1. Networking Opportunities
David Strom
Tom’s Hardware/XChange
12/2/03

2. What makes a technology a fad?
Inconsistent standards
Lengthy paybacks
Microsoft’s meddling
The march of time

3. What makes a technology a favorite?
Profit potential
A true interoperable standard (in your dreams, Strom!)
Commodity usage but high margins for services or support
The ability to kick off recurring revenues

4. Emerging networking techs
Gigabit
IP Telephony
Real time apps and customer analysis
Printing!
Web Services

5. Gigabit Networks
Desktop deployment driven by near zero marginal cost for 1G nets
Wire plant needs upgrade beyond CAT 5
New wiring test tools needed
More new apps that require gig speeds
Gig E. in more motherboards
Can PC bus keep up with 10G speeds?

6. IP Telephony Voice over IP finally hits DIY phone networks
No progress on disaster recovery planning with VoIP
MS Office 03 driving collaboration tools
One word: Vonage!

7. Real time apps and analysis
What are your customers doing NOW?
Just-in-time mfg. requires real time data
Makes mass customization profitable
Also useful in intrusion prevention

8. Printing -- yes, printing!
Fast first-page out now a real metric
Color is a commodity these days
Ethernet attachments now in many homes
Wireless printing almost here
Digital cameras in the office driving new sales and innovation

9. Web Services MS Office 03 now has XML religion
Open source now embraced by Novell
Middleware and apps servers still where the FUD, and the profits lie
Biz process integration more of a reality