My brain has been running on fumes for the last few weeks. Ever since returning from an extended vacation in New Zealand, I’ve had a hard time finding mental energy for much beyond day-to-day routines and work. No amount of surfing the Web, sci-fi-book-reading or self-motivation has filled my mental tank.
The problem? Not enough high-octane fuel.Read More →
Steve Jobs was an icon. He typifies the tech visionary, entrepreneur and businessman. His achievements are nearly unparalleled in the world of Internet technology: iPod, iPhone, iPad and iTunes as a media distribution platform (encompassing 317 patents). He eclipses almost everyone in the modern technology business, and served as the premiere spokesperson for the value of great product and user interface design. Who could possibly hope to accomplish everything he did?Read More →
History is littered with great ideas that either failed or never even saw the light of day. Despite this fact, some people still seem to think that having a great idea is enough to succeed (however you want to define success).Read More →
"In theory, there’s no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is." – Yogi Berra
It’s clear that digital ecosystems offer benefits for businesses, but it’s not all wine and roses. It takes effort to design and maintain these ecosystems, which is why many businesses wind up with a more fragmented approach to their online (and offline) activities. After all, a bunch of people randomly doing their own thing is a lot easier than trying to get them to play a symphony.
So what does it take for businesses to move beyond this siloed approach, to operationally deliver on the promise of digital ecosystems?Read More →
With a clear definition of the term digital ecosystems, the obvious question to ask is, Why bother? What are the benefits for business to strategize and execute this way? And are there drawbacks?Read More →
The digital world has gotten complicated. Really complicated.
Between web sites, smartphone and desktop applications, and a menagerie of social media platforms and services, it’s hard for many businesses to sort out where to focus their efforts. Thinking about all of these elements as part of a broader digital ecosystem can bring some clarity.
The term digital ecosystems has been used (and abused) by others previously (see NOTE at the end of this article), but I have never found any previous definitions sufficiently tangible. Most are technical, abstract, or abstruse; they’re just not that useful for real businesses trying to develop digital strategies and execute online.
In an effort to simplify, I propose the following definition for digital ecosystems (see diagram below):
The digital ecosystem of a business is the combination of all relevant digital touchpoints, the people that interact with them, and the business processes and technology environment that support both.
Read on for more detail about why I believe it’s important to think in terms of systems, the relevant elements of digital ecosystems for business, and the critical role that people play in these systems.Read More →
The sands of the digital world are relentlessly shifting. Content gets old, businesses evolve, interaction design patterns are refined. New online businesses are cropping up like mushrooms, and the technologies and platforms that power them change every few months. Couple that with rapidly changing social norms around the use of technology, and you’ve got an explosive and exciting mix, rich with opportunity.
But with great opportunity comes great peril for many businesses online.Read More →
The time has finally come for South by Southwest (SXSW) 2011 Hordes of technorati, cinephiles, and music fans are descending on Austin like a pilgrimage to Mecca, only instead of the Kaaba Stone, SXSW attendees will have the AT&T Convention Center as the center of their universe. I went for the first time last year, and had an overwhelming and inspiring blast. The sheer scope of the festival is mind-numbing. In this year’s interactive festival alone, there are over 1800 speakers across thousands of sessions, with 1500+ press credentials alone. Way too much great content for any one human being to consume, and often riddledRead More →
It’s rare that I cross-post to my personal blog, but some occasions call for extreme measures. Please check out the following: In Memoriam — Alan Nathan Yost (1972 – 2010).Read More →
Discourse around social media has become depressing. It’s less about debate and more about mudslinging and hyperbole.Read More →