The Internet Is (Still) Broken

One of the suggested readings this semester in HTM 304 was from MIT Professor David D. Clark, originally published in three parts on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, December 19 through 21, 2005, in Technology Review, an MIT publication. In the series of articles, the author talks about how the Internet was created, how it has evolved, the inherent problems with it, and what the future holds for a system that has nearly one billion users. He should know, because he is an "Internet elder statesman and onetime chief protocol architect". His message is simple: the Internet is broken. Nearly a year and a half later, it is still broken.

Yes, I'll admit, the Internet is a modern marvel. It has allowed the sharing of text, photos, audio, and video around the globe. It has allowed electronic commerce to grow by leaps and bounds. No longer are we required to travel to a physical location to purchase goods or services. This enormous collection of new virtual locations will do just fine, thank you. The Internet has allowed important industries such as banking and financial services to host critical information and share data nearly anytime and anywhere. It has also transformed the way we receive news and information, and the way we entertain ourselves. But our reliance on this wonder of engineering, science, and technology has also created an electronic and telecommunications Achilles Heel in the modern societies that rely so heavily on it, in particular the United States.

Unfortunately, Mr. Clark sees the future of the Internet in its current state as limited at best, and he says that time is running out. The biggest problem according to Clark is its lack of inherent security and inability to absorb new technologies. Unless something is done soon to correct these deficiencies there may come a time when "the Internet stalls - and perhaps turns downward".

To read each of the three portions of the article in their entirety click on the links below:

Part 1: http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/16051/

Part 2: http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/16055/

Part 3: http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/16056/