Module 13

By

Hunter DeVries

            “A man is like a novel: until the very last page you don't know how it will end. Otherwise it wouldn't be worth reading.” -Yevgeny Zamyatin, It is time to say our goodbyes but let’s remember that we learned about a story that is unfolding, not one that is finished.   But I would like to take a moment and review over the information that stuck out to me and what I would recommend to make the class better.

            History I believe is a mere glance at our past and an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and repeat our successes. Funny enough that is the constant that we have in history, that there are ups and downs. We learned many things about the technological advancements that were made put I believe that it didn’t focus very strongly on the challenges and sacrifices that were made to create our present times. It seems that what makes it so fun to watch and see these fictional creations of Jules Verne, Leonardo da Vinci, and Thomas Edison come alive in our days. It seems that we as a society are starting to be more of demanding society, instead of a society that is amazed at each advancement. My hope is that we continue to be innovative, but we don’t sacrifice our common courtesy to others and be understanding.

            Connections are made that throughout the world can help create a more interconnected society. I think that is what is helping the consumer receive their product at a more affordable rate, which helps us save. I love Amazon because I can get good merchandise and typically very quick at an affordable rate. How just creating that certain kind of company created a massive change to how online shopping had to be modeled.  I also personally enjoyed learning about how Dell Laptops are assembled and the logistics that goes into making them. I think that it has been fascinating learning about the ins and outs of online business, especially since I work in that business.

            Overall, I think the class was perfect and it really gave us the time to get the assignments done and learn at the same time. I have and will continue to recommend this class to everyone that I come in contact with. I am going to end with a good quote that I think accounts for journey that we will continue to go on in this ever learning technology world.  It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure. -Ernie Harwell. 

Module 12

By

Hunter DeVries

           

            Your intellect may be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you. –Roger Ebert. I believe this is the motivation of the author towards his paper. I would like to explain a bit about “Why the future doesn’t need us” by Bill Joy, explained by some of the emotions or feelings, which drove him to write this paper.      

            Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson. The imagination is a feeling of wisdom that leads great men and women of the world to the technological advancements such as genetics, nanotechnology, and robotics. These have unleashed a whole new universe of scientific exploration. The results thus far have been incredible on one side but have been destructive on the other. From the medical advancements that have been able to help millions if not billions of people, to the atomic bomb which did the opposite of help, it created devastation and fear.

            The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown – H. P. Lovecraft. I think that this quote explains exactly how the author feels towards the future of technology. Now don’t get me wrong I believe that Bill Joy is a genius and he is very persuasive in his essay, but it motivated by fear of what may or may not happen. But fear shouldn’t hold us back from what can help people for generations to come. There will always an opposition to all things, and that is why it’s worth taking the risk.

The biggest risk is not taking any risk…. In a world that's changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. – Mark Zuckerberg. Fighting to make something happen is worth the risk in my opinion. I think that when you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world, it is worth the risk. Imagine if we would not have taken the venture into cancer treatments that have helped numberless amounts of people. This article was written back in 2000, which means if we would have taken his advice we wouldn’t have anything that we typically use on a daily basis.

Overall, I am not convinced by the evidence that he presented in the article, because even though the past can teach us doesn’t mean it always applies. I admit that he contributed to many of the foundational parts and principles of the technology that we have today, but he shouldn’t be afraid of the opportunity for technology to grow. None the less a great article which has some real depth to his argument, like the depth of our future, phenomenal. 

Module 11

By Hunter DeVries

            Funny what a kid with a passion for always trying to raise the bar can do. The only thing is the higher you climb up the ladder in intelligence, the harder the impact will be once you fall. For example when an extra intelligent kid decides to break a code on a very private server because he already had hacked the school’s computer system, little does he know the code he is breaking would be War Operation Planned Response.  This is the control center for all nuclear weapons in the United States arsenal. If you haven’t guessed already, I am talking about War games.

            Don’t count out the little guys, and especially those that can hack the United States Military system, and start a nuclear war competition instead of a game of chess. Thanks to a super cool 80’s technology filled man cave, and the idea to download a new video game before it is released, this teenage prodigy really gets himself in some trouble. But luckily he is able to receive some help from some friends and deescalate a nuclear war. Today these threats haven’t gone away, but simply have continued in different ways and forms.

            Throughout the year, we have seen many reports that the Chinese have attacked our Nations networks or in other words the Chinese Cyber Attacks. The purpose of this attacks is to immobilize our nation’s defense, which are dependent upon the finest technology. But when you are in a war against the country that manufactured a good portions of the technology that you have, you have to wonder, is it secure?  We have created a great and resourceful way of living with technology, but it does have an Achilles heel. The question is when will it be exploited? And how much damage will be done? We don’t have the answer for that, but rather the passing of time will tell that unpredictable answer.

 As of right now we have to recognize that we carry powerful computers in our pockets, and that makes life scarier for all of us. We have taught ourselves to be dependent on this small technology. Dependence is something that can cripple us as society, because how private are we when we surf the internet? Stealing someone’s identity within seconds of just passing by someone, or just tracing the “cookies” that comes with using public wifi. Dangers come with any endeavor, but at this time we believe the benefits out weight the risk. The advancements of security procedures and systems come with the millions of failures, which are found on the way to the finished product.  That being said, I think we just need to use common sense and take the proper precautions to stay technology safe.

It's just a game, right? Not in the least, we need to take serious precautions to be able to keep us from the dangers of technology. But once we identify the dangers and use the steps necessary to keep us technology safe, we can enjoy the conveniences that it can provide while remembering the guidelines.  Technology provides us with fun and exciting games, but the safety of technology is no game.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

MODULE 10

By Hunter DeVries

            Wow. The imagination is thought of once to be impossible is actually a gateway by which many people will endeavor to make a reality. From the once “mythical” flying machine which was turned into our modern airplane, or even the “horseless” wagon or in other words the automobile. In this essay, it really brings that idea full circle. I would like to take the time to comment on the interesting and almost frightening things that I was able to find in “A Logic named Joe.”

            “Let’s go invent tomorrow instead of worrying about what happened yesterday.” – Steve Jobs. But sometimes technological advancements hinder the way society should be. Much like any great idea, it is typically made to help the common good. Rather most of the time it makes compromises that we don’t often realize. In this story, the Logics are known for performing a variety of tasks that were once commonly performed by humans. After a period of time this convenient computer became something that all humans started to depend on the Logics. Much like in our days, we are very dependent on our technological advancements. Like how our phones are able to answer problems that we only found on computers, or before that in a book or at the local library. This convenience is something that we hold dear and wouldn’t be able to let go easily. The thing is though, Easy Street isn’t as easy as it sounds.

            Everything comes at a price. In the story one of the Logics was manufactured with a defect which can bypass the security protocols which protects any harm to human kind. This defective Logic is called “Joe”. The defects start to effect other Logics which creates a great and unlimited knowledge given to all people. To which ends you could know how to murder someone without being suspected, or know how to find someone who doesn’t want to be found. To be able to fix issue, Ducky a maintence man from the company that manufactures Logics, needs to find the source of the defect or system issue and remove it.

            Luckily in this story it has an ending, in which Ducky identifies the faulty computer and removes it to bring balance back to the story. Now take a step back and look at our society that we live in now. We are constantly seeing newer and newer gadgets to help us improve as society but we created many weapons in the process. Unlike the story, it doesn’t end now but rather continues to get worse and worse.  The home in which use to be a refuge for the family, now has the options of letting outside voices dictate how it should live. Thanks to social media such as and not excluded to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and/or Snapchat. There is a lot of great methods such as Public Education through media or up to date news to keep us prepared for anything in our way. How we use technology is a personal decision on a daily basis, the question is do we always make the correct one?

            I was very impressed by how this story has come to life in our own days, from WikiLeaks to Cyber Attacks between countries. Will it stop? Who knows, but in the mean time we have such a great opportunity to help one another through the means of our technology advancements. I believe if we were able to think of this great technological advancement, we can also create a great solution. The question isn’t if we can, but rather “by when will we have it?”

Module 9

By

Hunter Darren DeVries

            All good things must come to an end. The last nine weeks have helped to open my eyes to a few of the recent business advancements. It has been a great educational experience, and I would like to take the time to explain a few of the key concluding arguments or finds from Thomas L. Friedman. I will take the time to explain about the process of building a Dell Laptop, the Al-Qaeda supply chain, and the curse of oil.

            “The keystone of successful business is cooperation.” – James Cash Penny. I believe this quote definitely encompasses what Dell does in the way they make their own laptops. From the time that you make an order (whether over the phone or online), is the “first step” of many towards the finished product. This process includes processing the order with any credit card service and then from their Dell orders all the parts from their supplier logistics centers or SLC’s. These centers then make and ship out the parts to one of Dell’s facilities which puts together all the parts from its suppliers. Now when I talk about suppliers, I speak from everything from the Intel processor to the touchpad. Each of the parts come to make the product that actually wrote this paper. Funny what happens when you cooperate and schedule with other businesses.

            When we are so focused on making something for the common good, it is then opening the gate for those opposed to the common good. Unfortunately when you “flatten” the playing the ground, you also make it easier for people to use that playing ground against you. That is what Al-Qaeda did. They were able to basically mimic the same kind of evolving system of communication to be able to fuel their cruel war desires. This “fuel” is other people that think the same as Al-Qaeda, which creates a variety of options to create their acts of terror. Thankfully, the counterfeits are never as good as the originals.

            Greed is something that is a never ending plague and we see it constantly in the business world. It is something that can drive a business into the ground instead of the fast lane. One of the many resources in the world that makes any country go crazy, is oil. It is this resource that was able to make the major countries in the world what they are today. Oil is one of the many resources that in some ways can make or break a country’s economic system. That is why I believe it is a curse because you can’t live with it and can’t live without it. The power struggle will continue for as long as oil exists, but that will be a long while.

            Although these past few chapters have come to an end, it doesn’t apply to our business world. Business is business and it doesn’t matter who thinks they are on top, the fight will always continue to be better, faster, and more consumer loved. Now I know that I don’t know everything when it comes to business but I do know, the information is just a click away thanks to a “flat” and information driven world. 

Module 8

Technology stimulating the success of education

by Hunter DeVries

            Just being a click away from learning is something that we take for granted in our days. Imagine the magnitude of just taking away the capability to edit a paper, look up information for a class, or even create a presentation. I can remember having specific computer classes to teach us how to type and use basic Microsoft programs. Now my 12 year old sister is using more complex programs on a daily basis to be able to complete her homework assignments. I would like to explain some of the important things I have been able to do thanks to modern computers systems and internet capabilities.

            First off, I am grateful for the grammar check. Since taking an honors English class in 9^th grade I have loved writing papers. I have loved it so much, that I starting writing articles for my high school newspaper by the time I was a junior in high school. From there I wrote for the Standard-Examiner for the TX section for my senior year. I can guarantee that it wouldn’t have been possible for me to complete all those assignments on top of my school work, if they never would’ve created the writing programs for computers today.

            Second, computers have given us the greatest gateway to any information used for research on any subject, that gateway is called Google. Honestly, Google is the reason why students all over the world can have a resource to complete almost any project. The thought of not being able to cross reference any project without Googling the information is as crazy as making chocolate cookies without chocolate. Luckily two men named Larry Page and Sergey Brin were creative enough to create that now household name, Google.

            Now finally, I appreciate the great job that Robert E. Kahn and Vint Cerf were able to do by making the Internet.  The internet is an ever connecting and forever evolving space to the business and education world. It allows us to access things that can come from your local library or even information stored on the other side of the world. The accessibility that the internet has given me to be able to study whenever and where ever I want, has been an indescribable freedom and convenience, I don’t know what I would do without.

“The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.” Stated by John F. Kennedy. I believe the advancements that have been made thanks to technology completes John F. Kennedy desires. The list can go on and on but overall the impact that technology has been in my life is limitless. But I can say one thing, the advancements today have set us up for a great chance for educational success tomorrow. 

MODULE 7

CHAPTERS 10-13

BY HUNTER DEVRIES

            It’s funny what competition does to us. It can bring out the most creative and most ingenious ideas, businesses, and cutting edge innovations. Then there is the other side of the coin, it can bring out the most difficult law suits, corrupt business deals, and the ever difficult system malfunctions. In this article I will be focusing on the positives and negatives of the following topics: Globalization, Self-directed consumer, and the competition of comparative advantage.

            Comparative advantage is something I like to call, “First come. First serve.” It is a dog eat, dog world out there and it is constantly changing. So when changes happens, you have one of two choices, either adapt or be yesterday’s news. Now when talking about business you have to recognize that all of this applies. For example, different countries make different consumer products, but it doesn’t mean that specific country will always lead the pack in making that product. China and India are constantly changing the status quo because they have their minds set on being big and better at making certain products. It not only helps other countries step up and create better products but also helps make countries strive to dominate specific fields. The key to being on the top, is staying there through constant effort, creativity, and passion to be number one.

            We as consumers like it easier, faster, and more convenient, or in other words a self-directed consumer.  Self-directed consumers are those that take shopping into their own hands. People who like to be self-driven and take the initiative, and just shop from the convenience of typically their own household. I for one, am a self-directed consumer. I enjoy having the ability to shop within the push of the button. To have the items specifications, reviews, price checks, and then click checkout, all at the tip of my fingertips. I am a big fan of Amazon, it gives me all the tools and information to look at previous purchases, wish list items, and to simply make a purchase online. Thus by creating a comfortable environment to make purchases, the customer continues to feel confident about buying with that company through their website. Well played Amazon, well played.

            The key to any business is working at a worldwide level to better your company, country, or your own business and endeavor to be able to interact and integrate with the other businesses at a global level. This process is called Globalization. By which your target segmentation increases which typically increases your revenue. Now some companies have gotten to that point like McDonald’s, Facebook, or Wal-Mart and they are successfully recognized at a global level. These type of companies are also considered part of Americanization. Which is basically American companies, who influence different countries to buy their products. Some oppose the thought of American companies being successful in different parts of the world, but there is only one answer to that. “It’s nothing personal, just good business.”

            Progression is the key to making a business successful at any level but especially on the global scale. If you don’t adapt you will end up like AOL.com, Blockbuster, or Saturn Car Company. If I learned anything from these chapters it is that dedication to detail and ambition to grow, makes the true advantage to a spinning business world. 

MODULE 6

Chapters 5 to 9

            The business world is one that I think we can sum up in one word, unpredictable. I feel like the business world is much like any kind of sports game, because it can seem predicable but then “BAM”, didn’t see that coming. I learned some interesting new things that I had not really considered or fully realized. I would like to explain what I learned by relating it to sports.

            Free Trade is the ability to do business at the international level without restrictions such as taxes, fees or quotas typically. Now my take on this is that there needs to be some restrictions now and I say that because simple rules and regulations gives us a balance in anything. Just imagine a football games without downs, sideline limits, or even basic rules. It wouldn’t be something worth playing because there isn’t a way to measure your success without those basic regulations. By using rules and regulations it would bring out the best in the business world, by making it that more competitive.

            A “Middler” isn’t a punchline from a joke from Abbott and Costello. Let me describe to you the qualities that are necessary for any businessman or player in any game. First, a good team player in any company is something that is fundamental. A team player is someone that is selfless enough to worry about the success of the company, rather than the success of one’s career in the company. Much like from a quarterback to the left guard, each and every player makes a significant contribution. Second, is the ability to also lead a team and carry out your plans.  To work with a team and give out assignments is the means to be able to reach goals, much like a captain on a team helps his teammates orchestrate a successful offense or defense. Third, inspiration and creativity make any project or goal not only feasible but successful. When you run into trouble with any business venture, you have to realize one thing it isn’t over until you say it is over. Much like in any sporting event, the fight isn’t over until the whistle blows. You can make last minute changes to make that product have a successful edge.

            “A smart man makes a mistake, learns from it, and never makes that mistake again. But a wise man finds a smart man and learns from him how to avoid the mistake altogether.” by Roy H. William. I think that sums up the equation that is CQ + PQ > IQ. Intelligence is something that is looked for but someone with creativity and passion is something highly sought after. I consider someone that is creative and passionate the “Game Changer” of a business team. They will be the “Energizer Bunny” that will continue to push and motivate a group during the whole process of any business venture.

            It’s not anything personal, it’s just business. The business landscape is built up by those who “play to win”. The people who are ambitious, creative, and willing to do anything to succeed, are those will make the final score count. It doesn’t matter if it is a game or if it is a business, because it all comes down to one phrase. “Let’s make this count!”

MODULE 5

“The World is Flat”

By Thomas L. Friedman

                What do you think when you hear the words Triple Convergence? Or what about Intellectual property? Or finally the business relationship between Indiana and India? It’s no secret but it is something that we need to understand in order to survive in the business world. Now much like any plan, it comes down to certain phases or changes to make progress in the business world. I would like to go over a few of these advancements with you, because to survive you need to understand these key factors.

            Triple Convergence begun around the early two thousand’s. Instead of companies trying to just make it “big” by themselves, they came to the mutual agreement to help each other out. This was made by partnerships with other companies to be able to flatten the playing field and also to try to make it easier for the customer. We have adapted since those early years so we don’t recognize the convenience methods that were made for us. Instead of waiting in lines to buy something at the local store, it can be shipped to our home for free. The list goes on and on, of how by making business connections with other companies not only makes that business better but broadens their target market.

            Indiana versus India sounds more like an international sporting event but in some ways it truly was a competition which I thought worked out for both parties. Now I believe that the exploited party was the Tata Consultancy Services from India. The reason being is that they knew the amount that the Indiana workers were being paid and they took a huge pay cut. We not only were able to save money by getting the same quality of work done, but now have the ability to use that money to create more jobs. The exploiter or the Indiana State Government will get the work done for the unemployment claims by the India agency, and will be able to create new jobs in Indiana. Which in theory would help the state of Indiana have less claims for unemployment.

            Creativity is one of the important reasons why we continue to have more and more business in the world. But we need to be careful with our creativity or as the business world likes to refer to it as intellectual property. Now a person doesn’t just have ownership of an idea just by thinking of it, but rather creating a patent, trademark, or copyright. We not only need to be creative in the business world, but also we need to be quick to protect our creativity. I constantly find myself thinking of creative business ideas but then I find out that the idea has already been patent protected or copyrighted. America is great for that reason, we can make anything out of nothing with a smile on our face. The United States truly is the place where creativity no only runs wild but also continues to surprise us.

            Now let’s make connections, make the tough decisions, and be creative. This isn’t something that will only affect the way we look at the business world now, but rather how history will be able to describe this time of economic progression. Will we be waiting for the conclusion or will we be a part of making it. 

MODULE 4

INTERVIEW OF HUNTER DEVRIES

            “The customer is always right.” it is a saying that is constantly heard and where I work I can honestly say we always try to live up to that saying. Now I work at a call center, here in the Ogden area. Call centers are just a small part of large corporation but they make a significant impact on the way of helping a company run smoothly and efficiently. I have the great pleasure and honor to be able to relate my personal experience that I have while working at a call center. I will be giving just a few of the insightful aspects of the call center experience.

            Customer service is always something that is sought for when I take a phone call and I work for a large corporation that number one priority is to help the customer. From the moment that we answer the phone it is our job to continue to help the customer find a resolution. Now not always can we find a resolution that the customer wants, but usually down the line from a few months to a year sometimes that option that they wanted is then made available to us customer service associates. We are constantly working to evolve and too discover new ways to help the customer and make it easier for them.

            Now when it comes to making the experience better for a customer, it always starts with you as the associate. You as the associate are the person that needs to be positive, outgoing, and first and foremost, honest. As an associate you get a wide variety of phone calls every day with issues that are simple to fix, and ones that you know will require a good amount of time. When it comes down to it, the customer just wants to know what they need to do and how to do it. That is the key to anything, explaining clearly what you can do and what they can do to get this issue resolved as quickly as possible.

            Think for a moment, when was the last time you made a phone call to a company to resolve an issue. They probably put you on hold a few times, when that happens it usually means that they are working diligently to find an answer or resolution for you. Now knowing this, when I make a phone call and get placed on hold, I know they are working to find a solution for my problem. Last night I made a phone call to Amazon.com and they were able to resolve the problem and apply the discount to the cart that I had open. When I refreshed the page, the discount had already been applied. Incredible.

            The technology age is expanding every day and the software that I started using a few months ago is now about to be replaced, for something better and newer. It is just a huge thing to be a part of, and how we keep up is just remarkable. I ask you, yes you as the consumer. Ask questions, be clear, and just be patient. Let us continue what we do best, help the customer the best we can. 

Module 3

Let’s put it this way, the phrase “History repeats itself” is one of the most truthful quotes to date.  We are literally living a cycle of repeating circumstances. From the battle for equal rights for women to the fight for equal rights for every race. Also the constant ups and downs of the economic market, which have included economic recessions and economic expansions. It is just something that comes natural for us as human being. Now let me explain as to how these constant cycles apply to offshoring.

Jamestown and many other American colonies were fresh grounds that were established for the purpose of not only expanding the British Empire but also as important part of economic plan for British Empire. Imagine they discovered land that would be able to grow crops such as rice, indigo, coffee, and many other products. But the best part is that the land would be worked by cheaper labor and would help create a faster way to receive goods. The definition of offshoring according to “The World is Flat” is this; “produces the very same product in the very same way, only with cheaper labor, lower taxes, subsidized energy, and lower health-care costs.” (Page 137-138). Now let’s fast forward to the years of the 1980’s when the fresh new grounds of international trade in China had just begun. For the first time, we would be able to make products under the cheap and well-disciplined laws of the Chinese work force, and then sell those products at an international level. That change to the day has created a wave of enthusiasm for offshoring to other countries to create the same product but to make it cheaper and make more profit.

            Supply and demand is a never ending cycle and it is also a double edged sword Now that is due in part to supply chains. Now when the flood gates were opened into China with the offshoring, it also created a great effect on the supply chains. Imagine that a man in the United States of America was getting paid around $4,000 dollars a month to fulfill a certain skilled job and someone else in China could fulfill the same skilled job but for around $150 dollars a month. There is no question about it, it is much cheaper to buy shoes at Wal-Mart when they have been offshored, rather than made locally in America. Then once those shoes are purchased at the cash register, the process starts all over again. Wal-Mart contacts the vendor, the vendor makes and ships the items to a warehouse to be inspected, sorted, and shipped. From there it arrives back to that store and is place on the shelf, right where you found it.

            Could you Google that for me? A phrase that is just a house hold name not only has given us answers but also helps to inform the customer if that product is really what he is looking for. We can literally google any business and research what kind of company they are and see if I should purchase that product. No more hiding secrets from the public eye. Google in short has literally given us the ability to check up on something within minutes to be able to help us moving forward with any decision. Businesses use this as a way to promote their products and the best part is almost everyone has an equal chance.

            The cycle as always will continue to keep evolving and revolutionizing how we act and or think. The best part to all this is, we are improving and everyone has a chance to expand their thoughts, ideas, and business. Now the question is are we going to be a part of this great economical movement or are we just going to watch, history repeat itself?

MODULE 2

"The World is Flat" - Thomas L Friedman

            Click. Open. Submit. Confirm. Thanks. Where would we be without the simply incredible software systems that we have today? Who knows but one thing I can say, we are only scratching the surface. Thanks to innovation we are literally making business that is much easier and even more efficient.  Today I would like to talk about some software programs that make that possible and also who are the people that are using that software on the other end of the phone and more often the computer.

Now much like the desire that men had to one day “soar through the clouds” was not only achieved, but we went the extra mile and landed on the moon. We are known as a society that evolves thanks to technology advancements but doesn’t forget the men that made that technology available. Now imagine even NASA astronauts ran into a few problems so they had to call Houston, so that they could use all their bells and whistles to solve the situation. Today in the ever expanding universe of technologies, businesses still run into those moments where we say to ourselves “Houston, we have a problem!” and we need help. But instead of calling to the great state of Texas, you might be getting “outsourced” to anywhere in the world. Just think of it as receiving a source of goods or help from a distance away. It is still a solution that was considered, approved, and is working for those business companies to better serve their customers.

Now much like NASA hired many people to help coordinate the miracle of the “man on the moon” with those fancy computers that filled an entire room but processed a launch into the stars. We have the great opportunity to be able to use workflow software, which with little human assistant will be able to do the rest. This cuts back on many steps to not only make it easier on the customer but also the employee and company. Take for example the current Amazon order. All you are doing is verifying the information and then pressing a button. Then the software does the rest, like let the warehouse know they need to process the order, process the order, ship the package, and then coordinate with the shipping company the ETA time frames.

Wow! What an achievement right? Now take one more step back for man, and realize you were already using a software that was like fuel to get this shuttle of the ground, which is Open Source Software. It is literally something that provides the right to change and distribute the software to anyone for any purpose. Much like fuel fits the needs to get many different jobs or engines running to get to the destination, Open Source Software will help you get the job done from work or home and in many forms and multiple applications.

Once again we are playing in a new broad open space and thanks to technology advancements we are playing a big role also. Now it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to be able to use these systems to place an order, but it did take a few to design it that way. Thanks to them and to NASA I was able to make this possible, due in part that they made the computer mouse. That is one small step for man, and one giant leap for consumer kind. 

Module 1

“The World is Flat” by Thomas L. Friedman

            Tweet. Email message. Facebook alert. Friend request on Instagram. Snapchat of a friend in Europe. Text message. Someone is calling you through Skype. Wow! Imagine something that we take as something “normal”, 10 to 20 years ago seemed like movie special effects or just a wish. Change. The word that I feel fully describes the perspective of the author and I believe everyone that was involved with this book thus far. The power of change is incredible and the effects that it will always have on the world. The change that is described in the book comes by many names but I would like to focus on 3 changes, Globalization 1.0, Globalization 2.0, and Globalization 3.0.

            In 1492, Columbus sailed the Ocean blue. Something that we learned at such a young age but that really started what Friedman classifies, Globalization 1.0. In this period we began to open trade from the Old World to the New World, up to 1800 just when the American Revolution had celebrated just around 20 years. It opened up what was at that time a great advantage to trade goods that weren’t accessible in those continents until the Columbian trade exchange started. It came at a cost of course, of lives, of many, but it came with great advantages. It caused us to think deeper, broaden our vision, and explore new opportunities. It helped drive us to expand global integration and ask us what we were willing to do to make a better tomorrow. From this great era came many inventions or innovations that accelerated global integration, such as horsepower, wind power, and steam power machines. Did we just stop there? No, we didn’t settle but rather just continued gaining momentum.

            Wait you can have your business in more than one nation? What a revolutionary idea. Funny enough the revolutionary war was the only grand change that happened around 1800. From 1800 to 2000 the dominance of multinational companies. With few interruptions such as the Great Depression and World War 1 and World War 2, the power house of multinational companies started to take root in the economy in many nations. But much like anything that takes root and is cared for, starts to blossom. That is thanks to innovations of this period making transportation cost fall and to an increasing effective global communication system. Which created a great, fresh, and more accessible market for practically everyone. From Railroads to Telephones, the global economy was turning into an equally, “flat” playing ground. But just like the saying from Walt Disney, “Keep moving forward”. That is exactly what happened.      

            The freedom that once was something that usually only war or treaties could resolve had received a new ally to help let the voice of the people help seek for a solution. Now that goes without saying, we do need to act upon our words but it is easier when it is not only words but the desire of a group, society, nation, or the world. The Berlin Wall is a great example of a desire that finally was brought to action. Not only did it liberate all the captive people of the Soviet Empire, but as Friedman said “tipped the balance of power across the world”. The revolution of global communication opened the door for free expression of international interest from all stand points such as political, social, and more importantly, economical. Trade controls were released and we saw business fall or better yet flourish.

            The roots are in place, the growth spurt happened, and now we get to see the finished product. Globalization 3.0 is that “finished product” and helped give us what we call the modern technology age. It allowed us to have the internet thanks to Netscape. The company Netscape really was the company that established the playing ground for Globalization because thanks to them we were allowed to have “dot-com” because they started it. If we take away .com from any website we either go straight to a search browser like Google or it simply doesn’t work. This simple change still brings big results. Now thanks to the access of the internet we can process easy and practically effortless World Wide interactions and business transactions. Bringing it down to one “flat” playing field.

 I have the great pleasure of using a “normal modern miracle” called a computer, which gave me the opportunity to write this essay and upload it to the internet within my own home to then allow you to read this article. Let’s just say that playing on an equally “flat” ground makes a world of difference.