The future is becoming clearer...
at least the near-future of computing. And we appear to be moving rather quickly toward web-based services -- either renting applications online (the Microsoft model) or free applications online supported by advertising (the Google model). However, I predict that a third, perhaps not-yet-formulated model, and one or more new players will emerge and challenge the planned future. In 25 years neither Microsoft nor Google will be on top of the pile. Some operation in Brazil, India, or even Congo will have snuck up from behind to surprise us all.