Comment Articles

Work/life balance: Do we have the tech, but not the will?

Eugene Lacey ZDNet.co.uk

Published: 28 Aug 2002 14:26 BST

Batteries are hardly the sexiest technology on the block -- yet advances in power consumption for mobile devices hold an important key to ushering in a new order of work in the 21st century.

We are approaching a key milestone -- the ability to use a notebook for a full day's work (eight to ten hours) from a battery. Beyond this point gas-driven batteries and nano-generators will drive mobile devices for even longer periods between charges.

The technology industry is moving inexorably towards a mobile device that connects seamlessly to the Internet from anywhere on the planet. The high-bandwidth connectivity will enable a new generation of Web services -- making it possible for the device to do much more than simple browsing and email. It will connect securely with all business-level applications that the user is authorised to use. It will know where the user is and its operating system will have a concept of time, place and context.

The hardware, software and networks to support this next generation of portable computer have already been designed -- and will be in production before the decade is out.

This new generation of portable computer will have a far more profound impact on the world of work than anything we have seen so far. Its impact will go far beyond the office -- it will impact transport systems and the holiday home market; it may reinvigorate the telecommunications business; it could be positive for the environment; and above all it will impact on the individual who needs to spend several hours a day in front of a computer to do a job.

This technology will render commuting a thing of the past for many information workers. The 9 to 5 culture will be replaced by the "work anytime, anyplace but make sure you get the job done" culture. Travelling to the office each day will soon start to be seen as a waste of time -- not something you do every day, but only when there is a specific reason for you to be there. This will be good for businesses and individuals who grasp the opportunities -- but threatening for those who bury their heads in the sand.