We seem to be emerging from a period of financial turbulence that will have prompted many of us to reconsider our positions, including the value of our homes and businesses. But change also brings opportunities.
In 2001, for example, there was an internet implosion, but many web-based businesses have grown explosively since then. The crash didn't stop the founders of sites such as YouTube and Facebook — or, on a smaller scale, Moo.com, profiled in this supplement.
Information technology industries are in a state of continuous revolution, but there are long-term trends that can be exploited. One is the trend towards "user-generated content" or "crowdsourcing", which is exploited by websites such as Wikipedia. This is something that can also be exploited by businesses: an idea explored in our cover story.
Another trend is where businesses exploit low-cost tools intended for consumers. These include small, cheap portable computers, which is another area we explore.
Finally, there is the impulse to adopt greener technologies. As we explain, it often makes good business sense too.
There's little we can do about financial storms, but trends like user-generated content and energy-saving strategies enable everyone's small contribution to have a cumulative impact that makes a difference.
