The End of Corporate Computing

Interesting new theory from Nick Carr, author of Does IT matter? - check out the review
MIT SMR Article, "The End of Corporate Computing" - Spring 2005 Nicholas G. Carr. Reprint 46313


"The resulting industry will likely have three major components. At the center will be the IT utilities themselves — big companies that will maintain core computing resources in central plants and distribute them to end users. Serving the utilities will be a diverse array of component suppliers — the makers of computers, storage units, networking gear, operating and utility software, and applications. And finally, large network operators will maintain the ultrahigh-capacity data-communication lines needed for the system to work."


Nicholas has his own blog at Roughtype blog

IT doesn't matter is still a book that will make IT managers fight each other. Basically, Carr is stating, that IT itself isn't a competitive advantage - instead, the "old stuff" - good processes, fair-payed people etc. are important. IT is just a new driver for this stuff. He is questioning where the real value of IT is.

From my point of view, I'd agree with Carr. For example, if a corporation has huge investments in IT, but their core business processes aren't healthy, people not motivated ... they'll go down the toilet.

Every IT investment must be well considered - and aligned to the businesprocessesss - to support and act as a good driver toward successfulll business results.

Don't forget, customer satisfaction! :-)