In the current competitive frenzy to get everyone hooked up to wide-band global networks, there is a disturbing trend to aim low. This means that issues of technical quality, user interfaces, interoperability, and security are not being adequately addressed. It will prove to be an expensive mistake if the systems being installed today won't deliver the quality of experience that the audiences of tomorrow will demand.

The industry focus will shift to the two Big Questions of the content business: What do all those folks want? and
What will they be willing to pay?

The ultimate success of these networks will be measured by their ability to effectively compete for people's most valuable possession of all ... Time.

Bran Ferren is Executive Vice President for Creative Technology at Walt Disney Imagineering, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company in charge of Theme Park planning, creative development, and project management. Ferren has won numerous awards for his work as a designer/technologist working in theater, film, special effects, product design, architecture, and the sciences. The films for which he has directed visual special effects include: ``Little Shop of Horrors,'' ``Star Trec V: The Final Frontier,'' and ``Altered States.'' He is currently designing a 30,000 sq. ft. marine biology and archaeology exhibit.

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