Message-ID: <Pine.3.88.9603301122.A5148-0100000@go> Date: Sat, 30 Mar 1996 13:37:45 -0600 From: Abubakr Alkhalifa <mailto:aalkhali@CIS.USOUTHAL.EDU> Subject: Traditional I.T. Before the Internet ?! To: Multiple recipients of list DEVEL-L <mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU>
Information technology can participate in solving developmental problems.= =20 However, this is most applicable where complex information is vital, rarely available, and/or inaccessible, as is the case in most developing countries.=20
The Internet is a very hot and promising tool in this arena and could be used to leapfrog the development process. But, here are some concerns=20 around its appropriateness, compared to traditional I.T.:=20
=B7 The Internet is much much much more expensive. It requires tremendous amounts of $$$ which developing countries lack. (more Foreign debt ?) =20 =B7 Politicians in many developing countries may not allow the Internet to = play its anticipated role, and would rather prefer to abuse it.
=B7 Some people fear that the West/North will exploit the competitive advantage of information. Therefore, the Internet may cause history to repeat itself.=20
Down the road, the Internet will become more appropriate. Meanwhile, the required telecommunication infrastructure can be built, the cost of connectivity will dramatically fall, and the political environment may (hopefully) improve. This way, the developing countries will become=20 ready to take full advantage of the Internet.=20
To conclude, I propose that traditional I.T. should come first. If there is enough interest, I will be glad to discuss my views on the use of I.T. in development, especially, in poverty alleviation.
Abu _________________________________________________________________________
Abubakr Alkhalifa=09=09"I.T. vs. Poverty" 612 Montclaire Way=09=09Graduate Student Mobile, AL 36609=09=09School of Computer & Information Sciences USA=09=09=09=09University of South Alabama Tel/Fax: (334)660-0242=09=mailto:09aalkhali@cis.usouthal.edu _________________________________________________________________________