Convergence

Convergence.  I've memorized my notes from Andrew's lecture, but let's look it up....

con·ver·gence

kənˈvərjəns/

noun

1. the process or state of converging.

   "the convergence of lines in the distance"

   • BIOLOGY

     the tendency of unrelated animals and plants to evolve superficially similar characteristics under similar environmental conditions.
   • a location where airflows or ocean currents meet, characteristically marked by upwelling (of air) or downwelling (of water).

     plural noun: convergences; noun: convergence zone; plural noun: convergence zones

   Well, that wasn't what I was expecting, but it is my understanding of the word prior to this class.   I guess we could apply the "tendency of unrelated" systems "to evolve superficially similar characteristics under similar environmental conditions" to the way that devices built by different makers often mimic what is successful with their competitors.  For example, we all now use a swipe screen motion, all of our computers are "windows" based, we file things in a similar way, cars now have USB charging capabilities rather than cigarette lighters.  Convergence.  

2. So Wiki, what say you?  

Computing and technology[edit]

• Convergence (evolutionary computing), a means of modeling the tendency for genetic characteristics of populations to stabilize over time
• Convergence (routing), the status of a set of routers having the same knowledge of the surrounding network topology
• Convergence (SSL), a distributed replacement for the CA system used by Secure Sockets Layer
• Convergence (telecommunications), the combination of multiple services through lines of telecommunication from a single provider
• Technological convergence, the tendency for different technological systems to evolve toward performing similar tasks

There we go!  Convergence as we discussed it in class refers to Technological convergence where systems evolve and in doing so, we have a better tool or function.  Were it not for the evolution of systems, especially circuits and memory, so that we have the computing power, data throughput, memory, and accessibility, we would not know Facebook or other social media. Likewise, we would not have so many of today's gadgets that make life easier, faster, more connected to friends and family; Skype, home security systems that notify us on our phones, smart phones themselves!  The list is truly endless.  I look forward to seeing how and where I might spot the next level of convergences.  

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