The Death of Distance: How the Communications Revolution Is Changing Our Lives - Softcover

Cairncross, Frances

Softcover

ISBN 10: 157851438X ISBN 13: 9781578514380

Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press, 2001

Synopsis

Shows us how the world is changing with the introduction of the Internet and wireless technology. This book - based on evidence from two sweeping surveys on telecommunications - argues that new communications technologies are rapidly obliterating distance as a relevant factor in how we conduct our business and personal lives.

About this title

Review

What will be the most significant economic factor to shape our future? Renowned Economist writer Frances Cairncross proclaims that it's the "death of distance" caused by the communications revolution. This book suggests that the relationships between people will change radically within the next century, affecting our home and work lives, and the way we govern ourselves. Because the Internet removes all geographic boundaries, Cairncross asserts that people and businesses will relocate wherever they want, making it difficult for countries to enforce tax laws. Governments will be under extreme pressure to offer the best public services to attract businesses and individuals. Cairncross also predicts that people's reading and writing skills will improve because they'll have to communicate effectively using electronic means.

Although Cairncross voices concerns over our inability to "control" what goes over the Internet, she ultimately looks on the communications revolution as enabling a more liberal exchange of ideas. This perceptive book, written for a general rather than technical audience, adds yet another voice to the debate over the pros and cons of a technical society.

Synopsis

In this paperback edition of the acclaimed book, "The Death of Distance", journalist Frances Cairncross of "The Economist" shows us how the world is changing with the introduction of the Internet and wireless technology. First published in 1997, Cairncross' provocative book - based on evidence from two sweeping surveys on telecommunications - argues that new communications technologies are rapidly obliterating distance as a relevant factor in how we conduct our business and personal lives. Now, the author has substantially rewritten and updated the book, with 70 percent new data, fresh analysis, and new company examples to offer a look at the economic landscape ahead.Cairncross argues that the story today is not only the diminishing importance of distance, but also the mobility and ubiquity of technology.

New material covers the implications of recent events and debates including: the rise and fall of the dot-com phenomenon; the spread of mobile telephones and other wireless communications; the wave of technology mergers; the authenticity of the "new economy;" diverging trends in business-to-consumer and business-to-business e-commerce; the restructuring of the organization in the wake of the Internet; the increasing impact of patent law on the communications economy; the so-called "digital divide"; and, the democratizing effects of communications technology on companies, governments, and society. With an updated "Trendspotter's Guide" that offers a snapshot of the new opportunities and challenges we face in a wireless world, this timely book will help all of us envision and enjoy an increasingly connected future.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 157851438X
• ISBN 13: 9781578514380
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 320