Wireless Moves Closer

Wireless technology for computing and communication is advancing rapidly and the folks in the Silicon Valley and other technology hotbed places see some major developments on the near term horizon.

According to an article in the New York Times this morning, "the economics of wireless is still unclear and technology standards are not yet in place. Nor does the move to wireless computing spell the death of the personal computer, any more than the rise of the PC meant the demise of the mainframe computer. But as wireless telephony and computing combine, the center of gravity in digital technology is clearly shifting."

"People see the PC as played out, and they are looking for new technology platforms to build new businesses on," said Brad Silverberg, a former senior Microsoft executive who left three years ago and is the founder of Ignition, a venture capital firm that has invested in wireless businesses.

What does all this mean to economic development. Well, here are a couple things you might want to think about:

* Wireless will change the computing and communication technology you use at home and work.It will make it even easier for you to "telecommute" from wherever you are. Wireless technology will impact the "EDO of the future."

* It will change how businesses do business--they will be able to perform their activities in a larger band of of operating environments, including many rural areas that currently do not show up on their business location radar screen.

* The product mix in the Silicon Valley and in other places that produce electronics and telecommunications equipment will change. Will the next generation of wireless products be produced in existing facilities or will new ones be built? That is an important question for existing and emerging tech centers.

* China will play a greater role in the development and production of wireless technology products. The Chinese have been counting on it for a while.

This issue is worthy of your thoughts. It will change how you do business. Stay tuned.