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Computing Essentials 29 May 2008

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There has been much debate recently over the capacity of the
internet to cope with the growing popularity of high-bandwidth
services such as online video.

Some ISPs have been moaning in particular about the impact
of the hugely successful BBC iPlayer – a complaint that has
been received with derision from web users, not least those
writing to Computing's letters page (http://newswires.computing.co.uk/c/12rxoulzYGigelDw).

The irony is not lost on those who recall the early days of
broadband, when ISPs accused content providers of doing too
little to provide sites that would encourage users to upgrade
from dial-up connections.

But now the father of web gurus, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, has raised
another arterial issue – that the problem is not too much content,
but too much useless content.

Berners-Lee fears that the internet will lose credibility as a
business and consumer tool because of the spread of false,
misleading or simply annoying information – the web equivalent
of spam for email. Would you really trust Wikipedia as a
100 per cent reliable source, for example?

All these debates are inevitable for what is, after all, a
very young technology in terms of mainstream use. Barely 10
years ago the internet was unheard of outside of tech-savvy
circles. Ten years after the car was invented, people still
thought it necessary to walk in front of them waving a red
flag to warn passers-by.

The reality is that the internet shows no signs of slowing
down in either popularity or connectivity. The government and
the telecoms industry are slowly waking up to the need to
invest in next-generation broadband infrastructure. And the
iPlayer demonstrates the benefit of providing quality content
to the right audience.

There is no need for a healthcheck yet. IT leaders need to be
aware of the issues under debate, but should not be deterred
from investing in a future where information and connectivity
are the lifeblood of business and government.

Bryan Glick

Editor

Computing

Essential News:

Smartcard bill will top £1bn

by Angelica Mari

The transport sector is facing a bill of more than £1bn to set
up systems supporting industry-standard smartcards mandated by
the Department for Transport.

Full story at:

http://newswires.computing.co.uk/c/12rxBpUo5L66AfDV

M&S appeals against data protection ruling

by Tom Young

Marks and Spencer (M&S) is appealing against a ruling by the
Information Commissioner's Office that the company breached the
Data Protection Act (DPA).

Full story at:

http://newswires.computing.co.uk/c/12rxOltccPTWW9Ek

Industry backs e-crime unit

by Tom Young

Industry experts have welcomed the Home Office plan to fund a
dedicated e-crime unit.

Full story at:

http://newswires.computing.co.uk/c/12ry1h20jUHNi3EJ


Online guide curtails JPA teething troubles

by Tom Young

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) says installing an online help
programme has resulted in a 30 per cent drop in calls to a help
centre supporting its £100m human resources (HR) system.

Full story at:

http://newswires.computing.co.uk/c/12ryecAOqZvDDXF8


Misinformation tangles web

by Neon Kelly

The spread of false or misleading information on the internet could
damage its usefulness as an information tool, according to worldwide
web creator Sir Tim Berners-Lee.

Full story at:

http://newswires.computing.co.uk/c/12ryr89Cy4jtZRFx

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comment

Attending SAP's European user conference may have been like playing
buzzword bingo, but the customer presentations offered real insights
to their peers, says Computing editor Bryan Glick.

http://newswires.computing.co.uk/c/12rz3UQ2TiJ13zGK


Skills are not just a concern for IT; they affect citizens as
increasingly we see a world where a degree of IT literacy is
necessary, says Intellect's Carrie Hartnell.

http://newswires.computing.co.uk/c/12rzgQoR0nwRptH9


When workers are considering how to compete with India and China,
it is nice to see how people in India can champion outsourcing and
then fear it, says Mark Kobayashi-Hillary.

http://newswires.computing.co.uk/c/12rzGHwtex8y7hHX


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computing TV

Watch our video guide to the key trends and best practice tips for
your outsourcing strategy.

http://newswires.computing.co.uk/c/12rA6yE5sGKeP5IL

podcasts

The issues behind the news. Download our weekly podcast in which we
analyse the latest IT headlines.

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