology has tremendous potential.
It would not be unreasonable within the decade to have our personal computers wake us in the morning, read us the newspaper, report on the weather, and download the traffic report to our car before we leave for work. More to the point, that original computer wasn't able to do any of these things. This computer is not just more valuable to me than my previous ones, it has become critical to what I do, at work and at home. Everyday we, in our personal lives, our professional occupations, our economy, our government, and the world in general depend on these machines. Technology is no longer a term reserved for the world of scientists, mathematicians, or researchers.