We are seeing a paradigm shift in computing that will have profound implications for the user, software, and systems/hardware communities. Curiously, the hardware will become more uniform due to the pressure of low-cost volume production. This will allow a richer more modular and diverse software world where it is hard to see how companies like Microsoft can survive in their current form. Users have more opportunities, but there are corresponding risks and difficulties. WebWindows systems will soon dominate the Intranet enterprise systems. However, Web technology is still immature, and one cannot immediately use it in most cases. Thus, I recommend waiting---in particular, now is a dreadful time to purchase or install a conventional Enterprise System---it will be a dated albatross quite soon. Education offers a mixed message. For the student, the situation is wonderful as Web-based curricula will allow better material delivered effectively to remote sites. Here, we see a lot of opportunities for new approaches to continuing education with ``on-the-job'' courses being offered on the Web by innovative universities to corporations adjusting to a charged world. On the other hand, there are longer-term implications that are not so attractive for universities---the Web-based virtual university threatens the traditional residential concept that is an essential financial foundation of most universities.
In nearly all fields, this computing resolution offers challenges and opportunities. Success will, of course, go to those who seize the correct opportunities! Perhaps this article will give you hints to the way of making wise decisions.