Technology is quickly becoming more prevalent not only for individuals and corporations, but also for entire communities. Cities throughout the world are trying to utilize technology to make themselves more cost effective and efficient. This can be seen in the way societies run everything from transportation systems to security. IBM has recognized this trend, and is offering $50 million to 100 cities worldwide to help support technology and innovation. An article entitled “IBM Earmarks $50 Million for ‘Smarter Cities’” by Elizabeth Montalbano reports on the company’s generous contribution. The article analyzes that “The move comes amid a trend by the federal government to offer technology challenges as a way to promote more openness and innovation at all levels of government”. Cities will present their case to IBM by entering the Smarter Cities Challenge. The judging of recipients will be based on how the cities plan to use the money to further themselves technologically. IBM will also take into account the city’s past use of innovations. This project is by far the company’s largest charitable contribution, and will likely lead to better cities throughout the world.
This project is a very good idea because many cities in the United States and overseas are in desperate need of modernization. The use of technology in cities will result not only in conveniences for the citizens, but it will also save a lot of money. These technologies can be implemented by the government of the region or by corporations, but either way citizens will most likely benefit. An example of a corporation instituting innovations was the testing of city-wide WIFI throughout Baltimore. This allows the citizens of Baltimore to plug a device into their computers that enables them to get internet access throughout the city, even outside. An example of technology that is instituted by the government is the TriMet transportation system in Portland, Oregon. This is an advanced data sharing system that provides riders of Portland’s public transportation with up to date information. They can use this system to find out if the trains are running on time and other important information. These are just two quick examples of how technology can make our everyday lives easier. The full capabilities of innovations such as these is almost limitless. IBM is very smart getting involved in the community in this way because it gives them a good philanthropic position in the public eye and it will help position them as a leader of technology at the communal level. The community of the future will be much more streamline and it will likely be powered by technologies from companies such as IBM. This is an excellent chance for IBM to position itself as a leader in technological services in many different cities.
http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/state-local/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=228200541
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Earlier in the semester I blogged about the new CityOne game created by IBM. The point of the game is to get people to solve problems in a city using new technologies and new ways of problem solving. The idea is to solve real world problems and to relate it to the Smarter Planet program. The Smarter Planet program shows people that anything can be digitally recorded to make it more efficient and exact. The use of IT is everywhere, and IBM is trying to show people that in new and innovative ways. The donations to smarter cities is the next step IBM is making to help everyone in their attempts at making their lives smarter.
As we have spoken about in class, the digital divide is something we can see as close as inner city Baltimore. The idea of creating a WIFI network for the entire city of Baltimore is one way we could begin to narrow the divide. By allowing everyone the chance to get on the Internet, people will be able to accomplish more and become more familiar with technology in general. Getting this type of technology into the schools could have an indescribable impact on the current education and future knowledge of the children who will benefit.
Creating smarter cities is something that can only help, and having IBM waving a $50 million bonus around can’t hurt. I think that this sort of incentive will help even the cities that do not win the money. Cities will be competing with one another to gain that money, and the competition alone will help underdeveloped cities to maybe catch up a little bit. It almost seems like there will be no losers, just people who get a little added bonus to the victory of incorporating new forms of technology into everyday life. The TriMet Transportation System in Portland is a great example of moving forward. The blog mentions this technology and explains that it allows passengers to have the ability to check train times and know if their train will be on time. The first thing I thought of when reading this was our Next Bus system on campus. We as a community have the ability to go online and see where the shuttles are and how long it will take for the next one to arrive. Just by putting a GPS into each of the shuttles is an easy and effective way of using technology to make even the simple things even simpler.
It is important to get cities and the world in general more up to date with technology. People need to have access to IT so that we can continue to move forward. All the talk now is for everything to be digitalized and simplified, which always includes the use of some sort of technology. IBM has been leading the way with all of their programs, and hopefully other companies will catch on and join the cause to create a better world.
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