Editorial Pointers

Silicon-based technology has dominated the computing field since its inception, but changes are afoot. In recent years a swell of new computing paradigms have emerged, and while all are very different and all in their infancy, all are decidedly silicon-free.

This month’s special section examines the current state of several of these non-traditional computing paradigms, including atomic, molecular, quantum, biological, optical, and nanofluidic computing. Guest editor Toshinori Munakata, a computer science professor at Cleveland State University, is quick to point out that these new paradigms do not necessarily aim to replace current silicon-based technologies, rather may complement them or perhaps be applied to special-purpose computing. The goal of this collection of articles exploring computing paradigms beyond silicon is to stimulate discussion and ideas among the scientific community due to their fundamental nature, novelty, and potential for new forms of information processing and applications.

Also this month, Ami Marowska explores the growing opportunities for researchers and engineers to create software for the new crop of general-purpose desktop-based parallel machines now widely available. Lepouras et al. detail the European Union’s SmartGov project that includes a knowledge-based platform to help public-sector employees become domain expert users able to develop effective e-services.

Interface designers often encounter frustrating trade-offs when creating Web sites for users with a variety of skill sets. Valacich et al. discuss interface characteristics and present their relative value in an Online Consumer Hierarchy of Needs (OCHN) framework. Brown et al. contend that when it comes to introducing new information technology to an organization, it is critical to understand what issues should be addressed and when is the best time to do so. Braganza and Franken examine the many challenges facing CIOs worldwide as they struggle with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance.

Research indicates that online privacy policies tend to incite privacy concerns rather than allay them. Irene Pollach examines this contradiction and suggests ways to rework the language and presentation to regain the trust factor.

When history professor Neil Waters proposed his department adopt a policy not to allow Wikipedia as an acceptable citation, little did he know he would be thrust into the media spotlight for making such a suggestion. On page 15, Waters explains what prompted him to refuse the popular online resource as a trusted source in his classroom. And on page 19, learn about ACM’s plan to move beyond traditional paper-based publishing to an "online first" practice for its Journals and Transactions.

Diane Crawford
Editor