I would like to pick up on a theme linked to recent postings on Lindows, the Simputer, etc.
One "iron law" of technology is that technology is only appropriate in context. The cost of a technology, and its easy of use are only two aspects of appropriateness. Two obvious additional aspects are (a) necessary complementary inputs, and (b) its output value in use. We are always impressed by machines that are both better and cheaper. We are sometimes impressed when they are a lot cheaper, even if a little less better. The Simputer is an example of such a machine. Lindows is an example of such a software. One "iron law" of markets is that success begets competitive imitation. The Simputer and Lindows are not revolutionary new technologies. They are efforts to reduce the cost of existing technology choices. With their arrival the technology "choice set" is expanded. But what is yet to be shown is whether or not they are appropriate (and used) for a revolutionary (radical or extended) array of new applications. There are lessons to learn from the rapid deployment of cell phones, at what appear to be high prices, in those self same settings where we hope that "better and cheaper" computers (Simputer or IBM) and software (Windows or Lindows) will proliferate. There are two ways at going at the question here. One is to paint pictures of where "better and cheaper" might be used. This is the tool looking for a use. Many of us were guilty of that in the early years of the computer. We knew it was just a machine, but "what a machine!". We made "shopping lists" of possible uses. This approach frequently went bad because context was ignored. We have to get back to discussion within the context of existing complex realities and development goals. It is only from within that difficult perspective that we can safely return to examining whether and where the technology has been, or can be, usefully deployed. The machine and its software are not the lead change agents, we are, but only in context. Sam Lanfranco, Chair School of Analytic Studies and Information Technology York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ------------ ***GKD is solely supported by EDC, an NGO that is a GKP member*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe gkd OR type: unsubscribe gkd Archives of previous GKD messages can be found at: <http://www.edc.org/GLG/gkd/>
