In the early days of computing, the term "multimedia" was the buzzword that everyone was chasing. It was a time when having a system that was "multimedia-ready" was the ultimate goal, often signifying that the system was equipped with high-quality sound and video cards. Fast forward to today, we are on the brink of experiencing truly multimedia systems - systems that seamlessly integrate and connect various modes of communication and information sharing. For businesses to thrive, or even just to survive, in the future, it is crucial to stay abreast of these changes and leverage them as soon as possible.
The changes we are talking about primarily revolve around how the Internet is merging with other communication media to create innovative products and services that were previously unimaginable. Here are a few examples:
The Internet is now being used to make local and long-distance telephone calls, as well as video conferencing. This fusion of two media allows customers to transmit more information than either could do individually.
A growing number of merchants are integrating their physical store locations with their websites. This integration ensures that the two are not separate selling points for the company, but rather work together to drive profits. Such systems lead to increased sales and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Forward-thinking businesses are harnessing the power of the Internet and the popularity of television to create new interactive media. With these systems, a TV viewer can use a wireless mouse to learn more about a product they see, including its price and the nearest place to buy it, all based on the viewer's personal information and location.
These examples illustrate that the future of the Internet will be shaped by the innovative ways it is combined with media we are already familiar with. As business "entrepreneurs," we should keep a close eye on these developments to avoid being left behind.
The future of multimedia in business is promising and full of potential. As technology continues to evolve, businesses that adapt and integrate these changes into their operations will have a competitive edge. The key is to stay informed and be ready to leverage these advancements as they emerge.
For more information on the future of multimedia in business, check out this article from Forbes. For a deeper dive into the evolution of multimedia, this research paper on ResearchGate provides a comprehensive overview.
