Deep Blue is a powerful supercomputer and an extraordinary chess player, but its abilities are entirely dependent on the people behind its development. And judging by the computer's mastery of the chessboard, the members of the Deep Blue development team are at the top of their game. Over the past year, they've been keeping themselves very busy.

Although the Deep Blue team considered last year's historic match against Garry Kasparov a success, they've been working hard over the past 12 months to improve its capabilities.

"We had this hunk of technology that we brought to the table last year," said development team member Joe Hoane. "So over the past year, we've had the chance to make it mature. So what does that give you? I think it gives you the world."

Each member of the team adds a unique perspective to the project. They are a diverse group from disparate backgrounds who have come together to create the most powerful chess-playing computer ever constructed. If there is a common goal that drives all of the Deep Blue developers, it is a strong desire to advance the human condition through computing technology.