Archive for August, 2009

Google Apps Interest Grows And Grows

Monday, August 31st, 2009

And if you’re a Wellingtonian you’re amongst the most interested parties.

Of course you can contact WaveAdept to discover how Google Apps can lower your IT cost, complexity and provide your staff with the tools to communicate and collaborate anytime, any device and any where.

Bruce Sterling On Why Hyperbole Will Die

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Here at WaveAdept we not only believe that “IT” (computers, technology, call it what you will) is merely a tool but the best tools as those that invisible. The tools that just work, the ones that get out of the way, are willing to help but wait, guide if asked but fundamentally know their place in the grand scheme of things – they are a service!

The fine folks from Webstock have kicked off a series of posts from past speakers (“Words from Webstock”) with a cracker from Bruce Sterling (and if you were there earlier this year you know the Sterling phrase “Webstock-geek” is designed to make you smile or raise your hackles).

His final three paragraphs are fine example of why WaveAdept’s tag line is, “Making IT Invisible”, enjoy:

She poured a coffee, then touched the breakfast table. “Where are my shoes?” “Your sister borrowed them.” “Again? Where is Susan?” “She’s downtown now.” “Susan! Why did you swipe my favorite shoes again?” “Look at this dress.” “Oooh, that dress is darling.” “It would look even better on you.” “You’re right. Get it for me. You can’t have it.” “Trade you for these shoes.” “Let me check that with Henry. Yeah, okay.” Karen had another sip of fair-trade coffee. It tasted weird, but it was still hot.

They’re all in that paragraph. All five. They’re phantom far-out notions gobbled up by the real world. They packed in there so deep that nobody notices them. So, yes, I can write about it. It’s just: it doesn’t look futuristic. It looks way too real.

Why isn’t it grand? Why isn’t it as fantastically grand as the spectrum of all possibility? Well, why isn’t today grand? Why didn’t we wake up this morning in direct confrontation with the entirety of past and future? The present day is the only day we’re ever given.

3 Reasons Why Your IT Department Should Be Like “The Force”

Friday, August 7th, 2009

IT departments, in organisations, are generally in a bad way. A combination of poor practices, tools not quite up to the job, and an attitude of superiority over non-IT people has led us to a state where if most people never spoke to a helpdesk or project manager again, it would be too soon. There is a way to change this however…

To quote a certain Obi-Wan Kenobi (apologies to Lucasfilms):

“….the Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds and penetrates us. It Binds the galaxy together….”

  1. IT should be the force. It is not the centre of the organisation (the Jedi), that space is reserved for those parts of the company that actually make your company unique, bring in revenue, make you a success. The Jedi however would be a bit of a lame duck without the force, so it is important to do those things that allow you to excel in whatever line of business it is you happen to have. It gives power to the organisation – or in business speak, its an enabler
  2. We think IT should be invisible. This does not mean, in any way, that they aren’t doing anything or don’t exist. What it does mean, is that the everyday “hygiene factors” in your organisation, the oil that keeps the wheels turning, just happens. No more swearing at IT because they can’t reset a password or because mail is down AGAIN – this stuff by now should just happen.
  3. Those basic systems should help bind the company together, enable collaboration, enable the information flow, open up data, open up communication. The days of hiding in your bubble at your desk are rapidly disappearing, and with the likes of Google Apps, the tools are being put in your hands to get out there and work better with other people in your company.

Just to re-emphasise that i don’t believe that IT departments will disappear, more that they (we really – I have come from corporate IT) should fade into the background, until they are really needed to make a business difference.