Convergence vs. Competition

I am really intrigued by this issue of collaboration versus competition, particularly as it relates to people and information technology. I have challenged myself to look for examples in nature where two technologies competed, and the outcome was collaboration - aka "convergence" - rather than the extinction of the "loser."

Here are some of the examples that I think fit my definition, broadly:

• Hybrid electric cars (and, by extension, diesel electric locomotives)
• Screw-in flourescent light bulbs
• Steel reinforced concrete

I am trying to think of an equivalent example that is purely a convergence of information technologies. I'm not there, yet.

My goal is to shed light on a path by which I can better understand how people and technology can converge and complement one another. And the concepts of UDL play an important role in understanding how to design the media which will enable interactions between people and technology.