TECHNOLOGY UPDATE 

We are being smothered every day with information about change and with lectures on the necessity for "constant learning". Schooling for 12 or 20 years simply isn't going to ensure survival in times of accelerating change. We must learn ways to move faster because technology is moving at an even higher speed.

A highly flexible updating policy is essential. We review new developments, decide if the latest in any particular field has significant advantages, and act accordingly. The first consideration is that innovations cost money. The future is capital intensive, not labor intensive. If you run out of gas (capital), you won't finish the race. As of August 1, 1991 here are the latest installed computer peripherals affecting our stand-alone Macintosh II computer, updated in the previous quarter from two to five megabytes of ROM (Read Only Memory) and a new 210 MB Quantum hard disc drive (we still retain the original 20 MB hard drive and 40 and 80 MGB hard drive earlier additions), which provides a memory storage capacity that General Motors didn't have a couple of decades ago. Last quarter we also installed a NEC CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), in order to read NAUTILUS, the world's first monthly photonic magazine.

Our stand alone, "flat-bed" Panasonic Panafax 135 fax was replaced with the new DoveFax+. This is a 9600 baud fax, 2400 baud modem (for use with E-mail services, on-line information services and data acquisition) plus a voice communications unit that also serves as an answering machine, call forwarding/voice messaging unit -- all in one box, measuring 15.5 centimetres (6 inches) long, 9 centimeters (3.75 inches) wide and 3.25 centimetres (1.25 inches) high and weighs 4 oz. We have it stacked on an Advanced Gravis SuperStick (a sort-of SuperMouse operational box that is almost exactly the same size and weight), which replaces the mouse and has wider flexibility -- as in CAD-CAM or artistic programs.

The new multiple-purpose fax unit replaces three separate machines worth more than $1,000. It frees up oodles of desk space for about one-third the cost of previous units. The DoveFax+ uses the brain power inside the computer for the "brains" that came with the Panasonic flat bed original fax, an answering machine and an E-mail modem. Now anything including pictures and graphs, put in the Macintosh can be faxed to (and received from) another fax anywhere in the world. The recipient receives higher resolution and so does the receiving unit which prints the fax like original copy. DoveFax+ does more for less. This recent change-over also included the installation of System 7, Apple's latest updating of their operational system that blasts the Macintosh into warp drive, allows multi-tasking (in order to work on a dozen different projects simultaneously) with everything showing on the screen .... including the current CNN TV satellite broadcast. Technical consultant Jim Semenick took longer than usual installing these new "toys" as getting everything to be compatible with System 7 (especially incompatible units) took extra work. System complexity is growing exponentially - one reason why every company will likely have its own in-house school by the end of the decade.

The most exciting new unit (and productivity surpriser), however, is Voice Navigator II from Articulate Systems. As the mouse replaced many of the arcane commands required years ago the Voice Navigator II allows spoken commands to replace, in many instances, the written word or actions of the versatile mouse. Voicewriter II proves that the voice is faster than the mouse. VNII allows unlimited voice commands, contains speaker dependent training, allows multiple users, recognizes any voice, accent or language, contains a discrete utterance recognizer and provides real-time recognition performance. Language files are provided containing basic voice commands for popular Macintosh applications, to minimize setup time as well as a "clip library" of useful voice commands. It is MultiFinder compatible and supports any standard Mac software. It is not always System 7 compatible. Size? 5.5" x 6.3" X 1". It weighs 7.7 oz. VN II works on a (provided) nine-volt power supply plug-in module.

Why do I do this? What makes constant updating of ever-new, everexpensive technology worth while? It keeps me so far ahead that, at least to date, I have no competition. It generally, allows me to do ever more work at less cost (I still don't have a secretary). E-mail or fax is cheaper than postage and paper locally, and sometimes even cross-country. With a fax box you get better productivity because waiting time is eliminated (one investment study shows that on average you save 10 minutes per fax sending through your computer). New equipment appears and sells because it does more for less.

It also opens up the big picture. The whole world is now my oyster. Via satellite New Delhi is as close as New Westminster (and one day will cost the same to phone there). This means there are five billion prospects out there whom I couldn't possibly have contacted with earlier technology. Now my columns, disc books, consulting and speaking engagements can be sold to an eager and broader market.

More information: DoveFax+: Dove Computer Corp., 1200 North 23rd St., Wilmington, NC 28405. Phone 919/763-7918. Or 800/622-7627. Fax: 919/251-9441.

Super JoyStick: Advanced Gravis Computer Technology Ltd., 7400 MacPherson Ave., Ste 111, Burnaby, BC V5J 5B6. Phone: 604/434-1807. Fax: 604/434-7809.

Apple Macintosh System 7: Apple Computers Inc., 20525 Mariani Ave., Cupertino, CA 95014. via Camnet 800/776-2333.

In Canada, Apple Computers Canada Ltd., 7495 Birchmount Ave, Unionville, Ont. Phone: 416/477-5800.

Voice Navigator II: Articulate Systems Inc., 99 Erie St., Cambridge, MA 02139. Phone: 617/876-5236. Fax: 617/935-5656.

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