What technologies do we need to solve the complex environmental, economic, social, and political challenges facing us today? As this thought-provoking book reveals, one tool for enacting change is already at our fingertips: the global network. Consider the private domains of companies, governments, and institutions along with the public Internet: we have an immense communications network that connects billions of people in ways we never thought possible. In this book, author Sarah Sorensen clearly demonstrates why this network is the best sustainable technology available to help us tackle a wide range of problems. If each of us represents a node on this network, then it's time we realize the potential we hold. The Sustainable Network is a call to action, urging individuals, governments, markets, and organizations to put the power of this network to good use.

• Discover how the sustainable network connects us all, with examples of how it's already effecting change

• Understand how this network magnifies the impact of even the smallest change and newest idea

• Explore the role that various market and political forces play

• Learn how the network can be improved to better address environmental, economic, and social conditions

• Get practical advice that you or your business can follow now

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 7 Ratings

Fascinating read! - 2009-11-25
Reviewer Rating:
I'm no expert on the Internet or technology but was intrigued to read this book when I heard about the subject matter. It was easy to read and really opened my eyes to how the Internet is a part of almost everything we do. I would consider this a must read for anyone actively participating in this digital information age or those who want to participate more in it!

The Optimists View of the Internet - 2009-11-15
Reviewer Rating:
How did we get here? This book is an attempt to bring you up to speed on what's happening in the interconnected world. For the "newbie" it is an excellent resource for educating one about the internet, how it works, how it is shaping our lives, and the dangers we face because we are interconnected more than we've ever been.

The author is a former employee of Juniper Networks, a major producer of the routers and switches that make up the "guts" of the internet. As an "insider" she has many helpful discussions about the many factors that shape the internet we use, its strengths and adaptiveness, its ability to survive major attacks, and its weaknesses that may place the data we transmit over it at risk. The book serves best as an omnibus of content for most any question you ever had about networks in general and THE network in particular.

The subtitle is "The Accidental Answer for a Troubled Planet." The implication I read is that through the networks we've created we'll be able to save our planet. That is a moot point. While the Internet is rapidly becoming the medium of choice for information sharing, it doesn't come without a price. As she states, the servers, routers, and switches that send information on its way require a steady stream of electrons for their operation, and at current rates of expansion, it is not clear that we'll be able to afford the electrical power plants that will continue to allow that expansion. This is one of the few books I've read that has addressed this particular energy problem in some depth.

A sampling of chapters that address current issues include:

What's So Smart About an Energy Grid?
Is Broadband Really That Important?
Net Neutrality
Political Sustainability
Rocking the Vote
Antisocial Network Engineering
Government's Role in Protecting the Network's Integrity
21st-Century Warfare: Cyberattacks
The Health Net
Not by Accident: Social Networking

As a prototypical nerd, I hope that she's correct in suggesting the Internet may be a major means of "saving" the planet, i.e. The Sustainable Network may become a model for the "Sustainable World." My nightmare is that human nature will remain rigidly rooted in its prehistoric "small group" past, and we'll continue to make decisions for the benefit of our small group, but decisions that lead to the degradation of the planet.

Highly Relevant and Interesting - 2009-11-12
Reviewer Rating:
I am not in the tech industry but I am a big user and fan of technology. This book is a great examination of the profound impact that technology (the "network", wireless, etc.) has on our lives...It's really fascinating to have the author examine the environmental, political, social, and economic implications of the network. This book is great follow up reading to Thomas Friedman's "Hot, Flat and Crowded"...The Sustainable Network was highly educational and very interesting.

Gutenberg - Your printing press has been eclipsed - 2009-12-16
Reviewer Rating:
This important book provides insight as to the value of the Sustainable Network. Just as the printing press expanded information and knowledge in the dark ages and heralded an explosion of innovation during the Renaissance and beyond, the Sustainable Network will hopefully do the same for our dark times.

This book is for the NGO trying to solve problems in the trenches, businesses who are eager to create new partnerships with consumers and government, government trying to provide helpful services to citizens and for you and me to do more than hang out on Facebook and be part of the solution.

Ms. Sorensen provides simple and clear technical explanations with relevant case studies as to the value of the Sustainable Network. In addition she shares helpful implementation guidelines. The chapters are brief and self-contained. I felt as if I had a learned friend chatting with me over coffee. I feel inspired and ready to make the Network even more sustainable.

The Sustainable Network - 2009-11-30
Reviewer Rating:
A very timely and outstanding piece!!! The author is very knowledgeable on the subject and should be commended for her efforts in bringing the subject to the attention of all concerned.

Walter A. Patti

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