It will be interesting to see if the new guys can perfom well enough to exist for a reasonable amount of years. Or at least keep the funding going until the plan is tested for profitability.
It's admirable that folks are out there testing new ideas and the money men have enough extra cash to gamble a bit. Whether big data and the cloud will turn into big bucks will remain to be seen.
Well, it wouldn't resolve all the problems, of course, Paul, but it might eliminate some of the IT pressure in the case of tools that require more IT intervention. So instead of needing seven IT professionals, he might need six. I'm thinking specifically of big data, where developers are creating solutions that allow business users to do their own analytics without needing the 'translation' services (for want of a better phrase) of software experts.
"So despite the availability of tools, it's still going to be a challenge for midsize firms. That's why it's vital that these solutions are super-simple and intuitive enough for business users to apply when it makes sense."
By Super-simple I guess you mean when the average non-tech guy can comfortably use these tools. For some tools it is possible to attain that state, but for others I doubt we will ever reach that stage. But let's assume that's is the case, how would that solve or remedy the situation for the mid-size firm you make mentioned of in your comment?
Great article and it's really nice to see new innovative companies coming into existence and taking advantage of new and improved technological tools. But the question is how long will they last? Since their business model hinges so much on untested technologies, what happens in the longer if these technologies does not deliver on the expected promise?
One common issue, too, is even though technology costs are coming down, the skills shortage is a challenge for smaller firms. I recall speaking to a CIO at a midsize organization. He had seven open positions and was having a tough time filling them because, although pay was competitive and the company provided good benefits, the company was near several high-tech firms that offered the gee-whiz perks that so many folk want and enjoy. This business simply couldn't afford gym memberships, onsite daycare, gourmet restaurants, etc.; it offers flextime, telecommuting, and so forth, but it was taking six months to fill each position. Obviously I don't work there, but I do know this CIO fairly well and he seems to be a great guy, someone I'd like working for if I was a software engineer or tech.
So despite the availability of tools, it's still going to be a challenge for midsize firms. That's why it's vital that these solutions are super-simple and intuitive enough for business users to apply when it makes sense.
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