for automatic teller machines. Another technology along these lines are fingerprint readers that require a fingerprint match before access can be granted. The next area of technology is that of remote access. For many would be Internet users in the US, especially in the rural parts of the US or in underdeveloped countries, laying the wire for broadband access is cost intensive. Even in developed areas, rewiring an existing building can be very expensive. To address this, high tech companies are now investing in fixed wireless systems that require only a transmission device on one end and a receiver and signal converter on the other. Airwaves link them and the link can be as fast as wired services. This market could reach 1 billion by the end of 2002. Fixed wireless can be used to link areas where there are no cable or telephone infrastructures in place, or to extend cable and DSL service within already-established areas, such as apartment building or office complexes. Yet another technology that could makes its effects found on the world of HR is a communication system. This communication system called Auniversal translator could effectively, accurately, and simultaneously translate a person’ conversation from English to German and back (for example) will be widely available maybe within the next five years. Universal translating systems may never be able to capture cultural differences, but they could enormously aid in International business transactions. The last technology I will talk about is that of electronic monitoring. There is a whole group of electronic monitoring systems available to employers. Here are just a few: Internet Manager: This software scans for and identifies people who are continually on the Internet at work and will notify employees that they are being monitored each time they log onto the Internet. Investigator: This software captures all the keystrokes typed into a compu...
