Preview: The iPad – The Second Coming of the CD-ROM

Graphic courtesy of http://computershopper.com/
This year with so many panels and events going on simultaneously, it is easy to overlook or miss a panel of great value/importance. On Monday March 12th, “The iPad: The Second Coming of the CD-ROM” is a SXSWi panel any digital user or producer should not miss.

When the CD-ROM became mainstreamed in 1985, the computing community was overjoyed and infatuated with all the possibilities this new technology had to offer. Companies were able to create products packaged with large amounts of information distributable to anyone with a readable CD-ROM drive. This technology provided us, the users, with relatively intricate games, multimedia programs and other software packages previously not so plentiful or easy to install.

This was a revolution in data packaging and sharing, blazing the hi-tech market of its time. Today, we are witnessing a similar revolution with the iPad and the App marketplace. This relatively new technology presents a whole new spectrum of possibilities for digital producers and end-users.

“With the invention of the personal computer, the experience changed allowing richer experiences on powerful local computers. The addition of the CD-ROM allowed for immersive, full screen experiences never seen before. The web was more a throwback to the original mainframe style of computing and now the iPad and other tablets have brought back smart /FAT clients enabling the rich experiences consumers crave.”-Steve Glauberman CEO Enlighten

Just like when CD-ROM graced the world, there is much to be considered when contemplating the future of the iPad and it’s surrounding environment.

This panel provides a medley of profoundly, experienced panelists discussing a number of issues regarding the new tablet technology and the excitement driving this wave of mobile innovation. This high-profile line up includes Steve Glauberman, founder of Enlighten Inc. back in 1983. Enlighten is considered one of the nation’s first interactive agencies that preached the idea of coupling technology with imaginative content and cutting-edge marketing to improve ways businesses connect with their customers and clients. With Steve at the helm, attendees could not ask for a better captain to lead this ship towards very positive discussion coupled with meaningful dialogue.

Another superstar in the line up is Brian Burke, President of Smashing Ideas Inc. Smashing Ideas is one of the top digital media agencies rocking the digital market, it connects clients to the digital world through mobile applications and interactive web experiences. Since their inception in 1996, SI has continued to flourish in the digital world specializing in website development, games, mobile applications and ePublishing.

In this digital age, reading no longer entails a physical book and the potential for paper cuts. Cracking open your favorite novel is now as easy as turning on a iPad. The eBook is quickly becoming the preferred medium in which books are internationally distributed and is transforming the way we perceive literature publishing. Randi Rosenkranz, VP of Digital Development for Random House Digital, will be shedding light and knowledge on the current eBook environment and the potential future for readers like you!

Last but certaintly not least panelist is Calvin Carter, founder of Bottle Rocket Apps. Calvin and BRA have produced a compendium of diverse apps but are also known for their award winning work with companies like NPR, Disney, and The Seattle Times.

This panel is poised to vamp your knowledge and passion for this reoccurring tech revolution. If you haven’t passed out from excitement yet, let me leave you with a little teaser from the captain himself:

“Are we bound to repeat the past? Will immersive apps on closed platforms give way to an open web? ” -Steve Glauberman

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