Most of my friends and clients who have known me for many years appreciate my predictions and vision relating to technology. My career in technology has now spanned four decades. I was introduced to the Commodore 64, Apple II, and the IBM PC in the 1980s. I connected to the early Internet via uunet!vivanet. I helped companies network their computers and introduced them to dial-up internet and email. Clients would ask, “Why do I need email or a website?”
From Personal Computers to Cloud Computing
Ironically, the evolution from mainframe computers to PCs has now come full circle, moving back to the data center and into the “cloud.” These huge clusters of thousands of computers drive all the services we take for granted today, such as email (Gmail & Outlook), search engines like Google and Bing, and now AI like ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, Claude, and many others.
What’s Next? AI, Quantum Computing, and Robotics
Quantum computing is next on the horizon, along with 6G cellular, low-orbit satellites like Starlink, and humanoid robots. Our appetite for technology seems unlimited. We will see tremendous growth in our energy needs. There is no shortage of energy—we just haven’t tapped fusion yet (the power of the sun). Scientists and many companies are working on it. We will probably see some modern nuclear power plants (fission) before fusion plants come online.
The Growing Demand of Data Centers
There are so many people against the new data centers coming to their communities. They cite environmental impact and concerns about draining electric and water resources. These same arguments have been made for decades whenever new factories, manufacturing facilities, or community growth are proposed.
Yet, the same people complaining are using those very data centers for their streaming services, internet searches, smartphone apps, GPS navigation, and posting all of their rants on social media. By doing all this, they’re actually helping drive demand for faster, larger data centers and massive computing power. Ironically, the way they work and live contradicts their opposition. They just don’t want the development “in their backyard.” Put the data center somewhere else—far away from the source of demand.
Embracing the Next Technology Revolution
We are living in the middle of the next revolution: the age of AI and robotics. Ride the wave. Learn it. Leverage the technology. “Resistance is futile.” — The Borg, Star Trek. I jest, but many people are concerned about the future, and like every invention and technological evolution, there is both good and evil.
From the invention of the wheel, gunpowder, electricity, nuclear energy, and lasers to AI, robotics, quantum computing, and fusion, every breakthrough has changed our world. With great power comes great responsibility.
David Wolf
David is the Vice President of Just Solutions, where he helps businesses strengthen cybersecurity and make strategic technology decisions. He holds a Master of Science from Roberts Wesleyan College and attended Rochester Institute of Technology. A CISSP, CEH, and CCISO, David brings decades of experience in IT leadership, cybersecurity, and business technology consulting.