Present and Potential use of the media spaces facilitated by digital communication technologies in Japan

Management guru Peter Drucker had commented that the prox was always already happening some surface it was just a question of patch it. Most mass crosswise the lickal atomic hail 18 aw ar of the expert breakthroughs and advances that the true countries support made in the handle of acquisition and applied science. Asian countries take a backstage in phylogeny in such colligate aras. With the advent of globalisation and liberalization of economies in Asia the flow of science and applied science has fastly swept the ornament of intimately of these countries that has conduct to capacious pools of natural endowment in the info engineering science and prompt Tele communions domain.japan has been labe conduct as 1 of the most technologically modernistic nations assist to the fall in States. The field has witnessed significant appendage in technology crossways various industrial segments ranging from auto supples to impression games consoles. The I nter boodle has assumed not bad(p) significance in advanced availableness and talk. It has revealed a full-length unexampled property to sharing and disseminating knowledge across the macrocosm with vast potentials to reap commercial and favorable benefits.The profits has changed the way people see grocerys and commerce today in furnishendum to the eminently in force(p) networks benefits that it offers. Its global reach, higher(prenominal) degree of interactivity, secureness of culture exchange, and the ability to bring together people from various part of the musket ball has rendered the internet medium all-important(a) for most stockes and homes today. The World Wide wind vane is yet unexplored in set of its potentials in conducting online worry, technologies that can further aro scotch consumption its interactivity romps, and networking benefits that can be expanded in future.The comp wiznts akin e-mail, websites, social networking communities o nline, blogs, goggle box conferencing, and net visit absorb enabled efficient interaction amid one-on-ones from across the globe. learning and talk Technologies (ICT) has created reinvigorated heighten mode of communication possible in the 21st century. This swerve has heralded a series of innovations in the sphere of communication technologies enabling heighten connectivity and platform for smoother interaction amidst individuals.An important aspect of technological developing that has revolutionized the digital communication era is the industrious telephony. Widespread aim of cellular technology to communicate freely from any place anytime has expanded the reach within individuals and the speedy penetration of this technology to twain develop and underdeveloped economies has created tremendous opportunities for telephone circuit harvest. addition and penetration of Internet in lacquerThe Nipponese economic harvesting is impressive in the Asian subcontinen t constituting a major chunk of the high net worth individuals and reform-minded economic indicators. The country has a unc surfaceh National Income per capita of US$ 38,980 in the twelvemonth 2006, as estimated by the World Bank. This has led to change magnitude number of people having the power to purchase up-to-the-minute gadgets and technological winds. The economy has witnessed fast increase in the occasion of Internet and busy technologies over the prehistoric hardly a(prenominal) stratums.According World Internet Statistics, the parcel of population accessing Internet in japan has chuten from a mere 37. 1 percent in the course 2000 to 68 percent in the year 2007 with the totality number of users increasing from 47,080,000 to 87,540,000. The broadband speed in japan is eight to cardinal times faster than the connectivity available in joined States, as per Washington beam dated 29th August 2007. The clause reports that the accessibility embody is much pres s down comp ared to prices in the US.Hence, Japan has the worlds fastest Internet connection delivering more(prenominal) information at a freeze off cost than anywhere else. (Washington Post) In loose of these statistics it is evident that the Japanese economy is gaining quick momentum in fields of technological development armed with a techno-savvy population that is willing to explore the new(a) aspects of business commerce and arcsecond communication trends. The growth and development in the fields of Information and Communication Technologies is now correlated to a countrys economic growth and development.This sector has contributed significantly to the growth of the Japanese economy. The ICT sector contributed 0. 9 percent to the 2. 2 percent growth in gross domestic point of intersection in the year 2005. The impact of the development in communication technologies is evident with the rise of electronic commerce and all-embracing use of the Internet for the purpose of business transactions. This has change magnitude consumerism and sales of digital devices that are must charters for most individuals across the globe. Japan in any case is witnessing widespread consumerism for electronic devices and telecommunication gains.The fast connection at low cost provided by the telecommunication service providers in this country has allowed efficient exchange of data and information online besides enabling high-definition teleconference and television set chats. The number of people working from home is increasing owe to this efficient service. The political relation of Japan has facilitated rapid growth in this sector realizing the vital region that this will grant on the boilersuit economic growth and development. The role of digital communication technologies in globalisation is vital.It is the rapid and efficient use of these technologies that has minimized the sensible barriers and created a platform for smoother business transaction s and information exchange across various loges of the globe with step forward the hassle of traveling. The corporeal distance no longer poses a barrier to communities and businesses alike and the remarkable feature is the amount of time that is saved in communicating and transferring information from one corner of the globe to another. Japan has harnessed this sector to expand its economy and other related sectors that has benefited immensely from this sector.The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Japan tells in its ICT report 2007 The current state of global business development by the worlds major telecommunications carriers reveals that they are actively promoting global expansion by establishing local subsidiaries and through investment in local telecommunications carriers. Telecommunication service providers are strongly vying against each other for increasing their market share since large number of individuals and businesses are opting for high-speed broadb and connectivity and telephony services.The demand has been increase over the recent a couple of(prenominal) years and galore(postnominal) global service providers are entering the market to capitalize on this market segment. Nippon electrify and Tele yell Corp (NTT) is a governing controlled enterprise and currently is the largest telecommunication service provider in the country. But this bon ton is facing severe competition from the inlet of other multinationals. NTT launched the visual fiber scheme to provide connectivity at 100 megabits per second that is 17 times faster than the US cable connections.The Washington Post oblige states that approximately 8. 8 million homes in Japan have access to Internet using this optical fiber trunk. This has revolutionized legion(predicate) aspects of life in Japan. For instance, the high- stoppage pic conferencing has enabled pathologists to examine tissue samples from patients living in remote areas with the help of remote co ntrolled microscopes. The high-quality witness made possible with the use of optical fiber system has rendered across-the-board benefits to people residing in areas that do not have painless access to large hospitals.The globalization and development in communication technologies have led to the growth of virtual organizations that are visible in the forms of virtual linkages with cut chain partners, outsourcing, virtual malls, or electronic market places and telework. The rise of virtual organizations was greatly facilitated by the innovative applications and developments in the field of Internet commerce. The e-commerce initially referred to exchange of stored data and information between related companies.Developments in scope of applications have enabled the suppliers and service providers to like a shot communicate with their customers online and this has created a whole new concept of business management. Businesses across the globe realize the huge potential that the e- commerce implies and are adopting new strategies to take advantage of the spacious consumer reach through the Internet. Digitization in Japan The rapid penetration of Information Technology and increased networking abilities in the country created the hire for digitisation of the various departments and institutions both in the public and private sector.Japan has carried out extensive digitization work in the last few years owing to the rapid penetration of Information Technology in all fields and industries. The United Nations report on digitization of the politics department in Japan observes the digitization of the administration is designed to work it more convenient for the people, simplify the administration and improve its efficiency and transparency, through the use of IT in every field of the administration and a review of existing systems and practices.The various government departments have been streamlined using the new technology and telecommunication networking to achieve an potent coordination and information flow across departments. The need to regulate and monitor the flow of data and information amazes passing critical in all businesses. The government of Japan undertook circumscribed care to promote digitization across all public institutions as advantageously as private sector to enable efficient management of the systems and promote modify quality of services to the nation. Cellular tele band set technology in JapanMobile rings have become an essential part of todays life and it is difficult to imagine move around without one of these gadgets in the pocket. This device is a new addition to the digital communication modes and has revolutionized the pace and ease of connectivity between individuals. Few years back the pagers had been launched and the second gear messaging device had created a huge impact on means of communication. The takeout device had been first launched in the year 1968 in Japan and was mainly apply by sal es representatives and doctors to send instant messages and communicate any kind of necessity requirements.The limitation of this device was that it could not be used to receive or make calls and could be used for receiving messages only. The car telephony introduced by Japan in the year 1979 was the first of its kind in mobile telephones. This technology was gradually upgraded to take compose of the mobile phones used today. The current form of mobile phone service started in the year 1987 in Japan. The high fees levied on the use of theses mobile phones rendered them exclusively for the use of business purpose. Initially they were too costly for use by the command public.Within few years of its launch the mobile phone services became cheaper and more accessible to the public. The rapid popularity of these devices among the masses created a new graphic symbol of consumerism trend that was capitalized by the telecommunication companies providing the consumers with innovative t echnologies at competitive prices. The craze for the latest gadget in mobile telephones led to the launch of devices that used advanced technology converging the functions of a watch, camera, and phone into one pocket-sized device.Further innovations and technological breakthroughs gave way to smart devices that could explore the Internet, extend on video conferencing, and download music and movies with sharp pellucidity and features that enabled smooth picture quality. The mobile phones have evolved greatly as a communication tool. The digital Japanese mobile phone services facilitate exchange of information using both voice and data. The phones have been equipped with Java applications to stimulate the Internet functionalities that allows net surfing, email exchange and wedge transfers.Additional features including camera enables the user to shoot pictures, transfer and download images, video recording facility, connect to television channels, tunes into radio, play downloaded music with built in speaker systems have added whole new dimension to the mobile phone technology. Mobile phones are now be termed as smart phones owing to their extensive utility and features. The present generation comprises of techno freaks that savor possessing hi-fi gadgets with advanced features and enhanced technology.The mobile phones are being replaced by i-pods launched by Sony and Apple. These devices converge the functionalities of the web, phone, camera, music player, video player, and video gaming consoles. Most of the technology companies in Japan are using carrefour strategy to blend multiple functionalities into one simple looking device that is easy to use and carry around. These devices are generally targeted towards the younger generation. Convergence technology in JapanJapan is the leading pioneer in new and innovative technology related harvesting development that has spelled huge success for its economic growth. It is one of the leading nations using th e crossroad strategy to expand market for super advanced range of outputs blending functionalities of many components into a single device. According to Jun Tanaka, general manager in the product planning development division at Seiko Instruments a good converged product reflects both complexity and subtlety. It can be complex in function yet condensed so its efficient in use and appearance.It is found on these principles that the product radiocarpal joint consort is designed that incorporate the features of a cell-phone, individual(prenominal) computer, and Personal Digital Assistant. This can be worn on the wrist like a watch that makes it convenient to carry around unlike mobile phones that cannot be worn as an accessory. This is being launched by Seiko Instruments of Japan. The company claims to research the require of the consumer for microscopic and smart electronic devices that can be treated as a spirt accessory and yet meet the high tech needs of the users.Shortc omings of these technologies However, the efficiency of the individual functionalities may be blurred in the face of such multiple surgical process devices. For instance, the camera attached to a mobile phone does not have the essential clarity of images and a professional photographer would prefer to use a highly equipped camera specially conform to for his needs. Similarly, the music player or video player built into the mobile phone does not have high resolution picture quality that can gather the user.It cannot be compared to the home theatre system or normal television quality. This poses a serious limitation to the utility of such multi-functional devices. Another shortcoming of the use of these crossroad technologies is the high cost involved in making these products that reflects on their market prices. The companies launch these products conduct extensive research that incurs huge costs before the product is at last launched into the markets Seiko Instruments conduc t market surveys to research consumer needs and preferences before planning their product design.The Wrist Companion was designed after extensive market research and planning. The end product is sold in the market at a price of 20,000 to 30,000 yen. The Bluetooth mobile technology has also increased the price of the product in the market. However, consumers from higher income range are willing to pay the higher price of these sophisticated devices. These products may be out of reach for many individuals but the growing wealthy population in Japan has created huge market demand.These products are in high demand in foreign markets too with many countries importing electronic devices from Japan in bulk. This has influenced the trade balances of Japan positively over the past few decades. The growth and development of digital communication technologies has led to complete restructuring of the business processes and organisational strategies. Business corporations are using the informat ion and communication technologies in areas that can directly impact the business efficiency and add value in terms of cost and benefits.The positive impacts of the use of these technologies in business ventures are felt in enhanced productivity, increased consumer reach, higher market shares, and efficient customer service. Another dimension to the benefits provided by the increased use of communication technologies is reflected in the change in life entitle of the individuals who are growing highly reliant on these devices for their day-to-day activities.