Module 13: And Class Comes to a Close

As this is my last blog post for my Digital Society class, I will start by reflecting on the things I learned most throughout this spring semester and my opinions about Thomas Friedman’s book, The World Is Flat. If I were to sum up the keys topics that Friedman wanted to relate all his experiences and connects with, would be collaboration and globalization among the whole globe, elevated by the advancement of technology. It has opened my eyes to the great progress we have made socially, now able to communicate with anyone anywhere. I take for granted the technology placed in front of me at my generation, and the powers of collaboration it holds. After reading this book and hearing all the examples from Friedman, I began to take notice everywhere of the efficiency and multi-company processes that much business goes through. Personally, I feel a little sheltered in some of the major technological fronts and national relationships. While reading, I found that the birth of Internet and current globalization as news to me, but very intriguing at that. It puts a brand new perspective in my surroundings and gives me curiosity about current news and growth in today’s technology; especially the not so long ago history. I also have a tinge of guilt for not being in the loop with my rising generation, and now feel the urge to catch up with the times. I am glad I've gained a better grasp on the subject and hop to become more insightful and this expanse as well The more and more I learn, I find how interconnected everything seems to be.

One history story that I didn't know the upbringings, was the birth of the Internet. Mainly the contributing topic of community development software. For review, motivated collaborative volunteers modify base codes for programs and new software, and then make it public for the good of the future! I thought it was a neat teamwork effort, and amazing how it was driven by pure ambition and curiosity.  This struck a personable connection, simply because of the advancement of the Internet was made possible by excited contributors, and especially having the humility to make it public too!

Another topic that opened my eyes was the idea of supply-chains and all the detail. I admit once again that I didn't fully comprehend the subject, but afterwards realized that overall, the take-home-message to success, was being efficient and reliable. Walmart is a very relatable business because it is so popular and has everything. I could easily imagine that process Friedman was describing and also recognize the important factors of each step that make this business flourish.

One thing I liked enjoyed about this class, was that because it was done through a blog format, it gave me a chance to speak my mind more so than turning in a typed easy. I felt excited to summarize, explain and opinion-ate in my style of writing, emphasizing how I want. Another bonus to a blog was being able to read other classmates posts of the assignment. I learned a few things that maybe weren't as clear in the book and were simplified by other bloggers. I also could view their perspective and consider their stance and opinion on the topic.

Lastly, I enjoyed taking the last month to glance into the future and what it beholds. I gave me a change to ponder the possibilities, and also the potential outcome we may inflict upon ourselves.  I assume everyone finds curiosity in new technological advances and many science fictional gadgets that are generated by the film industry. All seems possible with the realistic, computer animated creations of the future. After diving into the topic of artificial intelligence, robots, nanotechnology and genetic engineering, I made me step back a little and ask myself, “Do we want all this?” In most ways, yes, it sound exciting, efficient and like a path to breakthroughs in education and healthcare. But after consideration at the facts, we don’t know where it will lead and when to call it “quits” with technological upgrades.

Module 12: More on Artificial Intelligence

This post is perfectly sequential to my last one previewing Big Hero 6 and the ultimate idea of artificial intelligence. Though the film was a science-fiction animation, the predictions are possible, as I summarize and article by Bill Joy, Why the Future Doesn't Need Us, and his concerns. With the robot Baymax, I mentioned the ethical benefits and concerns for this implication of technology, but as far as the character goes, all ends well. Joy on the other hand collaborates with authors and speakers that he respected about the increasing possibilities along with increasing concerns beginning with the human race drifting into dependence.

GNR, represents the technologies of genetic engineering, nanotechnology and robotics. The ethical stance with advancing technology is what concerns Joy. Slowly machines are making basic decisions for us, and eventually, more advanced ones. We may fall into a dependent and useless state where no human effort is demanded and we rely on the technology. Once technology becomes too advanced for the average rising generations to keep up, we will be uninformed about making complex decisions concerning system maintenance, thus left up to the machines, having ultimate control. Only the elite will be left to rule these complex systems and authorize the fate of society. Overall, the future has to offer many unintended consequences with more and more control in the hands of technology and that according to Murphy's law, ”Anything that can go wrong, will."

In one discussion Joy had with a fellow scientist, Danny, the idea of merging computer with human body didn't seem to phase him. Danny pointed out that the scenario of humans merging with robots would come gradually, like as I compared, to the parable of frogs in boiling water. The way I picture it, with increased technology, so do medical procedures, most involving foreign substances v.s. organic. And that is where I believe the process of human-robots begins. Some people already have internal pacemakers and assisted living devices like artificial hearts, lungs and blood filtration. Who know how soon we find how to do without, and simply replace our decision making brain with indestructible, immortal robot machinery. The idea isn't new either such as Star Trek's Borg characters that are humans fused with robotic machinery and capable of more strength and destruction that we need. Also a resent film suggests the realistic possibility with robotic body forming to the necessary human components of intelligence and function. Robocop is a 2014 film that perfectly displays Joy's talk of the possibilities the future hold and the dangerous consequences as well. In the film, a cop gets critically injured and a car bomb and is admitted into a massive reconstructive surgery, salvaging his head, respiratory organs and one hand. More into the plot, RoboCop becomes a powerful danger as his brain is tampered by his scientists (an elite group as mentioned earlier) having ultimate overriding abilities. They upgrade to provide efficiency and alter emotions which are at first limited but then completely suppressed to the point of blind obedience to his "cop-programming". Once again, I believe this is a perfect imitation of the future's attempt at a seemingly beneficial, even lifesaving intention, but also recreated are the realistic misuses that could easily become out of even the elites' control. Humans will be endangered when perfected technology replaces the efficiency, strength and work. 

As Joy theorized about the possibilities, he mentioned that for technological advancement and replication, "They will not require large facilities or rare raw materials. Knowledge alone will enable the use of them." This ensures that nature won't be a limiting factor to fall back for security. I think if technology becomes overpowering and consuming, it will only escalate from there with nothing but upgrading and extermination of the useless. Another film, this time mentioned by Joy, fictionally displays another technologically advanced scenario where initially mapped for good and bound by rules and protocols, also went rogue and turned on the human race. I, Robot had robots bound by its Three Laws of Robotics, ultimately protecting mankind. This type of precautions and authority by the elite proved a great protection to society, but all systems have potential to be hacked, corrupted and taken advantage of. The consequences may prove irreversible and unstoppable.

 Technology has been a huge influence in my upbringing, with particularly the Internet. The birth of the Internet wasn't too long before I was born in 1995. With the years, came better modifications, making it user friendly and convenient. I remember how foreign it seemed when in the third grade, we had our computer class time where we were exposed to how to use the Internet. Previously, even without Internet access or familiarity, just computers alone served as a motivating and resourceful learning tool. My childhood computer background consisted of interactive, cartoon computer games. Most of the programs were Sesame Street themed, specific to alphabet, numbers, design or coordination. One key detail I can recall in relation to the need for computers now is how dependent we have become compared to when I was younger. Then, it served merely as an entertainment option, with a few beneficial educational factors, but didn't dominate my free time. The purpose for computers progressed as I got older, with more challenging programs and eventually the Internet in mid-elementary. 

Computers are so integrated into our society, that owning one and knowing how to use it proficiently, is the key to academic success. Computers give simple access to being successful at the skills you wish to obtain. I have a personally relevant example that has been well supported by computer availability. 

Module 11: Film Review...Big Hero 6

So for this week, I am doing a computer related film review. I was going to watch and review a Star-Trek or Stargate episode since I’m a huge fan. I decided to watch a full-length movie though because it would have an all-encompassing plot and an episode of Stargate might not include all of the examples of technology that it normally represents throughout the series. Plus, I couldn't decide which of 100’s of episodes to best pick from. I will mention a little bit at the end from my favorite show, Stargate Atlantis, because it has a similarity with the film I did choose, Big Hero 6. I know it initially looks like a stretch, analyzing a cartoon, but it ended up providing supple information for my three main points: the computer/network usage throughout, realistic or ridiculous, and any social/cultural implications.

This movie is science fiction and cartoon animation by Disney, so realism can only go so far. There is a basic realistic foundation to some areas though. Overall though, there was a great deal of technology usage in this movie and network instances. A main example and key to the movie, is the inflatable robot Baymax. He is designed by Tadashi, a robotics student at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology. Robots are a real invention, consisting of complex programming and computer integration. Even the robot fighting at the beginning of the film is modern day, like in the T.V. shows Robot Wars and Battle Bots. This robot takes on an almost artificial intelligence as new events and data can be integrated into his memory, but all the while, he obediently sticks to his initial programmed protocol and sole purpose as a Personal Health Care Companion. This was the social and cultural benefiting quality of the film that ultimately gave a great moral to not cause any harm, especially as revenge. The main character Hiro, who assumes ownership to Baymax after his brother’s death, is also very tech-savvy. He uses his advances computer programming to install new modifications to Baymax on a new chip for defense in conjunction with his healthcare chip, using data from a Karate video to help defend against a rising villain. At one climatic point though, Hiro took advantage of Baymax by removing his “good” microchip for an instance of revenge. There was a struggle to replace the chip by his team and then lesson was learned.

This robotic model offers an amazing futuristic idea for providing society with a comforting “nurse” if keep strict to the healthcare and no- harm programming. If not, it could arise in violence and power in the wrong hands, like he case in the film I, Robot  where robots where designed to serve humanity, but artificial intelligence and motives went rogue.  I also don’t know the realism with Baymax’s abilities to be able to lift 1,000 pounds, but I seem probable that his can store and integrate lots of data. An instance in the film when Baymax doesn't seem to comprehend emotional pain, he downloads all the data from the computer that would correspond and becomes immediately informed, adding to his 10,000 different medical procedures included in his programming. I think the technology is almost futuristic if we are comparing to realism, with his physical structure possibly limiting his ability to perform certain procedures, being vinyl and overly inflated. And the level of maintenance and physics would be almost ridiculous to include his extra features of defibrillator/ antibacterial spray equipped hands and heating system. One unrealistic factor, for film purposes was time; how designing and experimenting fell in a short time frame…but so do most movies.

A good example of networking was when Baymax tried to provide treatment for Hiro’s depression by contacting his friends spontaneously. He also performs automatic body scans and therefore can provide general information like blood type, temperature, brain activity and other demographics. Hiro used his computer to design and create body armor and gadgets with a 3-D printer of advanced quality. Especially when upgrading Baymax’s new chip, and finding a Karate video easily like we do every day with YouTube clips. Video camera evidence from their villain’s secret project was caught on computer and downloaded via flash drive, which is a common use of technology today. Basic communication devices were used when contacting the butler for a helicopter lift, or team conversation during the end battle scene. Since the movie still incorporated common technology today, it provided a semi-realistic approach and futuristic possibility. On the very unrealistic side, was the “villain’s” secret project having similar looks as a stargate in the Sci-Fi series Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. The stargate has teleportation abilities, and both shows have similar imaginations of the idea. The stability in Big Hero 6 though, failed and caused catastrophe, as the technology was nowhere near perfected yet.

Module 10: Done with Friedman, On To "Joe"

So on to more sources to analyze and dwell upon. Thomas Friedman's The World Is Flat has come to an end, as of last post. Still discussing technological subjects with the world, as this class is labeled The Digital Society, we continue in a similar just old fashioned approach today. For today, I'm interpreting a short story, " A Logic Named Joe", published way back in 1946, where the term computer represented a far different term than modern day. A computer, was a guy who would compute, like a painter paints, and cook cooks. But with this story being science fiction, we can look back on it to see if it foretold anything true to today. So along with a little summarizing of the story, I'm also looking for anything prophetic. Prophetic meaning accurately describing or predicting what will happen in the future. I had a hunch that the word was similar in meaning to Old Testament prophets who would prophesy signs and events. 

So the read had a slow start for me as I had to re-read a few times to comprehend what was even being said. At first, I though Joe was some black slave kept in the cellar, since the language was slang as such times and I couldn't quite grasp the time period. I felt kinda dumb, but figured this was going somewhere, like he was a human calculator of sorts, being a logic in the cellar. Well now I've pieced together that 'Joe' is the name given to what seems like a type of computer the main character refers to as a logic setup. He describes it as a vision receiver with keys instead of dials. The first prophetic analysis I found briefly after. A sort of Skype and Google feature was described that this logic could access from relays in the tank (some sort of database or motherboard, I'm guessing.)  You could punch in someone's phone number, and "...if somebody answers you got a vision-phone connection." They totally nailed it in predicting reality of today's technology! Along with their crude version of Face-Time, was the ability to access weather reports, race results, and eventually equivalent to a homework help like Wikipedia. 

What came next though, as right in the beginning was the idea of artificial intelligence! Wow. Robots are current in modern technology and many movies explore the idea of artificial intelligence scenarios, whether they serve as convenient or go rouge with power.

Module 9: The End

Computers are so integrated into our society, that owning one and knowing how to use it proficiently, is the key to academic success. Computers give simple access to being successful at the skills you wish to obtain. In my last post, I described how relevant computers have been in my education. For today, I will go back to Friedman's topic of collaboration, particularly to the Dell notebook.

With the book coming closer to the end, Friedman mentioned how most of the book was written on his Dell Inspiration 600m notebook. He personally inquired with the company on exactly who was involved and all the steps that went with creating his computer. His personalized laptop building process began with an order at an 800 number, processing his order through a sales representative, and then and order management system. His Visa was authorized and from then his computer was in the running to be made. His order was to be completed at one of 6 factories, Malaysia. On the other hand, part had to be ordered and delivered through different SLC's (supplier logistics center). Dell runs through 30 total suppliers...with a grand total of 400 companies involved in making, designing, delivering and manufacturing any of Dell's products. After parts are collected at the different SLC's, they are delivered to the factory for assembly. Within 30 minutes, the trucks are unloaded, items registered, and parts sorted. Finally, a team member manually assembles the computer by hand (as all the designing was by ODM in Taiwan.) Once finished, it is sent for burning of the specified software download, then sent to the boxing line. From there, is takes the China Airline 747 and lands in the Nashville Airport. The big take-home message from this involved process, is the efficiency in a huge collaboration effort to create balance with demand and supply.

 We can step it up with the same persistent attitude toward education, and even have a preventative and futuristic approach of picking the right job field. With such open doors , increasing improvements will escalate the rate of advancement in technology. With the open door in communication, a new phase on with the Internet had substantial benefits. Uploading. Another revolutionary step. Base codes for programs and new software are generated and made public by a motivated collaborative team purely volunteering for the good of the future. This software can be updated and reviewed, with many patches or in other words, contributions. These then can be the base, or as in Friedman’s analogy, vanilla in an ice-cream sundae, which then can be improved, personalized and patented as the toppings. This free-for-all seeming project, is a place where individuals can shine and bring forth potential. This event proves that we have a place to be empowered, to create, upload and enlighten on complex things. In an economical prospective though, I have to agree with Microsoft’s insight that free can’t be forever, for lack of incentive without the reimbursement to innovate. But I believe the roots of this open community phase is empowering and collective in gaining differing viewpoints and insight; also bringing together self-inspired and determined individuals to get a job done how they foresee, creating a sturdy foundation for all.

Module 8: My Age of Technology

Technology has been a huge influence in my upbringing, with particularly the Internet. The birth of the Internet wasn't to long before I was born in 1995. With the years, came better modifications, making it user friendly and convenient. I remember how foreign it seemed when in the third grade, we had our computer class time where we were exposed to how to use the Internet. Previously, even without Internet access or familiarity, just computers alone served as a motivating and resourceful learning tool. My childhood computer background consisted of interactive, cartoon computer games. Most of the programs were Sesame Street themed, specific to alphabet, numbers, design or coordination. One key detail I can recall in relation to the need for computers now is how dependent we have become compared to when I was younger. Then, it served merely as an entertainment option, with a few beneficial educational factors, but didn't dominate my free time. The purpose for computers progressed as I got older, with more challenging programs and eventually the Internet in mid-elementary. 

Computers are so integrated into our society, that owning one and knowing how to use it proficiently, is the key to academic success. Computers give simple access to being successful at the skills you wish to obtain. I have a personally relevant  example that has been well supported by computer availability.  

The biggest influence has been with my music career. I take for granted the effortless ability to search anything on the Internet. My most common use has been for finding free sheet music. Sometimes, it would just be for fun like fiddles, movie soundtracks or church music. And conveniently I could even find the original classical music I needed, most reliable at  imslp.org. Most of the times it was for quartet music, which didn't seem as pertinent to purchase, for the reasons that it was for a temporary gig or performance. But sometimes I could "test drive" a piece to deem it worthy of obtaining a hard copy. That's where the internet came in handy again. Rather than driving to a music store, to search for a concerto that they might not even have in stock, you can order it online to be delivered at your home. My favorite shop, Day Murray Music, usually has everything, but unfortunately is located a little south of Salt Lake City. I find it inconvenient in time and gas, even for an important violin lesson. I noticed through my last purchase of Vitali's Chaconne violin concerto, that it wasn't even in stock at the shop, which would have made for much chasing back and forth. The internet also helped with making my decision on which concerto to learn in the first place. I had three options for my next piece and am not that familiar with every work of classical music. So once I was at a computer, I simple searched the various pieces on YouTube. Many times I have simply searched for an audio example of solo pieces, quartets and symphony performances to familiarize and inform myself with what I am working on in school. I find it much harder to browse a libraries selections or purchase each piece. Along with audio advantages of a computer, is the benefit of recording my self and storing in on my PC as well. I can have access to playing back my personal audio to critic or document for reflection later on. With the advancement of my music training, I have needed a few sources of insight when my teachers unintentionally failed in teaching a certain concept or just needed extra examples. For example, a couple of times I needed to perform a particular technique requiring ricochet bowing, and didn't get a very clear demonstration at lessons. I found a particular sight with professional videos of anything at violinmasterclass.com. In my theory class, we have progressed to writing compositions. I trained with a well known, professional program for music notation called Finale, but didn't have $600 to spend quite yet, especially as a beginner. I found a free notation program that suits my assignments and personal writing just fine with MuseScore. 

Module 7: Is Americanization A Thing?

Do you ever wonder why some countries are better off economically than others? Or why they've earned the stereotype of being "third-world" financial and technologically? Well, there actually are particular reformations and policies that implementing will progress the region. This "comparative advantage" come from a certain openness to adapting to foreign ideas. Just how some individuals get in a rut of daily routine and find change hard to absorb. The biggest sources of advantage in societies consist of foreign trade and investment, already assuming that reform wholesale is in action. I personally had to re-take on the difference between reform wholesale and reform retail. Because the next tool the rise in the world, comes from the action of reform retail. Reform retail is the little preparation steps that enable a country for world collaboration. While on the other hand, reform wholesale, is the preparation for opportunity to participate in the worldly affairs. So without the retail portion of keeping in touch with world business, countries preparation wouldn't be as effective. Two biggest applications of retail reformation includes building up the framework and education of a region for maximum collaboration opportunity. Struggling countries try to crank out the jobs in hopes for an economical boost with more work opportunity, but contrary to their efforts is the idea that quality is better than quantity. The jobs creating a productive effect utilizing regional resources and strengths, out-ways the push for numbers with the workforce. 

In fact, there are two, with one being that here in America, we just need to raise the standards to make for an equal job competition with those in India/Japan. With the option of outsourcing, we look at our two choices: U.S. or these smart guys, and choose the latter. We can step it up with the same persistent attitude toward education, and even have a preventative and futuristic approach of picking the right job field. The second solution, a little less out of our control, is to open restricted markets, for those countries that have them, so we can have more countries involved in the trade market. The economic concern can also be comforted with the obvious optimism that not everything has been invented. New jobs, industries and potentially, fields of study and standards of living can be opened up in the future. Those citizens caught in the middle of being average, between the specialized and localized, will need to search vertically. New inventions that begin as wants with escalate to needs, as the only limit can be that of imagination. 

Comparable, is the skills of curiosity and passion to learn, and can be more powerful proof than IQ to personal progress in the growing world. Yet another term contributing to flattening the world. Initially as reading, it seem similar to outsourcing, how the company involved is basing service somewhere else. Outsourcing was simple efficiency with clerical work or saving money without office buildings, when service calls could be channeled to stay-at-home employees. IQ can be out-beat by the drive people have with there curiosity and passion to succeed and persist in the world. To beat product costs with cheaper labor and maintained quality, companies don’t stand a chance. At first, I doubted, with my skepticism on how IQ  would be considered a lesser judgement, but then read that it is more than just common sense and test taking skills, which should be expected. Most companies invested in a little of both. Some over here AND over there. The main purpose of this hassle, especially considering the weariness of leaving it up to others half of the time, is for global competition. A main goal in business is to expand. This involves more purchases, and getting the company name out to everyone, and increasingly to outside of our American bubble, hence the term “everyone.” Having establishments offshore invests in a bigger market which in turn provides more orders on products to lead to more increase in popularity.

Module 6: Free Trade, Skills and IQ

The main debate over the topic of free trade is whether or not it will benefit America. It took a re-reading of a couple pages to find where this was going and what exactly free trade was. I initially guessed free trade was an agreement of no tax or something price-reduced between shipping countries. I was on the right track, but the "free" part has actually a different focus than just a monetary sense. It is free to restrictions of imports/exports, allowing for no particular limitations to traded goods. So, I was right with tax free as far as I'm correct, as it would count as a barrier. One example of another barrier includes how some countries, not in a free trade agreement, would ban trade of natural resources, I am guessing for a probable fear of cross-pollination or contaminant. So, to relate free trade back to Friedman's concept of the world flattening, we look back at the initial beginnings and benefit of free trade.

 David Ricardo, having the smarts in economics, figured that with each country and its specializations, it would be beneficial for goods to circulate. Counties can be unique in their manufacturing, products and occupations, and then just share around the globe so everyone gets the good stuff and inventions for a nicer standard of living essentially. That was the theory, which modern-day, has a different view. Modern-day, we are flattening, which includes the previously unique way of the job field. This is where people get worried and take different sides to the current relevance to free trade. Because now, not just goods are free, but some services and "knowledge work" are available, which can have the result of jobs being stolen.  The extent to their fear is aimed against outsourcing, off-shoring and supply chains. I can relate to the  nervousness about for one, outsourcing, where foreigners fill up job positions from American companies, and in reality, do take some of those job opportunities away. Personally, I inflected on my future's potential and with my field directed towards Nursing, I don't see too much of job scarcity, being a localized skill (which I will define later) as where people are always going to need medical services, even if it were the end of the world. But, there is a solution to this worry if you are worried.

 In fact, there are two, with one being that here in America, we just need to raise the standards to make for an equal job competition with those in India/Japan. With the option of outsourcing, we look at our two choices: U.S. or these smart guys, and choose the latter. We can step it up with the same persistent attitude toward education, and even have a preventative and futuristic approach of picking the right job field. The second solution, a little less out of our control, is to open restricted markets, for those countries that have them, so we can have more countries involved in the trade market. The economic concern can also be comforted with the obvious optimism that not everything has been invented. New jobs, industries and potentially, fields of study and standards of living can be opened up in the future. Those citizens caught in the middle of being average, between the specialized and localized, will need to search vertically. New inventions that begin as wants with escalate to needs, as the only limit can be that of imagination. 

Comparable, is the skills of curiosity and passion to learn, and can be more powerful proof than IQ to personal progress in the growing world. Yet another term contributing to flattening the world. Initially as reading, it seem similar to outsourcing, how the company involved is basing service somewhere else. Outsourcing was simple efficiency with clerical work or saving money without office buildings, when service calls could be channeled to stay-at-home employees. IQ can be out-beat by the drive people have with there curiosity and passion to succeed and persist in the world. To beat product costs with cheaper labor and maintained quality, companies don’t stand a chance. At first, I doubted, with my skepticism on how IQ  would be considered a lesser judgement, but then read that it is more than just common sense and test taking skills, which should be expected. Most companies invested in a little of both. Some over here AND over there. The main purpose of this hassle, especially considering the weariness of leaving it up to others half of the time, is for global competition. A main goal in business is to expand. This involves more purchases, and getting the company name out to everyone, and increasingly to outside of our American bubble, hence the term “everyone.” Having establishments offshore invests in a bigger market which in turn provides more orders on products to lead to more increase in popularity.  

Module 5: The World Convergence

Now that all ten flatteners have been acknowledged and explored in detail, Friedman enlightens us with the merging of these and the aftermath. This he calls the triple convergence. Firstly, we begin with all ten flatteners working on each other, providing new skills and therefore habits. This ultimately raises the bar of competition, education, achievements, business and potential. These new hits in technology and society spread nationally and globally, then connect. The biggest factor with the new rush in improvements and convenience discoveries in businesses and technology is time. Certain things have been around for a while, as with most of the flatteners, but just with time, more places have access to improvements in network, and businesses can have their chance to flourish.  Things need the chance to become available in mass production and advertised enough to become popular enough to make it “a thing.” Also, with time, recent efforts begin to utilize the phrase of “simultaneous improvement of complementary goods.” This is the instance where product can increase in value dependent on another product, as Friedman used paper versus pencil for an example. These two items ‘compliment’ each other in a way where if one were to be improved upon, the other would have to and would equally increase in value. Overall, productivity improves. This is what happens with two of more items that are seen as flatteners like the reviewed outsourcing, offshoring, uploading, insourcing, supply chaining, informing…etc.

Secondly, once a higher standard is set in certain departments, we come to recognize that the playing field has changed. The challenge now is for everyone to hustle and find a way to compete and keep up. With a new playing field comes a new way of doing things. There are two ways that determine the effectiveness of one’s attempt to climb to the top. “Horizontalization” is the term Friedman invents that describes the smart perspective of having your biggest focus on your desired outcome. By having a clear objective on creating your desired effect, thing are far more accomplished by finding necessary means and thinking outside the box. The opposite term, going vertical, would be someone who focuses in who is in control. This is limiting to the new playing fields rule of networking and being efficient.

Third convergence is the players on the field. And more specifically, new players. These rising players learn to compete, connect and collaborate with new tools. Particularly spotlighting young Indian students, they earned themselves a nickname of Zippies, being a rising generation of motivated, confidently driven people. The most important fact that comes from the rise of this source, is that your only limiting point will be your readiness to make use of the infrastructure. Rajesh made a nice point that what Indians have is ambition, and that is just one more step of providing a sturdy infrastructure for the future as the United States is getting a little too relaxed. So our challenge…is to raise the bar, a more uplifting approach to the rise in outsourcing. I personally agree with his optimistic perspective and I think it is neat how he solely focused on individual improvement versus the potential for a power-hungry future. This especially when he mentioned about not ruling the world, but creating opportunity for yourself, and his comparison of the world being a sport and needing us to be a team player in this new playing field.

Module 4: Behind the Scenes

So for this week, taking a break from the Friedman’s the World is Flat, I am going to give you a little background on the basics of an IT Specialist’s job and a little exploration of the field. Most companies wouldn't run smoothly without these tech-savvy employees up-keeping the system. With excellent computer knowledge and troubleshooting skills, they help make a companies’ infrastructure and digital property functional. They are a principle keystone in creating effectiveness and efficiency in a workplace.

An IT Specialist (Information Technology) has to have sufficient education and experience to be successful in problem solving tasks involving math, technology and networks. In certain cases, the network goes down, or the user is challenged with installing software or new technology is being implemented and may need help every step of the way. Many systems offer particular certification for their technology like for some, Windows, Cisco and Oracle. Most complete a Bachelor’s degree with typical majors such as: computer science, information science, mathematics, engineering, statistics or operations research (Education Portal).  I was a little curious about some of these areas of study, so I researched a few in particular to get a better grasp on what background some of these IT Specialist might have. First one I was interested in was operations research. I didn't really have any guess as to what it would entail. I found that it falls under a sub-field of mathematics and statistics, using that to analyze population problems with scheduling and transportation for examples (bigfuture).  They specialize with creating and perfecting life applicable problems and the logistics of it all. The major that I found most interesting was information science. “Information Science (IS) majors combine technical expertise in computer science with the social sciences to study how people and societies interact with information (Cornell.)” As computer science was mentioned in the definition, it seems that it more so specializes on the social standpoint, as the computer science major specifically pertains to the more creative side of programming and designing software. I could see this branch of study having a little more creativity, and seriously come in handy as an IT Specialist whether it’s network management or database programming.

I talked with my Dad about his employment at the company, IM Flash Technologies (an Intel micron venture) to get a little more insider information about this field. He gave me a few pointers and had to explain a few technical terms. For one, the general job description of any IT personnel is to be the behind the scenes crew of the company or business’s production to ensure it runs smoothly since most are very computer dependent. His job isn't exactly an IT specialist, but has worked IT positions and some of his duties has similar relations. For one clarification he made, I asked what pertained to the phrase multiple programming language when researching IT requirements and job skills. He explained that it involves programming mainly, and is the different forms of base codes for pertaining intentions. A few to mention are Java, JavaScript, and HTML, as the last two mainly relate to Internet as in my reading about Netscape and the birth of the Internet. As a Dry Etch Equipment Technician, he monitors tool performance, schedules and perform preventative maintenance on assigned tool sets, and troubleshoots and repairs equipment. He mentioned how the IT’s do similar tasks, just with the networks and computers within the facility, and he, the semiconductor equipment and machinery. In his department, there are robotic networks and computers linked to all of the technology. This position is just as crucial to a smooth running company as IT Technicians. If something stops working within the manufacturing fabrication, that particular unit is disrupted or halted.  He is supposed to minimize tool downtime and increase availability, particularity with systematic troubleshooting (imflash). An obvious difference though between these two fields, is uniform. Dad mentions that inside the fab is 100 times cleaner than a hospital. There can only be a particular fraction of dust in the atmosphere. With this, they gown up in “bunny suits” and goggles in the clean room and continue to keep sanitized inside the fab where microchips are made. 

http://education-portal.com/articles/Information_Technology_Specialist_Job_Description_and_Requirements.html

http://www.ehow.com/about_5396698_specialist-job-description.html

http://admissions.cals.cornell.edu/academics/majors/information-science/ 

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/majors/engineering-operations-research#

Module 3: Business Made Complex

Comparable to outsourcing, as in my last blog, is yet another term contributing to flattening the world. Offshoring. Initially as reading, it seem similar to outsourcing, how the company involved is basing service somewhere else. Except for offshoring, the whole factory is being based “somewhere else.” And particular, off our shores and onto China. Outsourcing was simple efficiency with clerical work or saving money without office buildings, when service calls could be channeled to stay-at-home employees. Offshoring is the option to plant the whole source of the company somewhere more suitable. To beat product costs with cheaper labor and maintained quality, companies don’t stand a chance unless China is somehow involved. At first, I doubted, with my skepticism on how shipping across seas would be considered more cost efficient. But then read that it is more than just a factory over there to then ship back to us. Most companies invested in a little of both. Some over here AND over there. The main purpose of this hassle, especially considering the weariness of leaving it up to others half of the time, is for global competition. A main goal in business is to expand. This involves more purchases, and getting the company name out to everyone, and increasingly to outside of our American bubble, hence the term “everyone.” Having establishments offshore invests in a bigger market which in turn provides more orders on products to lead to more increase in popularity.  

The idea of having your company in many places then leads to a similarly different term once again. Supply Chains. And Specifically Walmart. Walmart isn’t actually a company in itself that designs a product, creates it and then promotes orders of clothes with Walmart-custom-tags.  I knew this, but only in the back of my head, telling someone I had gotten something from Walmart, which actually has a brand and separate department located elsewhere. Walmart is just a supplier, but a very good and competitive one at that. Supply chains make it possible to have many brands and options at a convenience location at companies like Walmart who backstage, collaborate among esteemed suppliers, distributers, retailers and customers. Then someone like me wonders why bother and how they climbed to the top? Well, for companies like Walmart to compete in the world of business, they have to be the “source of competitive advantage and profit in a flat world.” And the way they do that, it by investing in every way to be efficient and reliable to perfectionist measures. Especially by way of shipping, as the root of their company lies, as they distribute from retailers to the many locations with particular orders of supply demand. This management in Walmart’s company is what creates value. My favorite quote, basically sums up the question as to what makes Walmart unique, “…as Yossi Sheffi, an expert on supply-chain management…likes to say, ‘Making stuff—that’s easy. Supply chain, now that is really hard.’” Managing their delivery system by balancing cheap with reliable was just one decision that keeps the organization stable. Adding to their efficiency was planning routes better in collecting supplies from nearby retailers on a way back from a delivery, solving the empty handed trip on the way back to the distribution center, satisfying the effort to “leave no link untouched.” Lastly, another trip up their sleeve, was the advanced information technology to give the company visibility on popular products. Basically, updates on what’s hot and what’s not. With this advantage, distribution centers can “forecast” how much of what goes where, to diminish the problem of over or under stocked items, and keep up with the demand of costumers, retaining popularity. 

This similar form of forecasting or what I call “product tracking”, leads to how Google is involved in the business world. Google has developed a targeted advertising model which basically presents viral users with ads relevant to their searches and interests.  Another way, great for business sake, is the fact that because Google has brought an age of self-informing availability, consumers are more efficient with shopping and seeking out their products. Google is where it stands now because it doesn't push products and services like the old school T.V. ads and commercials, but has a way with its collaboration system to give the impression of being reliable and quick. Just with Walmart’s terms at success. What I take personally from these stories to success is that the world wants to depend on the reliable and quick. 

Module 2: The Beginng of Collaboration

Last week, I basically summarized Thomas Friedman's reasoning behind how the world is becoming flatter, mainly in a social and cultural sense. In fact, as a world we are narrowing our once huge diversities that separated us, initially geography, which then evolved with Columbus, and now the work force is inclusive in the diversity of culture and technology.

So this encompassing collaboration began with the age of the Internet, and specifically, the modifications and eventually standardized protocol to then become ever more inclusive to everybody and their computer. Workflow software is the key to allowing everyone's different computer systems to accept each other and process the documents, spreadsheets, pictures and what not. Friedman has said that compared with the Berlin Wall and Netscape, this discovery was a “quiet” revolution. I can relate with that conclusion, in particularly how the new big-hit things are what makes news. Then the more contributing and intellectual breakthroughs tend to be the least recognized.  But this in fact had the biggest contribution in bringing together the corners of the earth, hence flattening. Work flow software started with SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol) which allowed email to be converted per system and make it universally accepted. I believe that just this alone is a breakthrough, as similarly the telephone had, so people, anybody, can communicate digitally, not having to worry whether someone runs with the same system as themselves. Even just unanimous email can bring collaboration, critics and ideas from all over the globe. More software continued to develop, making more features available everywhere. TCP/IP was next, making is possible for all applications to also be read from anywhere. Ultimately, the discovery with XML (SOAP), made possible for computer to talk to computer, making a widespread translator for data.

 I could grasp the concept perfectly with the analogy of the Tower of Babel that Friedman pointed out, as I am familiar with the bible story and could relate.  My own correlation I thought to relate with, was a theoretical instance of a type of universal translator described in most Sci-Fi movies, simulating a device that allows aliens of different races to communicate despite the language barrier. Compared to the “old school way”, of having a communications officer primitively help with language deciphering, certainly not as effective. Especially when recounting many Star Trek episodes, where from their exploration and successful first contact, collaboration was made possible. Treaties and technology are discussed, to bring to pass flow within species and differing planets. Just as the new standardized protocol brings a flow with companies and continents at a faster rate, working to reveal a new global platform for collaboration.

With such open doors from these modifications, increasing improvements will escalate the rate of advancement in technology. With the open door in communication, a new phase on with the Internet had substantial benefits. Uploading. Another revolutionary step. Major advances in this area include Wikipedia, Blogging/Pod-casting, and exclusively, community development software (open software.) Community development software is, as you can guess by the name, software developed by the community, in basic terms. Base codes for programs and new software are generated and made public by a motivated collaborative team purely volunteering for the good of the future. This software can be updated and reviewed, with many patches or in other words, contributions. These then can be the base, or as in Friedman’s analogy, vanilla in an ice-cream sundae, which then can be improved, personalized and patented as the toppings. This free-for-all seeming project, is a place where individuals can shine and bring forth potential. This event proves that we have a place to be empowered, to create, upload and enlighten on complex things. In an economical prospective though, I have to agree with Microsoft’s insight that free can’t be forever, for lack of incentive without the reimbursement to innovate. But I believe the roots of this open community phase is empowering and collective in gaining differing viewpoints and insight; also bringing together self-inspired and determined individuals to get a job done how they foresee, creating a sturdy foundation for all.

With the proof that digitally, things can get done with a diverse community, it can be taken to the next level. Not limited to creating base codes and software, but other daily jobs in the workforce. This my friends, is outsourcing. Sourcing people, man-hours, and intelligence outward, scattered from a standardized office building. As previously mentioned in my last post, which left off with the new links of outsourcing currently in the workforce, Friedman explored the extent of this support. Particularly with India, which continues education for outsourcing specialized jobs and English classes to “flatten” their accents. “Why is this a thing now?” some might ask. Well “work gets done where it can be done most effectively and efficiently.”

Module 1: The World Is Flat

1.) What is the difference between Globalization 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0? Well first off, I had to put together what Globalization exactly was, to then understand the three different levels Friedman categorized it. Globalization is how we as a people work together among different organizations, careers and even cultures. It is a process in growing more technologically advanced by our collaboration of knowledge and skill, along with international trade. The levels of globalization all circle back to Friedman's huge theme and discovery of how the world is flattening. Globalization 1.0 started out the most broad, beginning in the time frame 1492-1800. 1492 was the initial event of Columbus expanding Europe with his discovery of America. This was the first contribution of history bringing the world as a people from, in Friedman's view, a size large to a size medium. I was a bit confused at first why expanding land and bringing knowledge elsewhere would began the process of flattening the world, shrinking; but then mentally figured that the more we expand, push our knowledge on others and integrate what we know elsewhere, it helps bring together both areas of land and eventually connects two separate cultures by growing means. The summarizing phrase for Globalization 1.0 is countries globalizing. That’s where Globalization 2.0 comes in. Globalization 2.0 is the greater expanse in developing technology and the industrious age, still just really focusing on Europe and America, but flattening from “medium to small.” This carried through until the 2000’s with the theme, companies globalizing. Lastly, Globalization 3.0 is basically the new age of technology, guessing that it will continually grow from 2000 to the future. Globalization 3.0 is put on a national scale compared to the original connection between Europe and the U.S. Shrinking the scale of the world in Friedman’s eyes to a size XS. The theme for this new phase of interaction with each other is focused on how individuals collaborate and compete globally. We are taking a bigger role personally because of the wider expanse in technological communication and our relations globally with other nations. It took a minute for me to grasp the literal concept of “flattening the world”, but took it in a sense that, the barriers are being put down, and the continents are growing closer together, almost in a Pangea sense of looking at things with a "flattening" perspective. Through Friedman's experience and interviews, results show we are now outsourcing around the continents and even globally so “work gets done where it can be done most effectively and efficiently.” He found all sorts of proof where the world is flattening; in particular, Indians were “flattening their accents” to fit in to the rising work society.
2.) What does the fall of the Berlin Wall mean to Friedman? The fall of the Berlin Wall, 11/9/1989, “tipped the balance of power.” What used to be communistic society changed into a free market and influenced others. Particularly in India, who originally followed a similar society until they figured out the hard way it wasn't working out to well with the economy. Their Berlin Wall fell figuratively speaking for India, and the economy took a boost with new government. And so did things nationally after Germany's wall fell. Originally, the wall limited the global market and knowledge pool. Afterwards, common standards were established and constant protocols could be put in practice to make things a little more universal.

3.) Why is the story of Netscape important? “...though Netscape may have been only a shooting star in commercial terms, what a star it was, and what a trail it left.”  This in particular was my favorite quote to sum up the importance of Netscape, because although it didn't succeed in certain eyes with the modern competition of technology, it succeeded in broadening the use for the internet and taking the first stab at the initial confusion of it all. Netscape gave the Internet meaning by making it inter-operable and able for a standard of communication.  Netscape unlocked the ability and want for people to be connected with each other through data, e-mails and research by providing a universal browser, which made sense of much internet garble and data. Overall, it made the brand new Internet accessible and useful, to all user age ranges and all the different systems.

Personally, I feel a little sheltered in some of the major technological fronts and national relationships. This is all news to me and interesting at that. It puts a brand new perspective to take in and gives me a curiosity about current globalization and the growth in today’s technology; especially the not so long ago history of it too. I also feel a little guilty for not being in the loop with my rising generation, and now feel urged to catch up on things other than myself. I look forward to taking a grasp on the subject and hope to become more insightful on this expanse as well. The more and more I learn, I find how interconnected everything seems to be; from India, to Berlin, from Columbus and then to the birth of the internet.