IEN: What are the major concerns facing providers of computer technology, networks, and related products and services in the next few years? How can they be addressed?
Rinaldi: I believe the continually increasing rapid pace of technology presents the most pressing problems for everyone in the future. Before the latest technology can be absorbed, the next wave is washing over you. The stress of this rapid change will affect not only people working with technology but all levels of society.
Before industrial Ethernet has a chance to gain a real foothold on the factory floor, wireless is all the rage. Before we can all adopt and absorb wireless technology, microelectromechanical systems will be upon us. If you thought the stem cell research debate was hot, wait until we start talking about the societal impact of computers evolving from data transformers to subjective decision makers. In the last century machines replaced the labor worker and they may be on the verge in this century of replacing the knowledge worker.
Our society has too few mechanisms to support this sort of rapid, systemic change to the structure of our work, play, and human interactions. As technology continues to evolve at lightning speed, will our society plunge into chaos or will we find new ways to cope, new ways to spend additional leisure, and a new golden age of enlightenment?
IEN: What innovations are in store for users in computers and computer accessories, I/O, communication standards, and/or systems? What enhancements can be expected in CAM, CMMS, and Communications/EDI software?
Rinaldi: Within 25 years computers as knowledge workers will be common. Instead of processing sequential logic, these computers will evaluate their environment, evaluate alternative action plans, select and execute the best plan, and learn from their experiences.
Microelectromechanical systems will have the largest impact on the products and services available in the future. Miniaturization of sensors and actuators will radically alter products for all of us.
IEN: What advances do you see in networks, and network equipment and devices?
Rinaldi: Network connectivity will become a commodity. Everything will be connected. High speed networks and ubiquitous access will be a given. All products will report their state and diagnostic status.
IEN: Will wireless become more prevalent on the plant floor?
Rinaldi: Absolutely, but later rather than sooner and with open systems, not proprietary ones. Right now the wireless companies are pushing to lock users into their closed, proprietary systems. Unfortunately for the wireless device providers, the users have "been there -- done that" and will resist the proprietary approaches.
IEN: How can security issues be resolved?
Rinaldi: The wireless security issues are for the most part overrated. Security is very important in only a handful of applications. If I am filling bottles on a large valve turntable, do I really care if someone can eavesdrop on my messages telling my valves to open and close? Of course not, but marketers need a hot button to press and until the users become more knowledgeable, security will be one of the biggest hot buttons.
RTA''s white papers on Industrial Ethernet are available at the web address provided below.