Beyond the Cracks: Building a New Foundation for the Digital World
It all begins with an idea.
My journey into the heart of software began with a deep dive into its core components. For two decades, I immersed myself in the intricate world of code, from developing Windows core components at Microsoft to contributing to the Linux kernel. I explored the nuances of data storage and transfer, eventually transitioning into a software strategist role. This new vantage point allowed me to design software offerings, craft business plans, and evaluate both established tech giants and promising startups. It was during this time that I began to see some concerning trends in software development and deployment, issues that were impacting not just me, but everyone around me.
These weren't just minor annoyances. We're talking about fundamental challenges, like the widespread erosion of data privacy, increasingly intrusive advertising practices, and the ever-present threat of data breaches. Users struggled with a lack of control over their personal information, while businesses grappled with the soaring costs and complexities of building and maintaining the software essential for their digital operations. And even when software was deployed, it often proved rigid and resistant to change, creating a whole new set of headaches. I had a front-row seat, privy to the inner workings of data infrastructure and software. I could see the connections, the vulnerabilities, and the systemic problems that needed addressing.
This realization ignited a mission: to tackle these foundational challenges head-on. It wasn't just about incremental improvements; it was about contributing to a more positive digital future. After a year of intensive study, I assembled a talented team, and we began building an application that would serve as a tangible example of a better approach. We poured our hearts and souls into the project, but after some time, a sobering truth emerged. One startup, even with a dedicated team, couldn't single-handedly reshape the software landscape. We were a small boat in a vast ocean, trying to address problems that affected everyone, everywhere. We needed a different, more collaborative approach.
Recognizing the power of collective action, we paused development and embarked on another period of deep research. This time, our focus broadened. We explored the business impact of digitization, the intricacies of hardware and software supply chains, the challenges of ensuring reliability, the hype surrounding certain technologies (IoT, Edge Computing,Blockchain, NFT, and AI) and even the influence of geopolitics and regulatory bodies on digital operations. We realized we weren't just dealing with software anymore; It will be a new software economy and will have deep impact on how the world operates, a world increasingly reliant on digital connections and data exchange—everyone's digital world.
The answer, we concluded, lay in collaboration. We needed to build a broad coalition of experts, business leaders, stakeholders, governing bodies, communities, and end-users. Our vision was to create a consortium dedicated to addressing these fundamental problems collectively. This meant forging consensus on governing principles for this new digital world, establishing mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and adaptation based on real-world impact and evolving needs. It's about building a system that is responsive, secure, and truly serves the needs of its users.
The potential benefits of such an undertaking are immense. Imagine a digital world where data privacy is paramount, where security is robust, and where businesses can easily and affordably build the tools they need to thrive. It's a world where technology empowers us, rather than the other way around. This is the future we're working towards, and we invite you to join us in building it. And the exciting part is, we're not just talking about abstract ideas. We have a detailed plan. We've mapped out what needs to be developed, how it can be developed, offered, operated, and monitored. We've considered how these private offerings can be interconnected seamlessly, governed effectively, and evaluated fairly. This isn't just a dream; it's a practical roadmap, ready to be put into action. We believe this collaborative approach, grounded in a clear vision and a practical roadmap, is the key to unlocking the true potential of the digital world for everyone. Furthermore, we envision a system where private offerings, both in software and infrastructure, are priced and contracted based on healthy, specialized marketplaces. These marketplaces will be run by private parties, but importantly, they will be governed by the same coalition of stakeholders and experts, ensuring fairness, transparency, and alignment with the overall goals of the digital world we are building together.
Now, we're inviting you to be a part of this transformative journey. We're seeking individuals with expertise, assets under management, roles in businesses, governing bodies, industry associations, and demonstrable reach and influence within their industries and communities to step forward and take a seat on the governing bodies of this exciting new coalition. Your unique perspective and experience will be invaluable in shaping the future of the digital world. This is an opportunity not just to contribute to a more equitable and secure digital landscape, but also to directly impact and be rewarded based on your level of engagement and influence. By joining us, you'll be at the forefront of a movement that will redefine how we interact with technology, ensuring it serves humanity's best interests. Reach out learn more about the coalition, our vision, and how you can play a critical role in building this future together. Don't miss this chance to be a part of something truly groundbreaking.