Category Archives: Digital Identity Management

Closer to the Singularity

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My friend Dave Cline sent me another link today about Mechanical Turk. It’s a story from the MIT Technology Review about Pennies for Web Jobs. To me this is the type of article that backs some of of my theories on the coming Singularity.

From the article, I really liked this quote:

Not only did participants supply the necessary answers, but they did so
“outstandingly fast,” according to Cabrera, allowing Amazon to use the
photographs in its search results. “This is the tip of the iceberg, but you can
see how it enables ‘massively parallel’ human computing,” he said.

When I last met Vernor Vinge I spoke with him about my theories on how
to measure the presence of the Singularity. I proposed that we
might look to create a metric based on how many people are performing
machine driven work. Mechanical Turk is a very good example of
this … and yes it is simple … but there are people and systems
putting “work” into a large database, and there are people who are
executing on queues of tasks for money. To me, this really isn’t
that different from the little mouse pressing a bar for a piece of food.

A more complex example are the drivers for UPS and Fedex. Their
entire day is coordinated by massively complex computer systems that
manage the thousands of drivers all over the world. From the
beginning to end of the day they are simply following the directions of
computer systems that are managing a process far too complex for humans
to direct anymore. In fact, the computer systems are managing the
flow of packages and simply using humans as one of the components in that management system.

Vernor talks about a hard takeoff, and a soft takeoff of the Singularity. I will argue that we are already accelerating on our way in a soft takeoff.

Microsoft Origami – first thoughts

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Well … it’s been fun watching the media uproar, and the debates over
the hype about the Microsoft Origami device. I has also been fun
to see the product announced and in the press.
It was fun since we at Agilix Labs had one here at our facility for quite
some time prior to the leaks. We’ve been tweaking our GoBinder
code to ensure that our Tablet PC applications work on this new device.

So what do I think about the UMPC/Origami device? I actually like
it! Yes, like many people are saying, this is a mini-Tablet PC
type of device. There is nothing earth shattering about it that I
know of right now, but I do want to buy one for my three year old
son. He has been using my HP Tablet PC for quite a while now, and
is becoming very adept at navigating the user interface, and easily
switching from mouse to stylus. I have really been thinking about
what I buy him to use … or do I give him my old laptop as I
upgrade? What about a PlayStation Portable? Oh … what about the $100 Laptop Project?

My laptop is too large for my son. The PSP? It’s still
$250.00 and doesn’t have half of the capabilities nor features.
The $100 Laptop? Way too limited in my opinion in that it lacks
the breadth of application support … and isn’t yet available. A Tablet PC? No … too expensive today.

In my opinion the key is going to be the price point of these new
Origami devices. When I can buy a device like this for the ~$600+
I have a hard time considering anything else. It runs a standard
operating system (and might even support Linux!) and brings the full
breadth of application support. It’ll run games, and provide
Internet connectivity. It’ll have Bluetooth and integrate with
cell phones.

I’m not saying that this product is going to kill the $100 Laptop
Project … that will always have it’s place. But in more
affluent societies where some extra money can be spent it seems to me
that the Origami is addressing a real market. This is the place
between the PDA/PSP types of devices, and the laptop/Tablet PCs.

So I’ll probably buy one for my son. Will I buy one? I
think that I might buy one for myself … just to experiment as a
platform for new applications. Religion aside, when Microsoft and
Intel (and Samsung, and ASUS, and …) get behind something they are
going to create a new market. I do believe that for software
developers, there is going to be a whole new generation of applications
for this platform.

I’ve been served!

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Wow … that was wild. I’m sitting here working on some code and
projects (~9:43pm) and there was a knock on my door. Some guy
standing there looking a little shady … like one of these guys
chasing bail jumpers. He asked me “Scott Lemon?” as he
pulled out some papers … oh I know what’s going on: I’m being served with a subpoena!

I actually figured this might happen … the IBM lawyers have been
calling me since before my vacation last week. For the many
people who didn’t know … I used to work for SCO. Yes … Santa
Cruz Operation … the ones in the big lawsuits with IBM and
Novell. Now before you start to dis’ me let me provide some
background. I was working for a very innovative startup called Vultus.
I joined a team of guys at Vultus who were working on this amazing
technology that used Javascript, XML, and HTTP to create active
‘applications’ that ran within a browser. Yes … today that is
called AJAX … but we were doing it years before that term came about.
(Shipping product in 2002!)

So anyhow … Vultus was purchased by SCO just prior to the whole
lawsuit issue blew up. In fact, I have to admit that I was
floored. When we were negotiating with SCO about the acquisition,
I was looking forward to the opportunity to working for a Linux
company! Just as they purchased us, we were told one day there
was going to be a huge “Linux announcement”. Yeah … and when I
heard it I couldn’t believe it!

So anyhow, I quickly became the SCOX Architect working on some web
services integration projects, and then architected and collaborated on
a patent with Bruce Grant for a OS independent application
substrate. About that time I became the Chief Technologist and
spent considerable time researching the differences between kernels and
numerous Open Source projects. I have to admit that I really was
given the opportunity to learn a lot about UNIX, BSD, Darwin, and Linux
… along with the vast amount of Open Source that is out there running
on all of these. My real interest was researching the new
substrates … the new layers of software that are emerging as the next
generation platforms above the operating system. I left SCO almost two years ago as they were consolidating and letting a lot of folks go.

Well … it appears that somehow IBM got my name, and with their
discovery deadline coming up fast they must be grasping for straws all
over the place. They called me just before I left on vacation and
asked if I would be able to sit down with them and chat, and then sign
a legal declaration. My question was “How much do I get paid for
my time?” Yeah … right. I told them that if I had the
time I would get back to them after my vacation. It was funny
when the IBM attorney asked where I was going – Hawaii – and then he
actually asked me if I would meet with their attorney’s while on
vacation in Hawaii! I’m guessing that sending attorneys to Hawaii
for a interview would just be a IBM expense paid for by the
shareholders?

They called me this last Monday and when I said I really wasn’t interested they followed up with the following e-mail:

Scott,

Thanks for your quick reply. We would like to meet with you as
soon as possible. Our discovery period is quickly coming to an
end, and we would like to assure ourselves that we will be able to get
your testimony in a manner that we can use. Our preference would
be to do so through more informal means in a signed declaration.
An attorney would meet with you to put together the facts, then draft a
declaration after the meeting. The attorney would then review the
declaration with you, and obtain your signature at a later
meeting. The other way to get your testimony would be more
formal. We could serve you with a subpoena requiring you to
attend a deposition at which lawyers from both sides could question you
under oath. If you would prefer that to the more informal declaration
option, we could arrange that. Also, if you are unsure if you
would be willing to do a declaration, we could serve you a subpoena
now, and then withdraw it later if you decide to do a
declaration. Let me know if that option appeals to you. One
of our lawyers from either NY or SLC can meet with you virtually any
time, any day, and any place that would be convenient for you. I
understand that our deadlines are not your problem, and that we asking
you for help, so I would like to make this as easy as possible on
you. Please let me know how you would like to move forward.
Please give me a call or reply to this email. Thanks Scott.

Greg T. Lembrich
Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP
Worldwide Plaza
825 Eighth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
(212) 474-1462
fax: (212)474-3700

Uh … ok. So let me get this straight. Either meet with us
because you are a nice guy and you just want to give us a bunch of
free, uncompensated time … or … we’ll use legal means to force you
to sit down with us. Hmmm … let’s see … in both cases I get
nothing in return for my time. I replied letting him know that
they could feel free to subpoena me. And they did.

Looks like I’ll be visiting the offices of Snell & Wilmer here in
Salt Lake City on the 16th of March. I’ll make sure to blog about
the experience.

Eye Tracking Research

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This post on Slashdot brings up some interesting perspectives … I mostly like the eye tracking
research that is referenced.  It’s fun to see what we are *really*
doing when watching a video.  I know that I work to catch myself
when I get distracted, etc. but this research shows what the eye is
drawn to.

I don’t agree that video blogs will suck … but I do believe that
video podcasting is a very different animal.  I’m finding that for
audio, I really like the 15 to 30 minute podcasts.  For video, I
haven’t really found something that works for me.  I could see
where I might subscribe to a “movie feed” to get stuff onto my PC at
home for later watching.  From my early conversations with some
students it seems that video podcasts (on campus lectures, etc.) are
used mostly for their audio content, however when something interesting
is said the student will then rewind and look at the video.

The biggest issue that I see is *where* I view video podcasts.  I
can listen a lot more places than I can watch.  For me, driving is
the place where I listen to most of my downloaded content.

Why Video Blogs Will Suck. [Slashdot]

Amazing robotic advances

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While I was on vacation last week I came across an article about an
amazing robot being developed as a “pack animal” for soldiers.  I
have a long time love of robotics, and downloaded the video … and it
is surreal!  You have to go and check out the BigDog from Boston Dynamics and download the video. 
It is stunning to watch this thing.  As I watch … I just keep
thinking of seeing old World War II movies where two guys are carrying
a stretcher.  This is stunning to see!  There is an amazing
human/biomimicry component that I just can’t believe … can you tell?

I’m downloading the videos of their other robots now …

Organick Lecture – University of Utah – Alan Kay (Part II)

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After a great dinner at a local Greek restaurant, we returned to the
University of Utah to listen to the second presentation by Alan Kay – Learners, Powerful Ideas, and the $100 Laptop

As I have been following the progress of the $100 Laptop project, I
have a lot of my own ideas of where this device might succeed, and what
it might become. I’m looking forward to what Alan has to say
about this space.

Is a “$100 Laptop” Possible?
Alans slide showed a portable DVD player that has a 7″ TFT LCD
screen. The price on this product is $122.99 on-line.
Obviously, this proves out the fact that the raw hardware of a $100
Laptop is quite possible. Swap the DVD drive for a keyboard, and
add some flash memory and you have a decent computer. With the
addition of a real manufacturer – Quanta – everything has started to
fall into place.

Alan brought up an interesting point where these devices could create a
huge grey-market, where the laptops might not actually make it to
children. Instead, they might be grabbed up and used by others
… sold for various profits. They are intending to add features
to the products so that they are customized to the child so that it
will not work for anybody but that child.

The laptop is going to have mesh networking as a core feature, and they
are exploring various power options. The hand-crank is the most
well known, but they are also working on a tredle(?) design for foot
powering the device.

The “layers” of this device are:

  • The $100 hardware – the foundation for everything
  • Free Software – the operating system from RedHat and Squeak?
  • Authoring & User Interface – the first level of interaction with children
  • Content & Pedagogy – interaction to educate
  • Mentoring – a large list of things we don’t know how to make happen!

His comment refering to this list of layers – The Music Isn’t In The Piano!

Future of Printing?
Alan again went through his progression of the history of
printing. Where a new medium appears, and initially is used to
mimic the older mediums. It was 100 years after the creation of
the printing press that this new medium was exploited to massively
alter global society. It finally provided for the presentation
and distribution of radical new ideas.

How the Mind Works
Neuro-ethology is a newer study of the brain and behavior. He
talked about research being done with babies, and at 8 weeks some of
the things that they are capable of doing. One of these was that
a baby that young was able to use an artificial nipple, with some
electronics attached, to control the focus of a slide projector showing
a picture of their mother. Amazing …

He also talked about other pattern recognition tests done, and the
ability of babies to show interest in various patterns … and the
increase in interest in more complex patterns as the baby develops.

This led to a discussion of Human Universals vs. non-Universals.
Those things found in almost every culture around the world … vs.
those things that are not. Examples of the Universals:
Social, Communications, Language, Culture, Fantasies, Stories, Loud
Noises & Snakes – he had a longer list but these were very common and present in over 300 cultures studied.

Thge non-Universals are things that modern education are all about:
Democracy, advanced mathematics, equal rights, etc. – these are the
things that are only gained through deep thinking and teaching.
This appears to be much of what Alan believes can be brought to more
cultures in the world using the $100 Laptop!

He went on to do demonstrations of using Squeak, and talking about some
of the amazing educational advances that have been taking place.
All of which will only be available to more and more people on earth.

Overall, it was a great presentation and shows the commitment that Alan
has to making a difference in the world with his talents and
abilities. And the $100 Laptop will become a reality … and is
only going to spur more developments in this space.

Some of my final thoughts linked to his comments about security of the
devices, etc. I start to wonder what is going to occur as
unscrupulous people choose to take advantage of the children who are
given these machines. I also start to wonder how these children
in developing countries might end up being “remotely exploited” over
the Internet by these same types of people …

In either case, it is going to open whole new channels of
communications, and create a very different networked world … with
whole new sets of eyeballs, and new participants in
globalization. The next 10 years are going to be amazing to live
through!

Organick Lecture – University of Utah – Alan Kay

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Phil Windley
blogged about this lecture series, and the fact that Alan Kay
was speaking today. I had to take the time to come and hear Alan,
as his focus on computing for children and education demonstrates a
true commitment to the future.

I have often used his quote: The best way to predict the future is to invent it. His opening slide had the quote … slightly modified … toggling between:

  • Is the Best Way To Predict The Future To Invent It?
  • Is the Best Way To Predict The Future To Prevent It?

His talk is about about Computer Science and Software Engineering … are they Oxymorons?

Some points from his talk:

  • he feels that our industry has been mired for years … perhaps since the 1970’s
  • the commercialization of Personal Computers was a tremendous
    distraction from computer science … and we may never recover from
    this distraction
  • computer science is teaching non-scalable algorythms and data structures
  • this is like teaching gears … something that is non-scalable
  • the Internet is a vastly different solution that is highly distributed and operates non-stop … and scales
  • the human body consists of 100 trillions cells, created through only 50 cell divisions
  • all of the atoms in your body have been changed out within the last 7 years … even your bones!

He talked about Bob Barton, and his early work and papers. He
referenced a paper that outlines seven of the top ten things that
people ought to know about software. He said it is worth reading
the six page paper … that includes a full page bashing IBM. The
slide about Bob referenced the Burroughs B5000 built in 1961. Bob
taught by destroying traditional thought … allowing more freedom to
contemplate what is possible.

He began to talk about “engineering” and gave several examples of what
he feels is real engineering – the building of the Empire State
Building (<3000 people for <11 months start to occupancy), the
massive pumps that survived the longest during the Katrina hurricane – built in 1922 and 1912!

He talked about the real meaning of the word “Architecture” – the
building of arches. He used this to connect
analogies of Microsoft Windows, and the ancient pyramids of
Egypt. The Egyptians had no arches, and so they built the
pyramids by piling on rock, creating a “garbage dump”, and then
covering it with a “pretty UI”. It was only those who understood
and perfected the building of arches that truly developed architecture.

Humans have been on earth for ~100,000+ years, however Science has only
been around for ~400. But it didn’t emerge from genetic evolution
… so Science has always existed. He then showed the video
called “Private Universe” which was a series of interviews with Harvard
University graduates who were being asked basic questions about “What
causes the seasons?” and “What causes the phases of the moon?”
The majority were not able to answer accurately.

I have to admit that I stopped taking notes as Alan went into a very
interesting conversation about the Future of Printing. He started
to talk about the original printing press, and how it immediately began
to be used to mimic the handwritten manuscript books of the time …
instead of creating a new type of communications … a new medium to argue within society and to present new ideas.

Alan used this as a way
to describe the revelation that hit him when he first thought of
children using computers. Up to that point, they had simply
thought of computers looking like terminals, without the mainframe. He
drew a cartoon back in the 1960s of children using what would become
his idea of the dynabook.

He emphasized the stagnent aspects of computer science and software
engineering … at the end he questioned how students of these
disciplines were using yesterdays technologies – hardware and software
– when trying to create the solutions of the future. He commented
that it was only because his team was using $20,000 computers more
powerful than anything in its time, that they were able to create
solutions for the future. This is a really good point …

As usual … an amazing presentation that spurs a lot of thoughts.

February CTO Breakfast

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Wow … what a crowd! This morning was quite packed, and there
was a good variety of people from many roles in Utah companies.

Phil started off talking with Hilarie Orman from Purple Streak.
It turns out that Phil was familiar with some of the previous work of
Hilarie, and some of the people that she worked with. This led
into an interesting conversation about security, encryption, and
quantum computing. She was involved in the Demo Conference … on
a security panel. She mentioned that Koogle(?) was one of the
more interesting demos.

Bruce Grant started to talk about his perspectives of Demo, and some of
the mobile applications and thoughts on where mobile devices are
going. He talked about the difficulty in developing software for
these devices due to all of the various operating systems, etc.
He also commented that there will be some sort of consolidation …
which I agree with. This is a standard EVO-DEVO pattern.

I commented that I believe that the Negroponte $100 laptop
is going to be one of the catalysts that is going to cause the
consolidation. I’m not so sure that this device is going to be in
high demand for the developed world, however it is going to drive
innovation and solutions that wil be delivered at a slightly higher
price point.

I missed a good bit of conversation going to get some food, but when I
returned we were well into a conversation about AJAX, and the new Web
2.0 trends. One of the people brought up a new Marc Andreessen
project called Ning. Very
cool … some very innovative ideas as a platform for the creation and
sharing of social application. This is a variation on JotSpot … and I’m going to do some experimenting.

Fun morning …

DevUtah February Geek Dinner

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Tonight was the DevUtah Geek Dinner. There was a slightly smaller group, but there was a great topic – Agile & Adaptive Project Management.
David Spann kicked off by doing a quick exercise in thinking of the top
traits of a great leader/manager. Most of these ended up
centering around communications, trust, and involvement. He went
on to talk about the The Agile-Adaptive Management Model:

  • Know the Purpose and Organizational Value of any project
  • Hire great people – use the best people
  • Do Something Innovative!
  • Learn and Reflect – spend the time (often!) to look at what you are doing
  • Deliver Results – ensure that you are delivering on the project

If you follow this model, then innovation will occur. In addition, this is how knowledge is built.

Alistair then jumped in and gave some background on how he got going
in the industry, and how he began his writing career. He talked
about the history of the creation of the Agile Manifesto, and the follow on for managers of Agile projects – the Declaration of Interdependence.

He offered a fun way to think about software: Developing software consists of making ideas concrete in an economic context. In addition, he posits that software development – and most any business – can be seen as a cooperative game of invention and communication. This then leads to where Agile is a special case of software development.

Expanding on this, he summarized the Agile Manifesto as being values …

More Valuable Has Value
Individuals and Interactions Processes and Tools
Working Software Comprehensive Documentation
Customer Collaboration Contract Negotiation
Responding to Change Following a Plan

All of these work from: communication, trust, feedback, fluidity

David and Alistair progressed into Q&A to address many of the questions that were brought up:

  1. How do you convince business people to use Agile?
    • focus on ROI – delivering customer value which generates revenue
  2. How do you deal with Feature Creep?
    • base development on constant re-prioritization and customer renegotiation
    • do not use a fixed requirements model … constantly adjust and adapt with the customer

There was some other conversation … I got too interested in listening
and forgot to write. David closed with a good point and that was
that it’s easy to celebrate the “wins” and what was accomplished …
the real learning comes, however, when you can celebrate what didn’t go
well, or what could be improved.

It’s always fun to hear David and Alistair … they both consult in this area, and bring a lot of knowledge and experience!

Human Extensions

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This is a great article, however I don’t know that it goes far
enough!  Seldom do we really think about the wide range of “tools”
that we depend on … that have become an extension of our own
humanity.  In this day and age, an automobile is now a necessary
extension … enabling us to collaborate with others.  And even wired
telephones … this form of communications is what allowed for the
creation of global virtual communities in the first place.  Well
… after the telegraph.  And smoke signals.  It is not only
here in America, but all over the globe that humans are developing
whole new capabilities based on these “gadgets” … these Human
Extensions …

Americans ‘Need’ Their Gadgets.
Whether it’s a personal computer, an iPod or TiVo, Americans are
growing increasingly dependent on personal technology. Not everyone
thinks this is healthy. [Wired News]