Remember When the Internet Took Ages? Exploring 21 Years of Tech

Written by Grant Holman

As TrellisWorks marks its 21st anniversary, it feels like the right moment to look back over two decades of change. We’re not just doing this for nostalgia, but to understand what those changes tell us about the future. Technology moves fast, and over the last 21 years the pace has been astonishing. Looking back, it’s striking how much has shifted, and how those shifts continue to shape what is possible today.

From Dial-Up to the Cloud
When I started in the industry, dial-up was the norm and the idea of having the world’s knowledge in your pocket seemed impossible. Data was stored locally, collaboration meant emailing attachments back and forth, and “the cloud” was something white in the sky.

Today, everything is online, synced, shared and automatically backed up. The convenience is enormous, but it brings challenges too, particularly around privacy and understanding where data lives. One of the lessons is that access alone isn’t enough; understanding and control are equally important.

The Mobile Revolution
Smartphones changed more than communication. They changed behaviour. The iPhone’s arrival in 2007 marked a turning point, and apps, messaging and instant access to information have altered how we work and live.

Technology evolves us as much as it evolves itself, and adapting to that requires both embracing possibilities and setting boundaries. It’s a lesson in balance: knowing how to harness technology without letting it drive you.

Social Media and Connection
Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok have reshaped the way we connect. They give everyone a voice, but they also amplify noise.

Over the years, I’ve seen careers, communities and movements built online, but also distractions and loss of focus. Connection without intention can be more harmful than helpful. The key takeaway: deliberate use of technology is more valuable than constant use.

Automation and AI
From simple macros to AI assistants, automation has transformed how work gets done. Tasks that used to take teams of people can now be executed in seconds. AI rewards curiosity – the more you understand it, the more it can do – but it doesn’t replace the need for careful thought and verification. Technology is a collaborator, not a replacement.

Blurring the Line Between Real and Digital
Augmented reality, digital twins and early metaverse experiments show that the boundary between physical and virtual worlds is shrinking. The next wave of technology won’t just be about adding new tools, it will be about preserving what matters: creativity, empathy and real human connection.

Looking Forward

Reflecting on these 21 years, the lesson is clear: change is constant, but growth is optional. Staying curious, learning continuously and questioning the tools around you are what separates those who thrive from those who are left behind.

The pace of technology will only accelerate, and preparing for the future isn’t about predicting every new tool, it’s about developing the mindset and expertise to adapt.

Celebrating 21 Years
TrellisWorks has grown alongside these shifts, solving complex problems for clients in environments where technology is essential.

The past 21 years teach us that understanding technology, applying it thoughtfully, and staying ahead of change are what matter most. Here’s to the next 21 years full of new challenges, new tools, and the same commitment to using technology to make life better, not just faster.