"Consumerization” of technology in the workplace

“Consumerization”, a new term coined in the technology arena, is allowing employees to use their PCs at work.  Basically, they are able to use computers that are comfortable to them.  Consumerization may not be revolutionary but I still think it is breaking new ground in the technology world.  Many companies are facing questions from employees about why they can’t use their personal smart phones or PCs for the job.  Although security continues to be a major challenge, some companies are considering consumerization.

The Colt Group, a British telecommunications company, is embracing consumerization as a model.   They use cloud-based or elastic computing models and virtual desktop technology to enable their enterprise network to overcome these issues and allow employees to use their own PCs. They also deliver all their corporate systems in a virtual desktop.  To date, two-thirds of their employees are virtual desktop users.  Colt employees can use a thin client or their own PCs connect to the company systems (via the cloud) at work.  Colt also compensates them to cover device wear and tear and insurance.  With the onslaught of telework or telecommute, this model may be a remedy for some firms who face similar problems.

Like the Colt Group, consumerization can certainly reduce infrastructure footprint along with a substantial maintenance savings.  This concept may be ideal for small to medium businesses…I don’t see it happening in large or enterprise-like companies.  The Colt Group is also pursuing a slightly more complicated plan for people who don't have a PC yet or whose PC is old.  They are looking at a considering a process where they can subsidize individuals who purchase computing devices.

Maybe the concept of consumerization will be infectious in the future and perhaps change the way people consume their technology at work…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14921480

Borders demise: technology or poor decision-making...

As we discussed in class, Borders, the bookstore giant closed its doors two months ago in July.  This was certainly a failure of their leadership’s foresight and planning in a technology-shifting book market.  With the demise of this massive bookstore chain, bookstore culture will obviously still exist because people (and many with their kids) like to peruse the aisles and read, examine or buy books.  Of course they can do this at a library but the bookstore has a different appeal and perhaps, a special cultural environment.  Nonetheless, people enjoying the atmosphere didn't sell books.

The technology shift over the past 10 to 15 years has changed the sale of books to both hard and soft copies.  To add, many people are adapting quickly to e-reading.  Although Borders did have some e-commerce with Waldenbooks, they didn’t even offer any kind of e-reading, the latest and popular reading trend.  Borders’ bad decisions obviously came from poor management and inadequate strategy in a market where technology is constantly evolving.  Of course, this means good news for independent bookshops (Sarah Needleman, The Wall Street Journal); however, the other big booksellers must continue to tailor their business models to adapt to the digital market.  I feel the economy also played a significant role in Borders’ downfall.  On the other hand, continuous exploration of markets by leadership is essential.  Many books are cheaper online along with the flexibility and ease of purchasing soft copies.  With that being said, discount chains and online booksellers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble and others provide a very stiff challenge to stores that are only brick and mortar.

Could there be any other way other than e-commerce that Borders could have saved their business/stores? I wonder!  Is it possible that another major bookstore chain can go under in the near future?!

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/technology/2011/07/dont-feel-too-bad-about-borders/40297/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/19/last-borders-closing_n_969578.html

Is the timing of Windows 8 launch on track?

In reference to the article, “Can Windows 8 save the PC from extinction?” (CNNMoney) Microsoft may be slow to change but they are on the right track.  The software giant will not save the PC from extinction but will provide the capability to transition from PC to tablet.  Although “PC sales growth has tumbled”, many people still own PCs.  While emerging technologies such as iPad, Android and Windows Phone software are the future of computing, I believe the PC will not disappear for a very long time.

Windows 8 may be Microsoft’s way of enhancing the tablet users experience, creating better touch pads and touch pad interfaces because they haven’t come with any tablets that are Windows friendly.  Without losing the framework of current technology, Windows 8 will be adaptable to tablets. Timing for their launch is on track with the current market while phone software and the iPad seem to dominate the market.  Microsoft still dominates laptop and desktop PCs and will need to improve their product for any kind of competition especially in the world of mobile software.  Apple’s iPad has gone into its second generation but Windows still has the bulk of the market share for PCs. Windows 8 can’t save the PC from extinction but there’s more software written for Windows than any of its rivals and that is an advantage of Windows for now.