I like history. I think looking back gives us a sense of velocity – a perspective on the magnitude and speed of change. And, at the risk of sounding, well, old – isn’t it amazing how rapidy the way we get things done has changed?

The past ten years have been particularly interesting. The Internet has moved from a niche oddity – the turf of specialists and kids – to a pervasive reality in both our business and personal lives.

Look at the last decade.

1998

Google is founded. Let me say that again – Google was founded only 10 years ago! Today, with Google’s advanced algorithmic breakthroughs and the competing frenzy of innovation by Yahoo!, Microsoft, and Amazon, useful Web search is the norm. Rather than ending debates with "well, that's your opinion," facts can be settled in seconds.

Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs) are introduced for consumers in California, providing the first high speed access to the Internet in homes. Over the next decade, spotty and slow Internet access gives way to ubiquitous, always-on broadband connections for both businesses and individuals.

The first members of Gen Y – the first “unconsciously competent technology users” – graduate from high school. Most of them do not remember the first time they logged on to a computer -- it was before conscious memory.

1999

Everquest, a “massively multiplayer online role-playing game” (MMORPGs) is introduced, changing computer games from feats of individual dexterity to extended contests of strategy and reputation development.

Business jargon expands to include terms reflecting the fear of “brick-and-mortar” companies “getting “Amazoned.”

Jack Welch declares the Internet to be the greatest change in business in his lifetime and orders GE’s 12 units to integrate internet technology into their business plans.

The Melissa Computer Virus shuts down email systems worldwide; creating instant recognition of how dependent business has become on this tool.

2000

Y2K turns out to be a non-event, but, as companies prepare, executives recognize that many IT programs are outdated and unwieldy. A shift begins to construct programs out of smaller building-blocks of code.

Dot.coms “crash,” but not before they have installed a significant Internet infrastructure.

PayPal is founded, extending online purchasing capability to millions. Over the next several years, consumer attitudes shift from not trusting ecommerce to buying comfortably over the Internet.

Over 250 million participate on the Internet – about ten times as many as just two years earlier

2001

9/11. Businesses respond to the attacks by decentralizing data and servers.

First Weblog publishing system, Movable Type, is founded, giving individuals the ability to create and publish online.

Business models to “rent” sotfware are developed. “Software as a service” allows rapid, low-risk experimentation with new applications rather than the massive, time-consuming “buy” decisions and implementation processes of the past. Technology disappears as a barrier to the execution of virtually any strategy or idea.

iTunes is formed, opening the door for millions to experience the personalization of their entertainment.

2002

Wikipedia begins, demonstrating the power of crowd collaboration. A new generation of so-called Web 2.0 Internet-related technologies — including social-networking sites and folksonomies, as well as wikis — make it possible to collect, store, and employ non-transactional information (i.e., conversations, wisdom, and know-how). Companies expand beyond sharing only episodic information and millions of users - not just early-adopters - enthusiastically participate in online communities.

Sarbanes-Oxley introduces new requirements for data security. Again, companies are required to confront the challenges posed by legacy systems, hastening the shift to newer models.

Second Life is founded, bringing virtual reality out of the realm of science fiction and into the everyday lives of millions of middle-aged explorers.

Only half of all men and a third of all women in the workforce say they would want “more responsibility” if it were offered to them.

2003

My Space is founded.

Skype is founded.

The first college educated members of Gen Y enter the workforce, bringing new technology habits and enthusiasm for rethinking how work gets done.

2004

Google goes public.

Facebook is founded.

2005

YouTube is founded.

A study finds that 37% of all professional women drop out of the workforce at some point, typically in their thirties.

The fastest growing course in MBA programs is entrepreneurship.

2006

Over 1 billion are on the Internet

Economists estimate that the lines between supply and demand of workers in the US cross – the US moves into what is expected to be a sustained talent shortage.

The first Boomers turn 60

You are Time’s Person of the Year.

2008

Shortages of technically skilled talent in Europe have doubled since 2005 – 16% of all positions are vacant.

10% of the U.S. workforce are teleworkers

2010

The size of the European workforce is expected to begin a multi-decade decline.

And, although it’s hard to predict exactly how, the other thing we can say with some certainty is that the way we get things done in 2018 will be very different than the way to get things done today.

If you’d like to explore the latest and greatest in business technologies, the Enterprise 2.0 Conference, billed as the largest and most important gathering for the people ready to reinvent the way work is done, will be held in Boston on June 9 – 12.

What do you think the next ten years will bring?

The Enterprise 2.0 Conference organizers are offering readers of “Across the Ages” a discount of either $100 off the conference pass or a free demo pavilion pass. The following URL is hard-coded with the discount; it will be automatically applied when you click on it. http://www.enterprise2conf.com/?priorityCode=CMBMEB20 I hope you’ll be able to attend.