(Not) Getting the Message Across [Bits Versus Electrons]

The important point for this column is the ability to focus on the relationships without depending on intermediaries that understand the messages. In this column, I´m looking closer to home-the devices and protocols that try to understand us by embedding purpose. By this, I mean that the chips and devices along the way need to know that I´m exchanging information about my heart rate. This makes me dependent upon each intermediary cooperating as well as standards committees having their say before I can try out a new idea. The end-to-end connectivity of the Internet is not just about access; it´s as much about simple connectivity locally.