Learn on line with Dr. Ecommerce

Comment
Broadband applications for broadband

why must broadband be full of broadband applications?

There is much talk these days of broadband Internet connections full of broadband applications. Soon, we will be able to download video on demand, video chat with people and download fat applications whenever we want.

The shocking truth of the matter is: people are not very interested in broadband applications - even if they are interested in broadband. With one exception, which I shall get to shortly.

The truth is most people with broadband connections (whether via DSL or cable-modem) are more excited about the "always on" aspect of broadband. Once the Internet is switched on 24 hours a day, people begin to treat it more like a utility which they can access at any time. E-mails can be checked regularly. Rather than consulting the family encyclopaedia for information, people can check the Internet. News, weather, and stock prices are immediately available.

Participating in chat rooms or listening to on-line radio doesn't tie up telephone lines (or run up phone bills). Researching purchases and buying on-line can be more relaxing (Not sure whether to click the purchase button? Never mind. Go get a coffee and think about it for a while).

Sadly, business is looking for fat applications to fill fat broadband connections. In truth, they should be looking for applications that take advantage of the always-on aspect of broadband connections. On-line agendas - possibly shared, tools that monitor activities and virtual communities are more likely to be interesting than streaming video. After all, you can get streaming video on your TV! And half the fun of watching TV is using the remote to flip through channels.

The one broadband application that is successful? On-line games!