New Web-based platforms allow ordinary people – without money or special skills – to share their cars, spare bedrooms, or even do-it-yourself tools, thus challenging the dominance of global corporations. The “Internet of Things” is connecting simple household items – like a thermostat – to the Web, helping owners to save money and even reduce their carbon emissions.
远远不止这些。公司使用互联网实现新思想的“众包”，甚至让客户共同为他们自身设计产品。新的基于网络的平台让普通人——没钱也没有特殊技能——共享汽车、闲置房间甚至DIY工具，从而对全球公司的主导构成了挑战。“物联网”正在将简单地家用物什——如恒温器——与网络连接起来，让所有者节约成本甚至降低碳排放。