The dual mantras of innovation and transformation roll off the tongue, but are hardly put into practice as easily. Aaron Auld, CEO of EXASOL works with enterprises that are working through the issues associated with transformation. He believes that we are at a critical time for IT transition.
Auld explains, "As your company contemplates its transition from the last decade's client-server architecture, you face two different paths. On the right, you have the vast limitless space of the cloud and the commoditization of software and hardware TCO. And on the left, you have the road of in-memory with the pen-ultimate in performance, the scientific extraction of latency in computation nearing the impossibility of real-time. Each path offers clear benefits and sometimes they cross."
It's not only the enterprises that are struggling with choices. Vendors are all trying to define their spaces and enhance their product offerings Auld sees this as a game of musical chairs to see which vendors will be your next strategic partner. As Auld see it, "This competitive round of the game not only reduces the number of chairs but also brings in new start-up tech players. You should know that vendors don't have this all figured. Beware of any vendor peddling "one ring to rule them all" solutions- this just simply isn't feasible. You have a legacy of systems that continues to grow, and as you move forward you need to be looking for flexible technology solutions that connect old with new."
It's clear that not all technology vendors are equal, and it's important that the transitions you initiate today are ones that can be sustained over time and accommodate additional changes over the years. Auld advises, "Your next strategic vendors will be the ones that play well, not play to kill each other. This territory is so new, and the market so competitive, that you should make them prove their claims, test how well they serve your needs, how well they bring along your legacy, how well they work with other vendors and how responsive they are to supporting your business. Your next strategic IT vendor is someone who is flexible, responsible and proven."
The transformations will occur, but as in all competitive endeavors, seeing the options and looking ahead will make the difference.
