 Remember
the old adage about not throwing away that wide tie because someday
it will be back in style? Well, the good folks at
Neverware have built a business model and product that exploits
that concept. "Neverware installs powerful software on schools' existing
computers, taking over the 'heavy lifting' and allowing the computers
to run like new. Neverware's servers can supercharge any PC - even if
it's ten years old and missing its hard drive." Those of us who have
been using computers since the 1970s ['78 for me] know this system as
a network with dumb terminals. The main difference between then and
now is wireless connectivity rather than copper cables. Calling the
server a "Juicebox" helps the sales pitch and with cinching the deal
- it sounds trendy. I have long predicted that the "personal" computer
in business and other large networks like in schools and government
offices would eventually come full circle back to the dumb terminal
system. Doing so eliminates - or at least makes much more difficult
- scenarios like where Edward Snowden simply plugs a thumb drive into
the USB port and walks away with sensitive data that probably has already
gotten or will at some point get someone killed. It also protects against
malicious software and makes deployment, maintenance, and user restrictions
much simpler and cost effective.If you fit the right "requirements,"
you can get a contract for just about anything from the government these
days. Being a WASP male myself, my chances are almost nil, but here's
an idea for someone else more innately qualified: Why not take this
idea a bit farther and resurrect the typewriter for government offices?
You could offer a package deal that also includes a flatbed scanner
with OCR software that connects to a wireless network. All I ask in
return is to please remember me in your will.
Posted December 2, 2013 |
