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Types of Convergence

Convergence has many different forms of meanings, but all convern a synergy.

Digital convergence brings together various media forms in a pathway of standardisation.

Technology Convergence
Business Systems Convergence
Media Convergence

Technology Convergence

Technology convergence refers to the synergistic combination of voice telephony, data and productivity applications, and video onto a single network. These previously separate technologies use IP Convergence to share resources and interact with each other creating new efficiencies.

Technological Convergence can also refer to the phenomena of a group of technologies developed for one use being utilized in many different contexts.

Business Systems Convergence

Business computer networks, applications and operating systems have 'converged' to communicate via different protocols over common interfaces such as web services [SOAP and WSDL and UDDI].

Using these web interfaces, businesses, their suppliers and customers can intergrate and/or access corporate applications and databases from remote pc's, laptops and mobile phones.

Even old communication technologies such as Fax, photocopier, email and scanner are all now converged into a single business hub communication device.

Media Convergence

Convergence of media occurs when multiple products are supported by a single product.

For example:

PlayStation 2 is a games console, a CD player, DVD player and Internet connector.
Mobile phones increasingly incorporate digital cameras, mp3 players, camcorders, voice recorders, and other devices.

More features in less space may be great for the consumer, but is causing confusion and rapid growth, merger and acquisition by media conglomerates to remain competitive or market dominant.

At higher levels of technology convergence landscape we lead toward artificial intelligence networks on the Internet and eventually technological singularity.

Next: Convergence in Telecommunications