In the last few years, scientists put the combined power of
the computers linked to the internet at any given moment to
perform astounding feats of distributed parallel processing.
Millions of PCs connected to the net co-process signals from
outer space, meteorological data and solve complex equations.
This is a prime example of a collective brain in action.
2. The Intranet - a Logical Extension of the Collective
Computer
LANs (Local Area Networks) are no longer a rarity in corporate
offices. WANs (wide Area Networks) are used to connect
geographically dispersed organs of the same legal entity
(branches of a bank, daughter companies, a sales force). Many
LANs are wireless.
The intranet / extranet and wireless LANs will be the winners.
They will gradually eliminate both fixed line LANs and WANs.
The Internet offers equal, platform-independent, location-
independent and time of day - independent access to all the
members of an organization.Sophisticated firewall security
application protects the privacy and confidentiality of the
intranet from all but the most determined and savvy hackers.
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