Execution in Enterprise Mobility
This weekend I read an article written by Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, called Africa Needs Aid Not Flawed Theories in the November 27-28 edition of the Wall Street Journal. In it he criticizes author Matt Ridley’s ideas (found in the book The Rational Optimist) by saying, “He seems to think that innovation involves simply coming up with a new idea, when in fact the execution of the idea is critical.” This got me thinking. If the execution of the idea is what is critical, how does this relate to enterprise mobility vendors? I receive calls and emails from mobile start-ups weekly. Many are convinced they have a better mobile application, a better strategy and a better team. However, they have no money, only three people in the company, no brand recognition, and no global sales, delivery or support infrastructure. I usually ask a few additional questions to learn if there is anything at all that might hint at their ability to execute. Too often there is not.