The next key driver in the evolution of technology will be convergence. Today, convergence is already beginning to happen on a large scale with high technology devices, infrastructure, and software once developed for one purpose now being used to enable new functions by converging with other technologies. Convergence has had a broad impact on individuals, societies, organizations, and the world. Convergence is a key driver of globalization by bringing the world together through technology. Convergence is driving modern business, consumerism, and global economies and societies.

The greatest contemporary example of technological convergence is the Internet. The convergence of technology, media, communication have all been rapidly developed and fueled by the Internet. Through the Internet content of any type once reserved for one medium is now being distributed across into our homes, offices, and the palms of our hands. Advancements in content and user interfaces have also greatly added to the technology convergence movement.

Technology convergence has impacted the individual in countless ways including; consumerism, social networking, accessibility to information and entertainment, and personal communication. Through e-commerce (the convergence of retailers with the Internet) the consumer has been empowered tremendously by offering a wider availability of products, choices, and information on products as well as bringing once distant retailers to your desktop. A consumer can now easily book a trip around the world, order their groceries, and get tickets for tonight's show all through the convergence of commerce and technology.

The entertainment and media industries are still learning how best to embrace the convergence of technology and media. The traditional method of delivering media and content to consumers has been a push-out method where content and media are pushed to the consumer in broad actions through mass channels. Media and entertainment consumers now have the ability to seek out the content they desire, this access as well as the ability of consumers to easily copy and share content has also challenged the media and entertainment industry in particular the recording industry.

Convergence will continue to drive our future and technology advancements and is one of the most key drivers of globalization, consumerism, politics, and just about anything in the world.

P.S. This post is simply an introduction to a topic that I will be writing about in future posts.