The internet
is an immense place. It is full of data, but how can I find the
information that I want? I cannot select it all myself. I need data
filters that separate information from noise. A browser is a data
filter.
Super
browsers are hard to use
Netscape
and Microsoft are engaged in a browserbattle. Both companies release
a new version of their browser nearly every year. Each new version
is bigger and more complex. Netscape and Microsoft aim to build
the ultimate browser. Their browsers are super data filters; huge
multitask browsers that have the ambition to integrate all thinkable
browser (filtering) functionality. It may seem logical and wise
to put all browsing tasks in one single application. It certainly
is, from a marketing point of view (we bring you the ultimate solution!).
But is it also wise from a human perspective? I think not. Why not
choose a specific filter depending on the need. When I look for
coffee I will use a coffee filter, when I want to catch a fish,
a fishing net will suit the job.
Specific
hardware for specific tasks
All through
their existence computers have been in short supply. In the past,
an entire office or even an entire company shared a single computer.
Nowadays, every person has his own computer at his service. In the
near future, computers will be everywhere. Every application can
have a computer of its own. Processing power and internet access
will be basic means.
People
utilize computers to carry out tasks. Would it not be better to
use a separate computer for each task? The hardware and software
interfaces can be completely designed for one single task, and therefore
be more intuitive (ease of use). Of course not every thinkable task
will get it's own specific hardware. Related tasks can be carried
out within one task specification.
Swiss
army knifes
Today's
multimedia computers are too much like Swiss army knifes; they come
in handy when you are on a survival journey and you cannot bring
too much stuff (in the analog: processing power is expensive). But
you will not use a Swiss army knife to spread butter over your daily
bread. You will use a single task device known as the knife instead.
The soup will be approached with a spoon.
The necessity
to bind together all tasks in a single machine to limit hardware
costs is gone. The necessity to increase ease of use by dividing
tasks over separate interfaces and machines can now be granted.
End
of the browserbattle
At this
point, the browserbattle comes to an end. The concept of a single
Super browser will be blown into a thousand pieces. In the near
future, the internet will be operated on by a variety of small browsers.
They do not perform all tasks, they will do one thing right. As
a result of their clear-cut functionality these applications are
easy to learn and use.
Multiple
small single task browser will not just replace the current big
browsers in the distant future. Instead, they are doing so at this
very moment and this tendency will grow even stronger day by day.
A Lot of browsers will be made by a lot of companies.
Building
specific browsers requires specific knowledge and specific ideas.
One single company can not dominate the diverse market of small
browsers. Any company, big or small, should ask itself how its specific
product knowledge could result in a specific small browser. Large
companies can not monopolize ideas and they must not be allowed
to monopolize the capability to implement ideas. They should concentrate
on servicing low-level internet structure to third parties. The
browserbattle ends with a blast. Be sure to pick up some pieces.
|