Advances in digital technology have swept away worn assumptions concerning information access, knowledge capture, and business practice. The new order has been proclaimed a second industrial revolution. Amidst the ferment, a steady stream of publications has reported on computer systems, network standards, and online tactics. Despite the wealth of information—or perhaps because of it—there has been a dearth of frameworks to organize the myriad tools, applications, and strategies.
This book presents a panoramic view, filters the melody from the noise, and offers pointers toward the future. The primer begins with an overview of key techniques and applications. This is followed by guideposts to orient the newcomer to the virtual frontier. For members of the digital economy, the book offers global models to assess the environment, devise a competitive strategy, and construct an enterprise system.
The volume provides a compact survey of Internet technologies and their role in personal productivity as well as corporate advantage. The manual can serve as a guide to emerging trends for the general reader, or as an aid to strategic planning for the decision maker. The handbook should interest readers in all walks of life and roles at work, from front-line employees and seasoned professionals to senior executives and policy makers. The book is also addressed to students of all ages with an interest in the evolution of our digital society.