Witness how the computer industry will likely evolve as a Stanford graduate becomes involved in the fast-paced world of corporate mergers, computer hackers, and the globalization of his father’s successful Microsoft-esque conglomerate, Maxion, in this methodical social commentary about the present and near future.

The protagonist, Joe Sedulus, is quickly thrown into a position of extreme power and draws upon several new and innovative synergies that drive Maxion to the brink of world domination. Readers get a glimpse of what the consumer electronics market could offer just a few years from now. Pushing the Envelope concludes with an assassination attempt and the largest antitrust case in the history of mankind.

Justin Park has a dynamic yet candid interest for technology. Following a brief excursion as a video game developer for Electronic Arts, he returned to the University of Iowa to pursuit a Masters of Computer Science. Throughout his graduate studies he taught Database Management and worked as a system administrator for the Iowa Astronomy Department.

Park worked for several years as a consulting analyst for Accenture before returning to academia again for a second Masters in Space Management. He completed his degree work at the International Space University and in July 2008 he was flown to Moscow and awarded the Yuri Gagarin Medal of Cosmonautics for his research on electromagnetic propulsion. He served briefly as a consultant at the NASA Ames Research Center and has since been focusing his efforts on his next book, On the Verge of Space.

PREFACE

This book was written in an effort to spark creativity.  It is a compellation of events seen from the perspective of the powerful and the imagination of a technologist.  My intent is not only to entertain, but also to provide education and enlightenment to those who believe computers will not affect their lives and to those that hold a grudge against corporate America.  I encourage you to proceed with an open mind because certain parts will offend some people.  I even find various sections appalling, so heed my warning.  Let me stress that although many of the companies and much of the content in this book is very believable, it is fiction.  Therefore none of what you read should be interpreted as being real.

I tried to structure the book in a way so that each particular segment follows a general theme or innovation.  The first few sections contain strong character development and discuss the concentration of wealth in the United States.  Later parts get significantly technical and portray what computers will be like a year or two from now.  The last section concludes with a firsthand experience of someone going through a psychological breakdown.  Some entries will be more appealing to certain people and the chronological ordering of breakthroughs give a more in depth perspective on how the narrator thinks and feels.  I challenge you to at least attempt to read from start to finish.  I have provided a thorough index in the back of the book if at any point you become thrown by terminology.

This book would not have been made possible without the use of a word processor and the Internet.  A majority of the companies I poke fun of in this book were drown from articles I found on the World Wide Web.  This collection of journal entries has seen many different phases.  At times I was ready to quit, but I learned that with enough hard work and perseverance you can accomplish any goal.  I want to thank all of the influential people who have given me the knowledge and intuition that has crafted me into the man I am today.  My gratitude also goes out to the great leaders and scientists who are constantly in pursuit to advance our species.  Especially to those who have gone above and beyond the line of duty, those willing to change, those who are Pushing the Envelope.