I've been playing around with the idea high-speed Internet networks dramatically change how Web-based applications and services are delivered to business and residential customers. The theory is that barriers to entry are pretty much eliminated because services can by delivered to anyone anywhere in the world. While Internet telephony has captured most of the attention as the emerging Web-based services, VOIP just scratches the service of what's coming down the pipe (excuse the pun!). As carriers and cablecos look for more revenue, they are going to be pumping down all kinds of services developed internally and through partners. Then, there will be third parties such as Vonage, Salesforce.com and Apple (iTunes) that will try get a piece of the action.
My initial thinking is network operators that have customer relationships (a.k.a carriers and cablecos) have an inherent advantage because they can easily layer services on the network and selling them to an existing customer base. For people interested, I wrote a lengthy feature on the emergence of Web-based service in the National Post earlier this week. I'd be curious if the theory I'm espousing resonates with anyone or whether there are other takes out there.