The convergence of emerging information and communication technologies: Implications for business

R V Weeks

doi:10.4102/ac.v2i1.27

Abstract

A central tenet of network based technologies is their ability to eliminate geographical, distance and time constraints that have traditionally manifest themselves as boundaries encapsulating and protecting local business institutions from the more harsh realities of global competitive forces. The convergence of information and communication technologies in the Internet is not only of technological relevance, but also holds substantial implications for business in removing traditional boundaries and barriers to business operations.

Highlights

A central tenet of network based technologies is their ability to eliminate geographical, distance and time constraints that have traditionally manifest themselves as boundaries encapsulating and protecting local business institutions from the more harsh realities of global competitive forces
The Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Mr TT Mboweni, in addressing the Black Management Forum Conference on 13 October 2000, brought home the true consequences of the reality of convergence of emerging information and communication technologies in stating that: “Financial markets around the world are being integrated into a single global market and, whether we like it or not, emerging and developing countries are being drawn into this process
The inescapable reality is that the forces, complexities and interdependencies associated with global economic integration need to be clearly understood by South African business executives and strategically managed to ensure survival in a highly competitive global business context

Summary

Introduction

A central tenet of network based technologies is their ability to eliminate geographical, distance and time constraints that have traditionally manifest themselves as boundaries encapsulating and protecting local business institutions from the more harsh realities of global competitive forces. The inescapable reality is that the forces, complexities and interdependencies associated with global economic integration need to be clearly understood by South African business executives and strategically managed to ensure survival in a highly competitive global business context.

Results

Conclusion