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This week's issue of Newsweek magazine contains a special technology section, and in it there is a column by Bill Gates, in which he talks about the transformation of information into knowledge. Surprisingly, as part of this discussion, he touches on mind mapping. Here's the quote:
"...OneNote and a new generation of 'mind mapping' software can... be used as a digital 'blank slate' to help connect and synthesize ideas and data - and ultimately create new knowledge."
If Bill Gates has identified mind mapping software as a key technology of today's knowledge economy, then you know that you better pay attention! In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Microsoft may be mulling an acquisition in this space. Lest you call me a rumor-monger, I'm not suggesting that they are exploring this avenue. It's just odd to hear Gates talking about a technology where Microsoft doesn't have a software program. Plus, the software giant does have a history of purchasing products to fill gaps in its business productivity offerings (i.e., PowerPoint originally came from a small developer called Forethought, and Visio was originally developed by a software company of the same name, and was acquired by Microsoft in 2000). |
