Even in its early stages, the transition to inexpensive communications represented by the Internet is leading people to question old assumptions – sometimes without even realizing it … Only some of the companies laying bets on the Internet will be winners. But companies that bet against the Internet will be losers.
Predictor: Gates, Bill
Prediction, in context:In a 1995 column for the New York Times News Service, Microsoft CEO Bill Gates looked at the general topic of the Internet. He writes: ”We know that the future of the company rests in part on how well we can adapt to a competitive environment changed by the Internet. Responding to a changed environment isn’t always easy, but – as I’ve said in previous columns – it is absolutely necessary. Even in its early stages, the transition to inexpensive communications represented by the Internet is leading people to question old assumptions – sometimes without even realizing it. The Internet may encounter some minor problems. It may fall a little behind, or suffer miscoordination. These temporary setbacks will not affect the Internet’s overall success … Only some of the companies laying bets on the Internet will be winners. But companies that bet against the Internet will be losers.”
Biography:Bill Gates, the most influential technology entrepreneur of the late 20th century, was the primary author of the prediction-packed 1995 book “The Road Ahead” and is the founder and CEO of Microsoft Corporation. (Entrepreneur/Business Leader.)
Date of prediction: August 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Economic structures
Subtopic: General
Name of publication: New York Times
Title, headline, chapter name: The Internet
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.microsoft.com/billgates/columns/1995essay/essay950815.asp
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney