Sony’s Vision For the Future
As the television, communications and telecommunications industries emerge,
compatibility(兼容性) becomes a big issue for consumers. I think we should maintain
open and compatible standards and create features particular to Sony, in other
words, the system should be open but the services could be distinctive—like
restaurants. The menus may be alike but the services are different.
Being president of Sony Corporation, I am often asked by this question:
With digital cameras and digital camcorders(摄像机), what will be the future of
digital imaging In 1997, optimists see non-traditional
cameras—digital cameras achieving sales of one million units in Japan. We are
selling a new digital camera. Even though the price is quite high, it is selling
well. And laser and ink-jet printers have improved greatly for printing colour
pictures. But traditional pictures are still more popular than those from
today’s electronic cameras. Because of that, traditional cameras and digital
cameras will co-exist for a long time. If you want me to sum up
Sony’s vision for the next few years, all I can say is that there will be a big
change. We can run our business at Sony based on today’s technologies, which
means the digitalisation of audio and video. But beyond 2000, there will be a
big change and we should be prepared. This will be the network environment. So
we are preparing for a big change in technologies and for a change in the way of
thinking as well. We celebrate our 50 anniversary this year
(1997), and this coincides(与……一致) with what I call the transistor cycle, which
has also lasted fifty years since we started using transistors in radios. The
electronic industry has undergone a big evolution. But a new technology wave
started .with the invention of the microprocessor, about 14 or 15 years ago. My
theory is that each business cycle lasts 50 years, with one cycle
overlapping(重叠) another. The information age started 15 years ago with
microprocessors and for another 10 years it will be in the takeoff stage. Like
an airport, a 747 approaching the end of the runway is still gathering speed. So
for information technology, for another five to seven years there will not be so
much change, only increasing speed. But after that you fly. What that will mean,
I cannot foresee. I’m just preparing for the takeoff stage while I’m president.
The job of the next generation will be more important. I’m just
in-between. What is the president’s view on digital cameras and traditional ones
A. Digital cameras will be cheaper than traditional ones in the near
future.
B. Digital cameras and traditional cameras will co-exist for ever.
C. The prices of digital cameras will go down very soon.
D. Digital cameras will not take the place of traditional ones in the next
few years.