{This is the 3rd in a series of posts that explore the impact of the network on our world to mark the 40th anniversary of Cisco, previous chapters can be found here}
The mid-2000s marked a shift toward constant connectivity. In 2004, Facebook made social interaction digital, connecting people like never before when it launched to the public in 2006. A year later, Apple’s iPhone revolutionised mobile computing, putting the internet – and an ecosystem of apps – in our pockets. During this time, Cisco invented TelePresence and gave people the sensation of sitting at the same table with others hundreds or thousands of kilometers apart. In an experimental fashion, combining the underlying video transmission technology with holography, Cisco showcased the world’s first holographic telepresence, a pre curser to where holographic technology will take us in the future.
Suddenly, being connected anytime, anywhere was the norm. Social media exploded, and smartphones made it possible to share photos, check the news, and chat with friends from anywhere. And the network evolved and expanded to make that possible. Yet, each leap created new risks and diversified the threat landscape with professional and state-sponsored attacks. The cybersecurity industry stepped up to meet the challenge.
Transforming the 21st century:
Social media, smartphones and applications redefined how we interact, share, and work. Early predictions suggested social media would be a purely recreational tool, fostering casual connections and light communication. But social media transformed into a global force, influencing politics, culture, and commerce, with far-reaching impacts on everything from elections to mental health debates.
Convergence point:
The network absorbed security with integrated firewalls like Cisco’s ASA, and evolved to allow devices to be powered and connected by the same cable with Power over Ethernet. By converging mobile access, social platforms, security and even electricity, the network became the backbone for a world that was starting to demand real-time, always-on connectivity.
Next: Chapter 4: The Big Data Revolution and the Cloud (2010-2020): Smarter connections
Authors
1 Comments