Markus Kirjonen, a student at Aalto University in Finland revealed that a book published in 1999 “Business @ the Speed of Thought”, Bill Gates accurately predicts about future online world. In that book, Bill Gates outlined information systems, the Internet, and technology in general would change the way that businesses function.
He made some incredibly accurate predictions, most of which have since become huge industries like,
smart phones, smart homes, social networks, and an array of other uses for the Internet – a few of which have yet to be developed.
While we have to keep in mind that the book was written in the late 90’s, many of these questions are still hardly answered by today’s technology, and present opportunities for new businesses.
It should help you answer the questions:
What do customers think about your products?
What problems do they want fixed?
What new features do they want you to develop?
What problems do your partners have as they sell your products or do business with you?
Why are your competitors winning business from you, and where is this happening?
Also Read – Bill Gates letter to Microsoft employees on 40th anniversary
Bill Gates Predictions in 1999 –
In “Business @ the Speed of Thought”, Gates mentions that early on, Microsoft developed something called MS Market for internal employees. On there, employees could order office supplies, books, whiteboards, business cards, software, and multiple other things they may need during their work. Again, this seems like it could be turned into a service that one provides to big businesses on its own.
Now the most interesting part in the book is Bill Gates 15 predictions, we mentioned 7 points here which changed the way of life. Have a look,
1) Automated Price comparison –
Bill Gates’ Prediction: “Automated price comparison services will be developed, allowing people to see prices across multiple websites, making it effortless to find the cheapest product for all industries.”
Reality: Sites like Junglee.com and Naaptol.com are built specifically for price comparisons.
2) Smart electronic devices –
Bill Gates’ predicted: “People will carry around small devices that allow them to constantly stay in touch and do electronic business from wherever they are. They will be able to check the news, see flights they have booked, get information from financial markets, and do just about anything else on these devices.”
Reality: Apple and Micromax smartphones, in one touch you will connect with all information.
3) Online healthcare appointments –
Bill Gates’ predicted: “People will pay their bills, take care of their finances, and communicate with their doctors over the Internet.”
Reality: Websites like practo.com and healthcare are providing healthcare services.
4) Internet of things –
Bill Gates’ predicted: “Personal companions’ will be developed. They will connect and sync all your devices in a smart way, whether they are at home or in the office, and allow them to exchange data. The device will check your email or notifications, and present the information that you need. When you go to the store, you can tell it what recipes you want to prepare, and it will generate a list of ingredients that you need to pick up. It will inform all the devices that you use of your purchases and schedule, allowing them to automatically adjust to what you’re doing.”
Reality: IoT devices like Home-in-hand and Google Nest connect and sync all your devices in a smart way.
5) Social media –
Bill Gate’s Predicted: Private websites for your friends and family will be common, allowing you to chat and plan for events.
Reality: Facebook and Instagram are some great examples.
6) Online discussion –
Bill Gate’s Predicted: “Residents of cities and countries will be able to have Internet-based discussions concerning issues that affect them, such as local politics, city planning or safety.”
Reality: Today we see Twitter #hashtag trends on issues like net neutrality, Egypt war and Nepal earthquakes.
7) Online News community –
Bill Gate’s predicted: “Online communities will not be influenced by your location, but rather, your interest.”
Reality: Many popular blogs and news websites are providing info to online communities.