Defining the Digital Divides - Essay Example

Defining the ‘Digital Divide’: Salinas (2003) mentions that digital divide has many implications and is defined by various schools of thought in numerous manners. The composition of information access, delivery, control of content and perception of information defines the digital divide. The idea to immensely dig into the beneficial proponents of ethics, culture and other norms would ensure better collaboration of techniques to define digital divide in the specific context. The very idea to minimize the gap demands right understanding of the cultural and ethical aspects of the people rather than computers (San, 2006). Digital divide impact has enabled the better synchronization of minds and enables effective delegation of information and communication technology. The complete idea for the “missing link” as portrayed by Chowdary (2002) makes a sound impact in the socio-economic world. The digital inequality is not inaccessibility of the computer resources but the attitude of the users and knowledge gainers for their perception of knowledge. The availability of resources for the knowledge users is gaining strength and ensures better use of the information resources. The competition is quite large in the sense that public sector companies in India namely the telecommunications have been revolutionized to bridge the gap. The combined effort in the sphere of digital divide would be to consider the disparity in the access of information and reaching out to people with better facilities. Accessibility factor: The various strong points in this scenario are to understand the information sources without any disregard to any culture and religion. The accessibility is defined as the primary component when it comes to making a distinctive mark towards making the society information rich. In India, where the average people are middle class income earners with high rate of growth in educated men and women, they are drawn towards information sources quite easily (James, 2007). The growing economy which is quite rich of knowledge has made their way to define better ways to grasp and analyze information. Whereas the learners in the rural sector often still find it very difficult to access information. This disparity is not due to the factors like perspective and attitude but sheer lack of enough resources. As the government is on their way to introduce several education programs, the process is still slow. Only up gradation of resources would not solve the job, the education and industrial development in the rural areas is also an issue. The universal access to information is one of the prime initiatives taken by governments around the world. Access to information is made good by encouraging transparency in business operations and research and development. The open source software’s are a very good example of curbing the digital divide. Transparency to information would ensure better spread of confidence and willingness to learn and develop self. ‘Digital Exclusion’ – Curbed with social bookmarking The term “Digital Exclusion” by Klecun (2008) defines a more specific definition for taking an initiative to enable self with greater learning and approach. The prime understanding of the power of information, timely accessing information for research and business, making good of the opportunities and ensure better use of information for development of human life are some of the defining moments for fetching a definition to gap the digital exclusion. The access to information in this scenario is not the lack of resources but the attitude towards obtaining it for growth and development. In this sphere, the social bookmarking websites have taken a great approach for creating a connected world for fetching large scale information resources (Kollock, 2001). The impact of social networking on society at large would define the various impacts on society and the people at large. The various impacts and the positive sparks make sure that all the various impacts are taken to its full advantage and taken up at large. The various impacts are as follows: Communicate effectively for sharing personal details and experiences thus creating a world among them. Websites like MySpace.com, FaceBook.com and Orkut.com assist a person to have a representation over the internet and allow each other to express one, create a community of friends, joining other communities and make new ones. The technology has brought in powerful combination of Internet capabilities and web technologies that promotes creating such spaces over the internet in the form of online communities. Internet is adopted by a larger portion of the population of people who are not necessarily technophile and who are definitely more interested in the “human and social life”, it makes human role more prominent. Their participation in digital forums would attract the community of interest like chatting, posting exciting stories, news events, blogs, video, playing games and many others. Interestingly, even the more traditional information perspective is becoming extended with social aspects helping to better manage this information: For instance opinion and social translucence mechanisms (Erickson, 2002) are used in electronic marketplaces such as eBay to facilitate the evaluation of the quality and the relevance of product information and coordination mechanisms are used for instance in Wikipedia to facilitate the collaborative construction of an online encyclopedia. Chatting forms an integral part of communication in today’s life and almost everyone is enveloped in it. It enables us to form new identities while communicating over the internet. It creates a visual appearance of a person behind the internet and we can choose among a large community of such identities as the profile speaks well. Social standpoint - Role of wikis, social bookmarking and information kiosks: Interestingly the web has revolutionized the factor of digital divide and the origination of information kiosks, wikis, personalization of information and many others have fostered better communication and sharing of information thereby bridging the gap to a large extent. The future usages would cater to information sharing in an open environment which would cater to all internet users and general public without any restriction. The main idea behind it s as follows: The past static pages in the web are replaced with dynamic and interactive content for all internet users. It is more about getting noticed in the large crowd of internet. The motive behind this is separated into head and tail approach. At the head, it is driven by monetary motives and at the tail it’s all about reputation. We are living in an exposable culture where getting noticed is everything. The crowd is capable of a lot of contribution which would meet the knowledge requirements and diversification into other related and associated fields. The contribution would be taken into account to know the variable factor of thinking and sharing of knowledge for its availability and growth. Newer innovations are encouraged in this manner. Data does not belong to anybody, whereas the sharing makes is quite relevant to be taken up by intellectuals. Data is collected and used for datafication – meaning the transformation of data into procuring other forms of data and knowledge out of it. Data is viewed as a resource which would be further repurposed, reformatted and reused. The factor of participation is quite widely done in practice. Information takes various forms and its contribution to the large community of users makes it quite essential for one to contribute for its best. The openness is quite determined by the communication across cultures and various degrees of people communicating across the globe. This factor makes it quite possible to share the myths and conventions to learn something new and make our lives better with greater integration of thoughts and ideas. The future of the usage of Wikis technologies eliminate the information barriers and focus on sharing information at a large scale. The points of consideration are as follows: The information literacy issues for children must be thoroughly reviewed for better envelopment of collaborative thoughts and technology. This not only brings about transparency but infuses a positive perspective towards sharing and using information. The literary issues of children make them a better knowledge worshiper. Educating young people deeply about privacy, trust and the social web. For all participation, the profiles of all people are viewed by millions of people which often pose a threat. Libraries would be integrated digitally with online databases and video podcasting facility would be made available for ‘Anytime Anywhere Access’. The future of Wikis would make use of the internet technologies and the existing features of the technology to make it good. It must be done to foster better thoughts in the minds of people and share information. The Wikis form a large section of communication channel for collecting knowledge and information in depth across several channels. The information can be always some factual as it is not verified and come from varied untested sources. Social networking in practice is O’Reilly (2005) ideology through which the Web is a platform for social interaction and information exchange. Barlow (2003) wrote an article describing ‘social software supporting the desire of individuals to affiliate, their desire to be pulled into groups to achieve their personal goals.’ However, Lee (2001, p.157) talks about ‘the information space as something to which everyone has immediate and intuitive access, and not just to browse, but to create.’ Today, many people are setting up and writing blogs and working together to create information through the use of wikis, blogs and MySpace. Social networking software has emerged to facilitate new activities, and encourages a more human approach to interactivity on the Web. The social web is about conversations, personalization and individualism.’ It is interesting that it has been referred to as a ‘People-Centric Web’. Thus, With Social networking technologies you not only get the results of knowledge stored in a searchable fashion, but you also get the process of creating the knowledge made observable (MacAfee 2006). Ethical standpoint - Information should be made free or not? Barlow (2003) mentions “If I sell my horse, I can’t ride him after that, if I propagate information to you, what I know, we both know it”. It gets really tough to answer whether information should be free or not. On one hand information cannot be restricted as it is a hindrance to social and human growth. On the other hand the intellectual property rights should be enforced so that work of others must be protected, not because of the fear of getting stolen but to continue that great effort and to boost the passion of creating something new and bringing the innovativeness to earth. Information needs propagation and not distribution as it can be transferred with any disregard to the possession factor. Information is vital for growth but at the same time it needs protection against illegal sharing and distribution. The essential truth it conveys that information is impossible to appropriate fully to oneself and may instead be a formidable new argument in favor of the control conferred by intellectual property rights. The limitations of Information and the intellectual property rights only speak that the creation and dissemination of information is only further enhanced. We are all aware that the more we try to suppress something which is flowing well will take counterparts in growth. Control in some cases actually increase open information. Production of open information is tightly linked to the relationship between control and incentives to create policy analysis of intellectual property based on public domain effects are not independently useful. Economic standpoint- Outsourcing has enhanced digital divide: Technology transfer brings along various impacts for widening the digital divide. The primary reason for outsourcing is to tap quality at a reasonable cost and is reasoned out along with the various factors responsible for making such a move. Both the parties in the act of outsourcing are in some way beneficial and possess demerits. The challenge of whether to protect ones economy from eroding the various knowledge and information houses to fetching a large pool of rich human capital is a big decision. Outsourcing vendors like India, China and Philippines’s capabilities towards information use and subsequent rich level of human resource enable it to be placed better than the richer economies. It started with major finance and insurance companies like JP Morgan & Chase, Goldman Sacs, Credit Suisse, UBS, Lehman Bros, AIG and many others with its IT outsourcing operations. Soon the vendors appeared as a favorable destination for outsourcing with regard to its strong economy and rich human capital. India, China and Philippines’s rich human capital, their prosperous education background, ability to manage, proven technology expertise, strong and renowned risk management policies, ground breaking technological infrastructure, positive attitude towards growth and development, welcoming national interests, friendly public and industrial policies and deep seated sense of trust and fulfillment objectives have met with the service level policies of various economies that wish to cater to the globe (Khan, Currie, Weerakkody & Desai, 2003). Outsourcings have been successful and have contributed genuinely towards the national income and prosperity of the state. This develops a sound stage to replace the traditional perspectives and shape the people better to acknowledge the fact that knowledge rich is the new mantra for success and development. Outsourcing in one way has tremendously impacted the digital divide in a positive framework enriching the emerging economies to have a large appetite for information and knowledge. The profoundness in their information and communication technology investment has arisen development of people to remove the disparity in information access. On the pessimistic side the outsourcing companies and economies in question has resulted in development of an easy going and slack attitude towards self development and research abilities. This has in turn widened the gap of digital divide. Undoubtedly, it helps the emerging economies to grow and prosper but at the same time the lack of training, technological and resource enrichment of the outsourcing companies erode. This erosion creates a significant gap and attitudinal differences in learning and upgrading self with information, knowledge and technological resources. It amplifies digital exclusion of the richer nations and bridges the gap in emerging economies. Political standpoint – Getting aware for better decisions Information makes us aware of the various political issues, decisions, policies, government strategies, development projects and many more. Technology has taken such a great shape that even governments are inviting suggestions in the form of poll opinions on various development projects and decisions relating to the goodwill of the economy. Howland (2002) underlines the fact that under Clinton government in US, enough resources were directed towards narrowing the digital divide through a program called ‘E-Rate’ subsidy. It increased the funding of the technological resources for public schools and libraries. Other initiatives for enhancing the internet features and its accessibility to the large number of users. Initiatives from the government to direct resources towards the access to technology by building several plans to enhance technology would cater better to the people of all objectives. The primary idea to contribute towards education and research departments would enhance the knowledge domain of the country and enhance better prospects for determining growth and prosperity of the economy. The openness of knowledge and their behavioral characteristics would go a long way contributing to national interests. The various indulgences of the government increase the confidence level of the people to think out of box to redefine their goals and strategies for development. However several thought propagators like education personnel, information technology personnel, several government agencies is required to exploit technology to eliminate disparity in information access levels in the society. A government cannot afford denying information access and retrieval to its citizens, which would spur society's existing economic, educational and political discrepancies (Howland, 2002). To maintain smooth communication and earn the goodwill of the people, the information centers would sow seeds of belongingness and sense of ownership. Initiatives from leaders and policy makers not only brings opportunities but better form of investments with regard to human minds, generate willingness, foster growth, increase employability, development of research labs and contribute towards nations wealth of brains and innovations. This initiative is not directly related to technology but brings about self realization for their objectives and arises the inner being to make an impact. Technology is a complement to this initiative and acts as a stimulus for growth. Technology in many ways impacts the digital divide and must be controlled effectively to regulate the movement. ‘Digital divide’ – an invisible concept With the advent of better forms of technology and ways to reach close to the people would again create disparities among information spread and reach. The very concept and wording has defined an ever changing gap which cannot be curbed logically. The growth of the technology and changing perspectives brings about several restrictions for information reach and spread. Disparities are often not created but occur in place due to geographical distances, regional access rules and access privileges to governments and agencies. The maximum exposure to information also is governed by numerous copyrights and access privileges which enhances the digital divide. As it is called an invisible concept, it gathers strength in every field, whether it is medical, agriculture, mining, fishing, engineering and business. The idea is to understand the difference and curb it using information technology. It would not only bring enough exposure but would slowly penetrate to every being and enable options for sharing and developing self for a better world. At the same time restrictions are required in place to manage better thought process and provide initiatives for continued participation in information mining. The point is that, there must be a clear demarcation of how much information is to be propagated for access and how much is appropriate for a common man and for a domain expert? It is also to be noted that such strategies enforced by the government and businesses would encourage the positive sense of transparency without entire revelation which would hamper information sensitiveness. As noted previously in social factors, this focus would widen the digital divide but subsequently would balance the information and technological disciplines. Access and restriction need a disciplined framework for healthy functioning of society. India’s biggest e-marketplace ‘Future Bazaar’ The E-business in India has revolutionized the concept of online marketplaces which exposes information about market prices, comparison of prices of various products and services and exposure to various product information for better use. It focuses on information sharing not only at the product level but at the business level for sharing better relationship among each other. The above e-commerce applications is popular in selling groceries, apparels, videos, songs and DVDs and would like to use e-commerce for one primary reason that is for enabling itself to match their competitiveness with the competitors and to spread their good name over the internet. Market share: The existing market for the products would receive a blow with the incoming and launch of the website. It aims to capture the customer base and the market for branded luxury products which they have decided to cater for their self being. The direction of the customers towards this website would attract greater degree of attention and ultimately sale for its products. Information transparency has contributed to a large extent to gain customer strength. Product quality: The quality of the products would be better as they are directly purchased from the branded stores and delivered directly to the customer. This would eliminate digital divide by allowing several people of every caste, creed and schools of thoughts to access products of various ranges. Revenue models: The very concept to have several revenue and transactional models ensures better establishment of communication with several brands of people like individuals and institutions. Among the revenue models B2B, B2C and C2C are incorporated by this online business for the following reasons: The website would cater to individuals and institutions meaning other businesses The website would not cater to C2C as no customer can sale to others, taking that would mean that the site is an auction site, which it is not in the real sense The brand image of the company and its products would greatly influence the very being of the training requirements so that they are able to focus on customer demands. The competitive advantage of the firm would be a positive signal for getting the products across and making the right kind of move for getting the job done. Creating a new division for the sake of catering the training requirements would enhance the aims of the company so that they are able to meet with the company policies and at the same time take full advantage of the brand image of the company on the whole (Anderson, 2007). The training demands for the products are likely to increase the bulk of orders and would promote a sense of vision for the marketing of the products so that it can be taken up for the purpose of achieving the goodwill of the customers at a large scale. The company exists on the web with a number of distribution channels for its sale and distribution. It is a successful merchant as it is successful in creating a market for its products which has enhanced its global reach objective (Armstrong, 1996). The information propagation has revolutionized to a great extent with the concept of electronic mechanism for improving the accessibility of the organization. Training would not only confiscate the knowledge gap but also would enhance the information penetration to several domains. It would combine technological resources to work hand in hand to spread business knowledge for its own good. The online business has revolutionized and has taken privilege in incorporating a supply chain management. The information access is now channelized to the various business external entities thereby defining new challenges for growth and sharing information. The supply chain of B2C would focus more on the marketing of the products or services which would make sure to fetch customers and usually the channels of communication is large. Cooper (2003) mentions that supply chain is important to visualize the processes which are involved from the idea generation stage to the deliverable component. Proper identification, understanding and analyzing the processes would make sure that better strategies can be devised for innovation. It would help an organization to optimize costs and produce quality products and services (Ballou, 2002). It is also important for an organization to seamlessly integrate the business process for strategic decision making towards resource utilization and process innovation. The supply chain system of the company has brought about communication interfaces to swiftly collaborate with every stakeholder of the company for establishing a continued business. Innovation is the identification and improvement of a product or a service for better processing, distribution and optimization of effort, time and money for any organization (Hindu.com, 2008). It is essential for any company for the reasons stated below: 1. The companies are better chanced to serve customers and make sure to fetch better market segment. 2. The companies need innovation to take effective strategies against the resources that fetch them business continuity and cut down their costs. 3. Innovation would help a firm to grow with the dynamic information driven world and embrace changes for managing its business better and fill its objective at a large scale. Innovation undoubtedly enhances growth and also brings about creative minds in every level of society for contributing towards an organized effort. The impact of e-commerce and information technologies for FutureBazaar can be summarized as follows: Accessibility: Almost all people with access to internet can avail the online store. Global catering becomes quite easy as requests can be invoiced online and delivered using several means of transport. Anytime Anywhere access: The customers can seek their leisure in accessing the website and placing request online unlike the strict working hours of the retail shop where phone and premises were opened for a limited time (Armstrong, 1996). Compare: The online store was provides facility to compare its products with each other and other products, so that one gets to analyze the product base and market availability for their choice and pocket. All in one page: The online store can collaborate with suppliers and other businesses across the globe for either helping them is spreading their products or catering to several medium scale businesses for their growth. Tracking: Effective tracking of inventories and deadlines can be made possible using the website. Better display: The products and services can be made aware to the global users of all nature so that one gets a complete view of what can be fetched. It includes detailed description of the products. E-marketing: The online store can reach to millions of buyers and consumers and other businesses can put up their advertisements to get visibility of the services. These companies would I turn pay FutureBazaar for helping them to perform direct and indirect marketing. Purchase online: The online store would facilitate online purchases using the secured protocols implemented with the e-commerce technologies using SSL technologies (Forouzan, 2003). Introduction of promotion offers: The online store can promote its sale by innovating their products and introducing promotional offers. Measuring sale, profitability and resource output: The online store is an information system capable to measure the amount of sales received in a periodic measurement of time. The profitability can be easily determined to put up online ratings which form quite important to get better visibility and acceptance in the global network (Kraemer, 2001). Its presence in the internet is quite important so as to perform better than others. FutureBazaar has placed itself is a competitive position by going online and managing their resources well. The amount of time, effort and money which they have saved is incomparable. Removing the digital divide: FutureBazaar online has revolutionized the way communication flows and ensures better platform for communication. The strategy taken by the company enables better communication style which not only is an opportunistic one but is in regard to foster better communication and growth of all the people and stakeholders business and personal objectives. It acknowledges the effort and time invested by the various internal and external personnel of the business, consisting of the stakeholders, suppliers, manufacturers, customers and employees. The transparency of information exchange, publication of quarterly results, standard audits, strict regulations in corporate governance, stakeholders concern in prime decision making, information system to manage the business life cycle, seeking international spread of markets, reaching out to all customers through internet with standard usable interfaces and common digital payment standards, enhancing the employee morale, implementing a CRM system in place all combinedly curb successfully the disparity among individuals in obtaining, understanding, analyzing and use of information and communication technological resources. It widens the thought process of every stakeholder of the business and gives each of them their share of information to make them feel good, important and validated. The combination of CRM and SCM would be to develop an ERP system to eliminate the digital divide completely. 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