Radical Change, it’s not limited to the technology

We’ve become accustomed to radical change in Hardware and Software technology. Smart-phones, tablets, netbooks and other hardware are virtually reinvented annually, plus “cloud computing” allows major software updates to roll out to users every few months.  But the radical change can also extend into the fiscal fortune of companies which produce (or make use of) these technologies.

2007 D5 Conference - historic joint appearance of Steve Job's and Bill Gates

“…If there was a single moment where the destinies of Microsoft and Apple diverged, it was D5. Nearly all of the buzz of D5 was centered around two products: 1.) The Microsoft Surface, which Steve Ballmer unveiled to the public on the opening day of the event, and 2.) The iPhone, which Apple had announced earlier in the year and which was about to go on sale a month later…”

The above quote is from; iPhone and Surface: The moment Apple and Microsoft diverged (from TechRepbulic by Jasson Hineron Hiner Nov 21, 2011) and highlights how dramatically the scales of fortune can shift.  The article details how similar changes have happened in both revenue and Market Cap.

The “Market Cap line chart” below illustrates how extraordinary the shift has been – in 4 years a reversal of value to the tune of $300B (Apple up $250B and Microsoft down $50-75B).  If the rate and direction of the trend during those 4 years continues for a 5th year – the result may be a complete reversal of position:

• from 2007 where Microsoft’s Market Cap exceeded Apple’s by $200B
• to 2012 where Apple’s Market Cap may exceed Microsoft’s by $200B or more!

Change of this magnitude can completely re-define who dictates market direction and who sets design criteria for the future. Yet we all know the tech industry is fickle – nothing is totally predictable – other than 2012 promises to be more of the same – large amounts of change in how we use and benefit from technology in our daily lives.

Radical changes as significant as the iPhone introduction are again underway – known as Cloud Computing and SAAS (Software As A Service).  They hold potential to radically shift or impact the fortunes of key companies – including your company!

• Have you considered the impact on your company if you don’t incorporate or adopt at least some key elements of Cloud Computing?
• Do you have a strategy for evaluating or reviewing its benefits for you?
• What about the impact it has on your mobile computing?

To reap maximum benefit from “riding a wave of change” (do you wish you bought Apple stock in 2007?) you must not wait until it has already passed.  If you have questions or want information about Cloud Computing and Google’s “Google Apps For Business” solution from people that have been doing it for years – call Tom at 303-932-8146, creator of GAFYD.net (Google Apps For Your Domain).