Real-time data networking and augmented reality anywhere, anytime is getting closer to reality every day. We are seeing examples of augmented reality in movies and in web mash-ups using services such as Google maps, and so on. Technically the free flow of real-time data over the web and over wireless networks is feasible to meet about any user and application need. The real challenge to real-time data networking is not necessarily technical challenges, but are non-technical issues. The key challenge with real-time data networking is overcoming restrictions caused by proprietary systems, artificial restrictions on networks, and Government policies that restrict the flow of data.
Who Can Restrict Open Networks? Governments, internet service providers, hardware providers, content providers and application providers can restrict the the free movement of real-time data. These restrictions with real-time data networking are challenges that can be lumped under such terms as Net Neutrality, Open Systems, and Free Commerce. A company, a Government, a policy, or a group of people can seriously restrict the flow of data by not being net neutral, having proprietary, closed systems, or restricting free commerce.
The Opportunities and Challenges of Real-Time Data Networking
Proprietary Systems Can Restrict Open Networks. Proprietary systems are good when they introduce a new technology such as mobile web access. A proprietary system becomes restrictive when it begins to restrict innovation and further advances in a technology field. An example of a proprietary system restricting open networks is the iPhone. The iPhone has helped the industry define mobile web access, but it has some weaknesses that may be hard to overcome such as a background-processing capability (i.e., the ability to run multiple third-party apps at once).
Dominant System Providers Can Restrict Open Networks. Dominant system providers can restrict third-party developers from being full partners in furthering the development of applications. This has happened with system providers such as Microsoft and with Apple. I love Apple products, but Apple is an example of a dominant system provider that is restricting open networks. In this case, third-party developers are restricted in being full partners in developing applications for iPhone versus in an open systems environment such as Linux. See posting, The Android OS – Open Vs Permission-based Mobile Computing, for more on open versus proprietary systems restricting innovation and open networks.
Communications Providers Can Restrict Open Networks. Many industry insiders have advocated or have come out against net neutrality. Net neutrality is the concern that broadband providers would restrict access to content providers. Example, of this would be Comcast only allowing its subscribers to use the Google search engine. Also, exclusivity agreements like with the iPhone and AT&T can limit open access to networks and stifle innovation.
Governments Can Restrict Open Networks. Governments can inhibit and restrict open networks. Examples, of this is where an authoritarian Government will limit content and even limit access to the internet. Governments can also encourage and / or inhibit innovation. For example, the U.S. Government helped birth the internet, but now the U.S. has slower broadband speeds than many other countries. Here a Government encouraged the birth of an open internet, but it has not taken effective action for its citizens to have a superior internet infrastructure. See posting, Regulate Having Fast Internet, Then Net Neutrality.
Content Providers Can Restrict Open Networks. Newspaper publishers have controlled content for centuries. Many content providers have attempted to continue the role of newspaper publishers online where they distribute information, but they also restrict it. The newspaper business model where you have to pay for data-based information does not seem to work well online. Content providers need to have a profitable business model online, but many fee-based business models just restrict access to data. Content providers should evaluate different business models such as advertiser-supported content or a free / premium service business model. In most cases, these alternative online business models would be more profitable and at the same time make a more positive contribution to the online community. See posting, Newspapers Wake Up – Embrace Internet Technology, for more on the challenges of newspapers and providing content online.
