In the mid-1990’s the term ‘digital divide’ referred to the gap in ownership of computers and internet access between certain ethnic groups. It was used to describe the imbalance both in physical access to technology and the resources and skills needed to effectively participate as a digital citizen.
There is no doubt a global ‘digital divide’ still exists, as all countries don’t have the same access to technology. For me however, an American woman with a business career, the term has a different meaning.
When I think of a ‘digital divide’ my mind focuses on the rivalries that exist in the world of technology. It might sound a bit off-kilter, but think about it this way, Mac vs. PC, iPhone vs. Blackberry vs. Droid. Now, I might be making a little more sense.
I am an avid iPhone user and can’t imagine life without the device (dare I call it a phone). It stores my contacts, my to do list, my favorite wines, it can even scan barcodes to determine if an item I want to purchase is less expensive at another store or online. The phone, err device, is amazing.
My best friend, on the other hand, is all about the Blackberry. She can always provide an explanation as to why her ‘“device” is a better product. When we get into serious discussions about iPhone vs. Blackberry (and, yes, it happens) it almost feels like we are having a conversation about our favorite sports teams.
This new ‘digital divide‘ can also impact business strategies. At a recent networking event, I was engaged in a conversation about how iPhone applications, also known simply as apps, have had a positive impact on sales numbers at a particular organization. It was at that point someone remarked, because their company strictly relies on Blackberry, upper management didn’t see the point of creating an iPhone app even though it had been highly recommended by the sales staff and a team of outside consultants. I began to wonder, could that company miss out on new customers because of my definition of the ‘digital divide’?
Technology will continue to evolve and improve. While we have personal preferences for which “device” we like best, it is essential for us to have some working knowledge of how the others operate. You never know if one could be a new path to improved business operations.
“Sent from my iPhone”
Photo from All Things Digital
