Well, another market is being created now out of Internet

The words of Jim Barksdale, “Well, another market is being created now out of Internet technology,” resound as a proclamation of the transformative power of human ingenuity. He speaks of a force invisible yet pervasive, one that reshapes commerce, communication, and society itself: the Internet. In Barksdale’s insight, technology is not merely a tool but a fertile ground from which entire markets, industries, and opportunities emerge. The digital realm becomes a crucible, forging new pathways for exchange, connection, and innovation, and redefining what is possible for those who dare to imagine.

The origin of this reflection lies in Barksdale’s experience as an executive and visionary during the rapid expansion of the Internet in the 1990s and early 2000s. Witnessing the rise of e-commerce, digital media, and online services, he recognized that new technologies do not merely improve existing markets—they create entirely new arenas for human activity and economic growth. Barksdale’s words capture the excitement and magnitude of the moment: the Internet as both catalyst and architect of the future.

History offers a powerful parallel in the emergence of the railroad networks during the Industrial Revolution. Before locomotives and tracks connected cities, trade was local, slow, and limited. The introduction of this new technology did not merely improve transport; it created new markets, connecting distant regions, enabling industries to flourish, and transforming economies. In this way, Barksdale’s observation echoes an eternal truth: every revolutionary technology births unforeseen opportunities for commerce and human endeavor.

Even more recently, the rise of e-commerce giants such as Amazon, Alibaba, and eBay illustrates this principle vividly. These companies thrived not by improving traditional marketplaces, but by building entirely new digital marketplaces, reshaping supply chains, consumer behavior, and even global trade. Barksdale’s insight captures the essence of this phenomenon: technology generates not incremental change, but radical transformation, enabling the creation of markets that were unimaginable a generation before.

The meaning of his words is profound: technology is the architect of opportunity, and those who recognize its potential can reshape the landscape of human activity. The Internet, in particular, is a tool that dissolves boundaries, expands reach, and democratizes access to information and commerce. Barksdale reminds us that innovation is not merely about invention—it is about seeing where new markets, communities, and systems can emerge from the tools we create.

The lesson for future generations is clear: embrace technology as a source of possibility, not just efficiency. Markets, careers, and industries are no longer static; they evolve with the tools that humanity devises. Barksdale teaches that vigilance, imagination, and adaptability are essential. By observing the potential of new technologies, one can anticipate opportunities, shape emerging industries, and participate in the creation of value where none existed before.

Practical action flows naturally. Study emerging technologies and understand the needs they can fulfill. Seek ways to apply innovation to unmet problems, and explore how digital tools can enable entirely new forms of commerce, communication, or service. Support infrastructure, policies, and education that empower the workforce to engage with these new markets, ensuring that opportunity is not merely observed but actively cultivated.

Thus, let Jim Barksdale’s words endure as a beacon for all generations: Internet technology creates new markets, transforming the ways we live, work, and interact. By recognizing the fertile potential of emerging tools, nurturing innovation, and acting with foresight, humanity can harness technology to forge opportunities, enrich lives, and expand the boundaries of possibility for generations yet to come.