Article Report 1 “As Internet turns 40, barriers threaten growth”

Anick Jesdanun,
Dallas Morning NewsMonday,
August 31, 2009
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/083109dnbusnetbirthday.9f84ed.html

40 years ago, a research team at UCLA began testing for an open network dedicated to freely exchanging information. Today the Internet is a place where not only can users find a plethora of information on any given topic, but they can also view their favorite “goofy videos” on YouTube, catch up with old friends on any number of Social Networks, or use a increasing number of easy-to-use applications. For most of the Internet’s history, it was free from “regulatory and commercial constraints that might discourage or even prohibit experimentation”. However, while there is still room for innovation, there are now “artificial barriers” threatening the openness and growth of the Web. The list of factors is varied, from “spam and hacking attacks force network operators to erect security firewalls”. Now, restrictions that were meant to help companies and their priorities discourage consumers from taking full advantage of their mobility, causing them to not fully explore all the possibilities available today.

The gist of the article was about the evolution of the limits and availably of resources on the web. I found it interesting to not only see how those changes affect companies and their products, but the consumers. I myself tend to monitor my use by my bill, not my need or want. In the end, it is really a struggle between the companies that provide services and applications for the populace, and the consumers who use them. The ccomapnies seek to protect themselves by placing restrictions to prohibit abuse, but at the same time, in limits the options and service for the consumer.