The U.N.-backed forum is building on a decision by the body responsible for domains, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, or ICANN, to allow Web site addresses in any language.

VOA: standard.2009.11.16

Those on the front lines of networking, such as the telcos, Internet service providers, competitive local exchange companies and wireless operators, still prefer time-tested Unix as the operating system for networks. (Prediction: Cisco and Lucent may become the biggest threats to Microsoft over the next five years.) n Thanks to the Internet, small niche companies can reach mass markets in a heartbeat.

FORBES: Digital Rules: How Microsoft could blow it

Another proposal would give the U.N. authority over allocating Internet addresses.

WSJ: Crovitz: The U.N.'s Internet Power Grab

Just as with your computer, the new TVs and phones will be all-digital and have Internet addresses. n Smart chips in everyday things will spread even faster.

FORBES: Digital rules