I have been working in the IT field for more than 20 years, the last several of which have been focused on new technology delivery in the corporate environment. I have recently decided to go independent and read the IT Consultant articles with great interest.
This column provoked me to opine. In his column Mr. Rodenhauser makes the statement:
“The idea of a business strategy driven exclusively by technology remains a relatively new phenomenon.”
Perhaps I am taking the statement to literally but I am of the conviction that business strategy SHOULD NOT be driven by technology. This kind of philosophy is dangerous and, in my opinion, leads to unstable footings for projects.
I have encouraged my client base to discover first what their audience wants from them with regard to products and services using traditional methods like focus groups. If the business strategy that evolves from this process reveals an opportunity to leverage new technologies, specifically web technologies, to achieve the prescribed results that is wonderful!
During my career I have found that all too frequently business users latch onto a technology that is emerging as the answer to their lack of a business strategy. This causes conflict in the environment because the IT professional is viewed as a roadblock if they oppose the implementation of the new technology. Results are always better if the technology platform is chosen in response to functional requirements as driven by a desiredoutcome or business strategy.
I am afraid that Mr. Rodenhauser’s comments will promote a way of thinking or operating that will make the life of the technology consultant more difficult if it is propagated too widely.