Tech Talk: Interconnectivitys published in Campbellsville University's Campus Times

Amidst the technological findings that the future will soon hold, many ponder just exactly what that technology will be. It seems that nowadays, people are connected throughout multiple means of networks using various passwords, user IDs, cards, and other types of identification. The only leap forward imaginable is interconnectivity.

In essence, everything will be stored on one network and/or one card. No more having to remember twelve different users IDs and passwords and five different email addresses with passwords.

For those of you that play video games, you may have heard of the Xbox 360. The 360 is unique in that it is the first entertainment system to allow profiles. In the past, video games would allow a profile so that you can play your game, and someone else can play theirs. Same thing, except that the 360 creates one profile for all your games and all your media you put on the system. This type of interconnectivity shows others how many games you've played, and what you are watching or what music station you're listening to (if you allow them to view these items.)

This is the type of interconnectivity that is slowing coming to life. Recently other video game systems have started using this type of interconnectivity. Computers have started to see this type of system as well, though a very basic version of it. It used to be that computers would boot up for anyone and anyone could use it. Now, computers allow for profiles, so that your items can remain private.

Being interconnected is what people having been trying to create for years. Facebook, Myspace, chat clients (text and video), and now Twitter. People want to be connected to each other in so many ways, and yet, there are still only a few options for people to turn to.

Kroger introduced a special card a few years ago that can "save" customers money on products. This card also keeps track of what you buy, who you are, and where you live. Kroger sells this information to third parties, who then turn around and try to sell you something that you like.

A professor once asked why Kroger, or any other type of company that issues cards to customers, doesn't just implement a chip into you that has all of your information (i.e. drivers license, insurance, credit card, debit card, Kroger Plus card, social security, and so on). This may seem a little extreme, but at the same time, wouldn't it be so much more convenient? It would be more secure to say the least.

Many, many people typically use the same password and the same user ID for multiple accounts. This is taking that step forward to interconnectivity. There is a slight problem though: people.

People can be sweet, happy, joyful, and just plain fun. They can also be mean, cold, and downright greedy.

Cyber crimes are a big issue currently, and there appears to be no end in sight. People's identities are stolen every day, and until something is done to create a very secure system, interconnectivity on the level that this article is discussing simply won't happen.

People want to connect with each other in so many ways, and a type of interconnectivity is the key. The only questions are, when will this happen, and will people be ready for it? No one is certain of the future, but this is one item that may come to fruition if given an ample chance. What's more important though: being connected, keeping things to yourself? Only time will tell.

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