Volume 5, Issue 1

Customized drugs will be available in the next decade and some commonly occurring diseases, such as type-2 diabetes will be eradicated during the same time frame.

7. From Dot. COM Shakeout to Net Growth

In the United States, 40% of the population have yet to become wired. In Great Britain and Japan, more that 60% of the population has yet to venture online, and some 85% of the people in France have not traveled through cyberspace. The potential population of cybercitizens in the developing world is even greater.

Even better, according to Brigham Young University, more that 65% of Web surfers have the potential to shop online, and more than 40% of users are likely to do so regularly. But for that to happen, e-tailers will have to rethink their marketing, address customer fears about credit-card security, and make the whole experience less technologically challenging.

Internet use will continue to grow, with remarkable progress made in the developing world.

Distributed computing will put the power of supercomputers in the hands of those industrious enough to tap into the limitless computing power resting on idle desktops worldwide.

Smaller companies will lead the next e-commerce revolution by using the Web to increase sales leads, lower marketing costs and increase online and offline sales revenue.

8. From Science Fiction to Science Fact

Because of astounding advances in micro-technology, you can buy —or will soon be able to buy—watches that take photos; download and play digital music; monitor your workouts; and act as miniature computers that can download, store and display appointments, phone numbers and other data. They even tell time. And they occupy just one niche in the world’s digital gadget shop.

Sales of Internet-able wireless phones will surpass those of conventional phones, as greater numbers of people un-tether themselves from land-based units.

In the coming year, the market for high-tech home-health equipment will explode, as aging baby boomers seek to identify, monitor and curb impending age-related illnesses.

In the coming year, the healthcare delivery system will be strained, as lingering fear of infection from biological agents prompts many to seek treatment when previously they might have ignored similar symptoms.

Stress-induced physical ailments also will rise sharply, as will visits to mental health professionals. Far greater numbers of people will experience bouts of depression, anxiety, insomnia or other manifestations of fear in the aftermath of terrorist attack. Even when evidence of a clear and present danger has disappeared, the adverse health affects will continue for months and years afterward.

Steady demand for payment from the millions affected by the terrorist attack will drive premiums higher, accelerating the pace at which business abandons more traditional health insurance programs.

Employers who continue to provide traditional health insurance will compel workers to assume a larger share of the cost burden.

10. From High-Tech Mania to the Simple Life

The simplicity movement is spreading, as growing numbers of people ask the question: "How much technology is too much?" In the coming year, concern that our relationship with technology is affecting our personal relationships will energize the emerging "appropriate use" movement.

A rising tide of business people and consumers are leading a populist resistance against technology overkill. Growing numbers of business people are leaving laptops, pagers and cell phones in the office and enjoying some rest and relaxation.

Even more significant for the entire technology sector are the growing numbers of companies and individuals who say they have given up trying to keep pace with technology. According to a Harris Online computer survey, 60% of respondents have done so. Some 33% say they suffer from "digital distress" when shopping for technology products; 43% say technology is too complicated and 43% of PC users feel that it’s advancing too quickly.

An underground appropriate-use movement will gain momentum as technophiles, parents, psychologists and philosophers question the necessity or desirability of having access to anyone, anytime, anywhere.