Gilder's Law

Gilder's Law is an observation and prediction about the growth of network bandwidth made by American investor, writer, and futurist George Gilder in the 1990s. Gilder's Law states that the total bandwidth of communication systems will triple every year, leading to an exponential increase in network capacity. This prediction was made around the same time as the rapid growth of the internet, and it aimed to describe the potential of communication technologies in the future.

Gilder's Law is often compared to Moore's Law, which predicts that the number of transistors on a microchip will double approximately every two years, leading to an exponential increase in computing power. Both laws emphasize the importance of technological advancements driving innovation and shaping the future of industries.

Although Gilder's Law may not have held up precisely over the years, the general trend of increasing network bandwidth has been observed. The growth of network capacity has enabled numerous technological advancements and new applications, such as streaming high-definition video, online gaming, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

However, it is essential to note that the growth in bandwidth is not solely due to technological advancements. It is also influenced by factors such as infrastructure investments, regulatory policies, and market demand. As the global demand for high-speed internet and data-intensive applications continues to rise, the need for more advanced communication technologies and infrastructure becomes increasingly important.

In summary, Gilder's Law is an observation and prediction about the growth of network bandwidth made by George Gilder in the 1990s. It states that the total bandwidth of communication systems will triple every year, leading to an exponential increase in network capacity. While the precise prediction may not have held up, the overall trend of increasing network bandwidth has been observed, enabling numerous technological advancements and new applications.

See Also

• IT Strategy (Information Technology Strategy)
• IT Governance
• Enterprise Architecture
• Chief Information Officer (CIO)
• IT Sourcing (Information Technology Sourcing)
• IT Operations (Information Technology Operations)
• E-Strategy