We are Technology Rich, so What's the Problem

Having grown up in the IT Industry, I have seen the tremendous progress that has been made on so many technology fronts. Today we have few limitations in bandwidth, processor power, storage capacity or, for that matter, in software applications. We have also seen the proliferation and acceptance of computer usage as a mainstream activity by the population, of all ages, across the globe. But yet, we appear to be struggling with continuing the progress despite the great productivity rewards and the competitive advantages which have been demonstrated. Some have even suggested that IT isn't that important. How can that be?

I think the real issue is that we have a lot of technical capability in place that is not being used to its fullest extent. Further, as a budgetary line item, in business or even in a normal household budget, the cost of this technology is beginning to create a financial pain. In some cases, this capability is considered "good enough" and the question of a business case for replacement and upgrade is a challenge to establish.

I also believe that this issue is compounded by the end user who does not want to change and by organizational leadership who often fails to recognize that continuous improvement is absolutely necessary in today's competitive global world. I am reminded of a quotation chiseled into stone over a portal at West Point, "If you don't progress, you will deteriorate". Those words were never truer than they are today.

It is clear that the winners in today's and tomorrow's marketplace, as individuals and as institutions are those that continue to invest in capabilities that move innovative product and services, rapidly and flexibly to the global market. Those companies that are in the "good enough" mode will be left in the dust. Those individuals who are satisfied with the status quo will lapse in terms of their value and relavency.

What do you think the real actions are that will move us forward? Let me know!

Thanks and Take Care

John