Halcyon has a point here.....how do people use computers?
That is the question, or better....how can people use computers...even when they are not directly aware of how they are being used.
That is the real driver. How do and can computers and the networks of all types that connect them, enhance both human performance and the human condition - individually and collectively?
Gaming? Sure enough, but models that are photo-realistic, dynamic and provide for a completely unique and personal experience will demand every ounce of power that science can provide.
The same is true of "practical intelligence" - or information used to make effective decisions that are consistent with individual and collective goals. The same is true of enabling effective interventions. These two reasons drive what is asked of software and all the components that support what software does. Models for everything are what is demanded - having some reasonable expectation for success "before" resources are devoted. Increased power at every level is going to be needed and the sooner such power is available, the faster we will arrive at solutions that allow for predictive intelligence - where its practical application is the goal - e.g., information that can be used and is delivered as "product." Any declaration that this or that is the "only" thing being done with software and therefore "XXXXXXXX" is all that is needed is simply inconsistent with what it is to be human. After all, we aspired to go to the moon simply because we wanted to take a bunch of pictures of men walking on it - this same spirit will continue to drive what we do with sotware and all that supports it.
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