Sony's Vision For The Future As the television, communications and telecommunications industries emerge, compatibility (兼容性) becomes a big issue for consumers. I think we should maintain open and compatible standards end create features particular to Sony, in other words, the system should be open but the services could be distinctive—like restaurants. The menus may be alike but the services are different. Being president of Sony Corporation, I am often asked by this question: With digital cameras and digital camcorders (摄像机), what will be the future of digital imaging? In 1997, optimists see non-traditional cameras—digital cameras— achieving sales of one million units in Japan. We are selling a new digital camera. Even though the price is quite high, it is selling well. And laser and ink-jet printers have improved greatly for printing colour pictures. But traditional pictures are still more popular than those from today's electronic cameras. Because of that, traditional cameras and digital cameras will co-exist for a long time. If you want me to sum up Sony's vision for the next few years, all I can say is that there will be a big change. We can run our business at Sony based on today's technologies w which means the digitalisation of audio and video. But beyond 2000, there will be a big change and we should be prepared. This will be the network environment. So we are preparing for a big change in technologies and for a change in the way of thinking as well. We celebrate our 50th anniversary this year (1997), and this coincides (与……一致) with what I call the transistor cycle, which has also lasted fifty years. Since we started using transistors in radios, the electronic industry has undergone a big evolution. But a new technology wave started with the invention of the microprocessor, about 14 or 15 years ago. My theory is that each business cycle lasts 50 years, with one cycle overlapping (重叠) another. The information age started 15 years ago with microprocessors and for another 10 years it will be in the takeoff stage. Like an airport, a 747 approaching the end of the runway is still gathering speed. So for information technology, for another five to seven years there will not be so much change, only increasing speed. But after that you fly. What that will mean, I cannot foresee. I'm just preparing for the takeoff stage while I'm president. The job of the next generation will be more important, I’m just in-between. Why does the president of Sony Corporation mention restaurants in the first paragraph?