Consumer markets are compelling businesses to adopt and adapt new technology
Convergence is the latest buzzword in an industry that survives on raising expectations. The problem is that convergence means different things to different people.
For some, it is the cramming of cameras, MP3 players and everything except the kitchen sink on to miniature cellphones.
Others see convergence as the coming together of computing and telephony and the emergence of internet protocol networks capable of handling both. A credible alternative is the emergence of telecoms firms with all-in-one service providers offering a triple-play of voice, data and video.
But analysts point to another trend which they claim is receiving too little attention: the blurring of the traditional line between consumer and enterprise technologies.
'Fifteen years ago it was enterprises driving PCs into the home,' said Jack Gold, vice-president for infrastructure strategies with Meta Group. 'But these days it is more likely to be consumers taking iPods with them into the office, where they have also installed instant messaging software and Skype on their desktops.'