High technology players seek 'networked world'

The Computer Systems Policy Project June 8 released "Living in the Networked World," a publication targeted to policymakers and consumers. In it, the CSPP calls for a revision of the fundamental role of public policy in a networked world and offers recommendations for setting public policy.

CSPP comprises the CEOs of technology powerhouses Compaq, Dell, SGI, Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lucent Technologies, Sun Microsystems, NCR and Unisys.

According to CSPP and the wireless communications industry a shift in the high-technology realm is already under way. Technology is moving away from a preoccupation with isolated computing toward a fully networked world and, CSPP states, the societal and economic benefits that entails.

To encourage that shift, CSPP is urging policymakers to oppose public policies that inhibit or prevent connectedness. CSPP also states that policymakers and consumers must make a distinction between what has been achieved with solitary, desktop computing and what is to come.

"When we talk about a networked world, we're talking about a mosaic of computing and communications in which people and institutions from businesses to hospitals, universities and government agencies are connected and conducting all manner of important transactions," said IBM Corporation Chairman and CEO Louis V. Gerstner Jr., in a press release.

CSPP urges policymakers and industry leaders to implement a policy framework that allows the networked world to flourish, and to foster its growth by connecting people, institutions and services to the network.

"Connectedness will be the grid by which public policy will be judged," said Lars Nyberg, chairman and CEO of NCR Corporation."It is critical that government view itself as a networked world player."

Nyberg added that government leaders will be judged according to their success in promoting policies that enable all individuals and businesses, as well as public- and private-sector institutions, to share in the benefits of the networked world.

"Industry and public-private partnerships also play an important role in this new world," Nyberg added. "Of particular importance is the need for industry, government, education and nongovernmental organizations to work together to meet challenges in areas such as digital inclusion, infrastructure availability, privacy protection and network security."

"Living in the Networked World" draws heavily upon the Law of Network Effects, which states that the value of a network increases exponentially with each person or device that is added to the network. The objective is to increase productivity and value by connecting as many people and devices as possible.

CSPP, founded in 1989, works to develop and advocate the IT industry's public policy positions on technology and trade. CSPP issues include export controls, Internet taxation, encryption, international trade and electronic commerce.

Computer Systems Policy Project

CSPP, an information technology industry advocacy organization, comprises 11 CEO members:

Robert Bishop, chairman and CEO of SGI

Michael Capellas, president and CEO of Compaq Computer Corporation

John T. Chambers, president and CEO of Cisco Systems Inc.

Michael S. Dell, chairman and CEO of Dell Computer Corporation

Carly Fiorina, president and CEO of Hewlett-Packard Company

Louis V. Gerstner Jr., chairman and CEO of International Business Machines Corporation

Andrew S. Grove, chairman of Intel Corporation

Richard A. McGinn, chairman and CEO of Lucent Technologies

Scott G. McNealy, chairman and CEO of Sun Microsystems Inc.

Lars Nyberg, chairman and CEO of NCR Corporation

Lawrence A. Weinbach, chairman, president and CEO of Unisys Corporation