technology

Purposeful application of information in the design, production, and utilization of goods and services, and in the organization of human activities. Technology is generally divided into five categories (1) Tangible: blueprints, models, operating manuals, prototypes. (2) Intangible: consultancy, problem solving, and training methods. (3) High: entirely or almost entirely automated and 'intelligent' technology which manipulates ever finer matter and ever powerful forces. (4) Intermediate: semi-automated 'partially intelligent' technology that manipulates refined matter and medium level forces. (5) Low: labor intensive 'dumb' technology that manipulates only coarse or gross matter and weaker forces.

Google writes powerful search algorithms; Steinway works wonders with wood; Cisco sniffs out promising new technologies and buys them. Figure out what you're good at and stick to it. An obvious notion, perhaps, but plenty of zealous entrepreneurs lose their way--especially when the world seems so full of possibilities.

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