Many stakeholders have predicted that the present wave will be in existence for 30 years, from 1990 to 2020. Currently, transport providers are capable of better management of their production and supply systems. This is due to a tremendously improved operational atmosphere (Malik, 2005). This wave is reliant on information technology. Another direct consequence is the growth of industries, notably the computer software and hardware industry. It has also stimulated the introduction and development of the e-commerce sector. The core objective of this wave is the entire revolution of the information and telecommunication sector. With this in mind, it becomes obvious that this wave targets computerization of the economy (Jean-Paul et al., 2006). This can be done by paying attention to the following aspects:
Telecommunications pertains to conveying messages through different modes over a certain distance, and it can take various forms, including radio, television, telephony, and other forms (Jean-Paul et al., 2006). Currently, it can be done in different forms, with point to point, point to multipoint, and broadcasting being the most common styles. Earlier forms were analog and relied entirely on integrated circuits. Communication was possible only between connected blocks, and phone lines were used for this function. The quantity of data sent was small, and the transmission speed was equally slow. The invention of digital signal processing has seen faster data convey methods. Globalization has necessitated the advent of worldwide standards (Jean-Paul et al., 2006). This aspect could have been achievable, but only if a standard means of reference was used. This was achieved by using a universal atomic clock, or from other clocks in sync with it. Multinationals are now able to monitor happenings in their branches and subsidiaries worldwide as a result of this.
Cybernetics entails communication and control of systems and relies on response. After the failure of Artificial Intelligence concepts, scientists came up with this concept. Its general effect has been tremendous, being felt across all spheres of life. Thanks to robotics, remote-control expertise has successfully been employed whilst conducting complex surgeries (Malik, 2005). People with missing limbs have received prosthetics that function normally because they are controlled by the brain. Economic growth can be realized at higher rates since there are lesser dependants in the society (Jean-Paul et al., 2006).
The decentralized network that connects computers on a global scale is also known as the Internet. It is the responsibility of every user on this network to decide the sites they wish to access and determine the information they avail to other users of the network. E-commerce is Internet-based and has signaled the genesis of new business transaction methods (Jean-Paul et al., 2006). Support services like banking, job requests, ticket booking and many more can be done online, reducing congestion and time-wasting. Online entertainment is another advantage of the Internet. Social networks, chat rooms, online games, and other recreation forms are accessed by many users and can be used for advertising (Jean-Paul et al., 2006).
I do not agree with the time frame set for the commencement of this age since this phase heavily relies on computer expertise and Internet connectivity to spur its growth. Since the earliest computer dates to the early ’60s, it is unfair to quote the beginning of this age as 1990 (Malik, 2005). It is noteworthy that this stage, unlike the previous waves was not reliant on a single concept. The affordability of computers coupled with widespread Internet connectivity initiated this wave (Malik, 2005). Communication was made easy as a result of this.
It is not desirable to estimate the end of this wave due to the uniqueness of the current process. A good number of innovations and subsequent improvements are initiated by the consumers (Malik, 2005). It is also hard since the Internet is already available with unlimited broadband. This has created opportunities for all interested parties to exploit this provision. In my opinion, the end of this wave will come after the invention of technology superior to the Internet.
References
Jean-Paul, R. Comtois, C & Slack, B. (2006). The Geography of Transport Systems. London: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group.
Malik, O. (2005). How to Ride The Fifth Wave. Gigaom.