This document discusses protocol problems and solutions in three sections. The first section talks about stable "evolutionary kernels" like TCP/IP, HTTP, HTML, CSS and JavaScript that have rapidly evolved. The second section notes that smartphones are more intimate devices where the client browser/OS and private cloud are underutilized compared to desktops. The third section raises questions around whether a browser/OS could "unionize its users" to gain bargaining power over large companies, create an open "data commons" that puts users first, and still maintain privacy for most users.

1. Protocol Problems &
Solutions
Brendan Eich
<brendan@mozilla.org>
Thursday, April 3, 14

2. Evolutionary Kernels
• Stable “evolutionary
kernels” (TCP/IP, HTTP,
HTML, CSS, JS)
• Rapid evolution and
diversity, both above &
below
• Leading to user lock-in,
new kernels & growth
Thursday, April 3, 14

3. Mobile is Different
• Desktop/laptop corpera
more valuable compared
to mobile, so far
• Smartphone an action
device, more intimate
and trusted
• Client browser/OS and
private cloud data tiers
underutilized
Thursday, April 3, 14

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7. Questions
• Can a browser/OS “unionize its users” to
gain bargaining power vs. net super-powers
• To create a data commons with “API to
me” and aggregated/clustered economics
• Open the walled gardens to put users first
• Still be usable and private-enough for most
Thursday, April 3, 14