Tim Berners-Lee, Director, W3C opened TECHNOLOGY REVIEW'S Emerging Technology Conference keynote speech interview, hosted by Bob Metcalfe. Tim discussed the emergence of the Web, his motivations at the time, and some insider history (Andreesen did not have blessing to do Mosaic).

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It was no surprise to hear that Tim used NeXT Step to develop the web - NeXT was clearly at the core of that era's innovation as a common platform in R&D labs. What was interesting - for me to learn - was that he prefers this era's innovative platform: Apple OS X. In fact his browser of choice is Amaya.

When asked for examples of truly innovative present-day uses of the Web, Tim offered two: Wikipedia and Web syndication. An important question was posed: Can the current patent system really support innovation? The basic position is that open-ownership of technology is best for innovation, and that patent licenses tend to inhibit agility of markets.

After the closing comments I was lucky to have Bob Metcalfe walk off the stage and sit right next to me! After some small talk about needing to hide from the hordes I was able to ask one question, "What do you believe is the most key emerging technology for this decade?" Bob answer speaks to me: "Web services - specifically distributed and pervasive services - will be needed by most if not all commercial and non-commercial technologies over the next two decades." And then he was swarmed, each conversation following a precise structure:

• one-line introduction of your agenda
• deliver a short, compelling story i.e. elevator pitch
• draw on any relationships you share
• NEVER hesitate...um...

Some dude killed his chance by telling Bob Metcalfe what a Web service is...