On 13/12/06, Paul Downey <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > > > > > On 12 Dec 2006, at 19:14, Steve Jones wrote: > > What about the world wide phone network? Its bigger than the > > internet, has multiple co-operative players and operates in a > > federated manner. You can argue that the specs are "simple" but that > > hides alot of complexity and indeed is the infrastructure on which the > > internet relies. > Anyone who argues that telco specs are "simple" must be arguing > from a position of extreme and blissful ignorance :-)
Hence the quotes :) They are wonderfully simple to a small and arcane group of people, most of whom either have beards... or should have beards. > > Whilst I'd agree that other networks existed before the Web, > it's the ability for most anyone to join and extend the Web without > asking > permission, join a big-boys' club or amass much technical > or architectural know-how that is both its strength and weakness. Similar for the phone network, look at mobile phones and the impact they are having in the 3rd world for instance, or the rise of "home" PBXs such as Asterix. Or have a look at the impact of the railways in the 19th century or cars in the 20th century. The Web is another great example of the commiditisation of communication and flexibility, not the first and it won't be the last and (IMO) its impact is still to be felt to the same degree as the telephone, car or railways. That will take another generation as it goes from becomming "new" to being dull, boring and completely pervasive. > > Paul > -- > http://blog.whatfettle.com > >
