The idea of information available at your fingertips and instant global communication is realizable. It will happen substantially over the next four or five years. As a result, we may end up suffering a little from information overload, or spend a little more time on the couch, but I see that as a symptom of our success.
Predictor: Gates, Bill
Prediction, in context:In a 1993 article for Red Herring magazine, Anthony B. Perkins interviews Microsoft CEO Bill Gates at the European Technology Roundtable Exposition. Gates says: ”We’re right at the center of the true information revolution. As these information tools become pervasive in business, on the road, and in your home, the way we will live our lives and conduct commerce will be revolutionized. I think that the idea of information available at your fingertips and instant global communication is realizable. It will happen substantially over the next four or five years. As a result, we may end up suffering a little from information overload, or spend a little more time on the couch, but I see that as a symptom of our success. Everything we’ve been talking about is going to create incredible opportunities for software companies like Microsoft that are even larger than we can imagine. And, frankly, I’m very excited about it!”
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: January 1, 1993
Topic of prediction: Community/Culture
Subtopic: Information Overload
Name of publication: Red Herring
Title, headline, chapter name: Bill Gates: An American Gladiator in the Digital Arena
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://www.redherring.com/mag/issue05/
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney