The Computer Corner
Obama’s technology short list
By Charles Miller January 16, 2009 San Miguel de Allende

This week marks a change in government leadership in the US. Aside from all the mudslinging, last year’s election campaigns were dominated by issues such as the economy, health care and foreign policy. Technology issues have spent little time in the spotlight and so I thought this week might be a good time to point out some news to watch for in the months and years to come.

Like it or not, policy decisions made in Washington, DC, have an impact on the internet, and those decisions can affect anyone in San Miguel who uses the internet. Currently, a host of technology concerns could have major implications on the direction and development of the internet as well as on the technology sector as a whole.

The next administration in Washington will have the opportunity to significantly influence these concerns over the next four years. The three items I will be watching for in the news are net neutrality, tax credits and H-1B student visas. 

First and foremost is net neutrality, the subject of five Atención columns during the last year. At stake is whether or not telecommunications providers will be able to limit, control, prioritize, censor or filter the use of the internet.

The outgoing administration pursued the policy of an open marketplace with a variety of consumer choices being the best deterrent against unfair practices. Because of the massive consolidation of telecommunications companies, currently there is not enough competition in some areas to make this process work well. This calls into question whether or not the free market alone will be able to solve its own problems.

The leader of the incoming administration has been an unequivocal supporter of net neutrality, recognizing a key reason the internet has been such a success is because it is international and largely free of government regulation. The paradox here is that historically the party of the incoming administration has relied heavily on government mandates, regulation and intervention.

What is needed is just enough government oversight to ensure free market competition. Neither the industry giants nor nameless Washington bureaucrats should be permitted too much power to influence the internet worldwide.

Two other areas to watch are of more importance to the US than elsewhere. Research and development tax credits are due to expire this year. Both parties in Congress have declined to make these tax cuts permanent, preferring to renew the law every few years. The technology industry says it needs the tax breaks to stay afloat.

The last area is the H-1B visa program which allows foreign students to study in the US and then remain after they graduate if they find a job in their field. This program is viewed as necessary by industry in order to provide the US technology sector with the skilled workers it needs. Some accuse the US of siphoning off the best and brightest talents from other countries, but the fact is that US companies provide the best opportunities in the technology sector.

Those of us who make a living in information technology, as well as all who use the internet, should take an interest in these developments. What happens in the US has an unavoidable effect internationally and on the industry as a whole. The legislative, regulatory and investment issues affecting these areas of the technology industry could be critical in the years ahead.

Charles Miller is a freelance computer consultant, a frequent visitor to San Miguel since 1981 and now practically a full-time resident. He may be contacted at 044-415-101-8528 or email FAQ8(at)SMAguru.com.