Towards the Future: Join In or Disappear?

The traditional developments are the pillars for the future. As we see in the platform evolution, this third phase forms the prelude for the fourth phase. This fourth phase involves the connected world, whereby networks lie at the heart of our lives and how we do business. Connectivity is important, as is support at every desired (or undesired) moment. Location-based services, smart devices and communication data lie at the very foundation of this network structure and the application of new smart technology. As the Internet is used, it is possible to record all contacts and activities. This allows both active and passive links to be made: active, if a connection is made on the basis of triggers, alerts and pre-programmed connections; and passive, if the activities are recorded and the analysis lead to new activities on the basis of this; or if the user actively uses the function himself or wishes to acquire information, alongside proactive messages. This can be seen if, for example, on the basis of location-based services (and algorithms) you automatically receive traffic information (also if you are cycling) or if you automatically get route suggestions when you are regularly travelling a particular route. Traffic jam information and travel delays are taken into account here. You can also be automatically informed in shopping centres regarding special offers, activities or available parking spaces (Figure 1)…