Communication Networks in the New Economy Introduction The new economy is about communication and its fundamental aspect in culture and society. The new economy is a basic distinction between information technology today and with that of our ancestors use of information technology. "Advances in technology have permanently improved the economy's efficiency and productivity. Faster computers and new software enable everyone to access information quickly and cheaply, cutting costs and improving worker productivity" (Scherer 2002). The new economy is more than a generation of new technologies. It is particularly new in communication networks and computer information. Before the new economy of the internet and high speed computers, the so called old economy was developing transistors and circuits. Computer networks and connections are what enable computers to talk to one another (Media Scapes 2002, 235 ). Computers and communication networks are the new indication of the new economy only by the use of already existing technology and converging it into one package. For individuals to have access to this new economy, convergence is always occurring because of the integrated uses of networks and computers to run on higher speeds. As computers are developing new features, and networks are also increasing in speed. This convergence of fast internet connections allows for people to communicate online via e-mail and send voice and video conversations (Media Scapes 2002, 237). These new features that have converged to form one unit have all the features of internet, telephone, and television technology, that allow for the transmitted information to be sent quickly and delivered anywhere in the world with new computer networking. ... ... middle of paper ... ...2002). "LANs, WANs, and other Area Networks" Online at: www.compnetworking.about.com/library/weekly/aa04080.a.htm, consulted on Nov 23, 2002. Scherer, Ron (2002). "Productivity Surges; "New economy" lives" Online at: www.csmonitor.com/2002/0508/PO2s02-usec.html, consulted on Nov 25, 2002. Webopedia (2002). "The Five Generations of Computers" Online at www.webopedia.com/didyouknow/hardware_software/2002/FiveGenerations.asp Zalcberg, Moshe (1994). "The Development of Communication Networks" Online at www.rad.com/networks/1994/networks/preface.htm#evolution. consulted on Nov 22, 2002. Pictures: "Computers": http://cubooks.colorado.edu/buffchip/products/ "The internet": http://mauicc.hawaii.edu/info_tech/info.htmlx "New economy/Old economy": http://reason.com/paynetoc.shtml "Information highway": http://www.intel.com/ebusiness/pdf/it/pp023703.pdf