Change in Good Times

I thought today's presentations brought to light the need to be aware of changes that could be made, even when times are good. Being complacent can lead to struggles later. By always investing in IT, you can be better prepared to face unforseen challenges.

Innovation at my expense.

I think this article is a good example of the fact that sometimes, the things we do in business may not have the outcome we intend. However, moving forward, if you can bring the innovators into your company (a process that may need to be done continuously), you can identify challenges before they occur.

A Phone Without Service Is....Pointless

This article was an eye-opener. In roughly the last year and a half, the amount of data used cell phone users has increased by 450%. This leads by to wonder if there will be a limit to the development of wireless technology. With a finite number of frequencies available, some other form may need to be developed so that the need  users have to be mobile can be met.

Outsourcing

In my opinion, the outsourcing method that makes the most sense is having a single vendor. When dealing with multiple vendors, even though they may be the best in their respective fields, there are going to be issues with organizing who is in charge of what problem where. Confusing, right? Instead, by dealing with on entity, a single line of communication can be established, thus creating more transparency.

Outsourcing

After thinking about outsourcing for a bit, the main thing I wonder about is: What opportunities are companies foregoing when outsourcing. By allowing outside businesses to peer, even if only a little, into your processes, you may be allowing an outside source to develop a proprietary technology that changes the industry. If you were to develop such technology in-house, the competitive advantage gained could have a massive effect on your profitability.

Resistance to New Technology

I am usually one of the people who lag behind when it comes to new technology, mostly because I don't like to follow fads. Certain technology comes and goes, adding no real value to the lives of those who use it. However, if someone can show me and prove that a technology can be productive, there is no reason for me not to switch. In order for businesses to convince employees to accept changes being made in IT, I think it is important to remember that some people think like this. Somehow quantify the value of the change.

Even in IT, Customer Service Matters

After reading this article (Apple Cust. Serv.), I thought it interesting that a company who is always on the cutting edge of technology also has such a lead in customer service. This proves taht even in an industry where many are worried about the finished product and how they are being more innovative than their competitors, it still pays to devote time and resources to something as "ancient" as customer service.

Another thing is that even though most depend on outside retailers and web orders to move product, Apple has decided that internal retail stores are a viable option. Though it has cost a considerable amount, Apple uses these stores to give the company a young, hip face.

Lastly, it's interesting to note that Steve Jobs has the final say in the direction Apple is heading. They seem to be doing well in my eyes, so why is it that Mrs. Fields' model couldn't work?

Boxing Me In

After reading MSNBC, I started thinking about issues with "intelligent" technology. Though it might make some business processes easier, not everyone is on board with the idea completely. Predictive text on my Iphone has caused me more aggrevation than it's worth. Also, I"m not sure that I want the routes I take, the times I'm away from my house, and other personal information to be on a database somewhere.

People also need to be encouraged to think for themselves now more than ever. The "dumbing down" of society in the last couple of decades has reduced many to mindless sheep, who will do whatever their favorite news channel or website tells them to.

Make IT work for you

As with anything else, finding a way to make IT fit into your company is key. Business is not an exact science. Certainly we can use other similar companies as a model, but making the "right" decision may take some trial and error.

I think information should be centralized, however, all levels of an organization should have access to this information. If competent people are hired, decisions could be made at all levels with more freedom and confidence than could be achieved through rigid business processes and a hierarchical chain of information transfer.

In regards to the STS, certainly in most cases tasks will not be changed. The needs of an industry remain the same, with gradual changes being the norm. Technology comes and goes, so it is the people and organizational structure that must be flexible to allow the newest technology to maximize benefits.