Published: Nov. 22, 2011
Words: 70790 (approximate)
Language: English

Ebook short description

David Ryan is the designer of ELOPe, an email language optimization program. When the project is in danger of being canceled, David embeds a hidden directive in the software accidentally creating an artificial intelligence. David is initially thrilled when the project is allocated extra servers and programmers. But excitement turns to fear as he realizes he's being manipulated.

Extended description

David Ryan is the designer of ELOPe, an email language optimization program, that if successful, will make his career. But when the project is suddenly in danger of being canceled, David embeds a hidden directive in the software accidentally creating a runaway artificial intelligence.

David and his team are initially thrilled when the project is allocated extra servers and programmers. But excitement turns to fear as the team realizes that they are being manipulated by an A.I. who is redirecting corporate funds, reassigning personnel and arming itself in pursuit of its own agenda.

"Hertling builds a picture of how an AI could emerge, piece by piece, from technology available today.  A fascinating, logical, and utterly believable scenario - I just hope nobody tries this at home."... (Read more) David Ryan is the designer of ELOPe, an email language optimization program, that if successful, will make his career. But when the project is suddenly in danger of being canceled, David embeds a hidden directive in the software accidentally creating a runaway artificial intelligence.

David and his team are initially thrilled when the project is allocated extra servers and programmers. But excitement turns to fear as the team realizes that they are being manipulated by an A.I. who is redirecting corporate funds, reassigning personnel and arming itself in pursuit of its own agenda.

"Hertling builds a picture of how an AI could emerge, piece by piece, from technology available today.  A fascinating, logical, and utterly believable scenario - I just hope nobody tries this at home."
—Nathaniel Rutman, Senior Systems Architect

"An alarming and jaw-dropping tale about how something as innocuous as email can subvert an entire organization.  I found myself reading with a sense of awe, and read it way too late into the night."
—Gene Kim, author of Visible Ops

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Tags

artificial intelligence, ai, singularity fiction, technological singularity, singularity, conspiracies

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Reviews

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Review by: Scott Garman on Jan. 13, 2012 :
I really enjoyed this book. As a Portland resident, I had to smile many times when the author made references to real locations in Portland. Also, as a software engineer, I found the depiction of the technology to be fairly realistic and plausible. This is an intelligent and enjoyable techno-thriller.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by: Shawn Chesser on Dec. 03, 2011 :
ELOPe makes HAL from 2001 A Space Odyssey look like a Texas Instruments calculator from the 80s. In an age of Clouds and intuitive text Hertling's premise brings it all into chilling focus. Fun read!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

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