David McCoy

I will be live-blogging from the “IBM Software Analyst Connect” event taking place today and tomorrow in Stamford, CT.  Disclaimer: My own interests will color what I write about, and the opinions I express are mine, not Gartner’s.  No surprise there – go back and read my disclaimer.  Also, since this is being done in real-time, please don’t hold me accountable for grammatical slip-ups.

One of the first things to notice about this event is IBM’s emphasis on “industries.”  This is a software summit – lots of technology and tools to be discussed.  However, IBM has specifically structured the agenda with a strong focus on how these tools and technologies apply to specific industries and vertical opportunities.

My own opinion on this matter: GO FOR IT!  I’ve seen way too many “technology for technology’s sake” conferences in my lifetime.  For years, I’ve been writing about how to deliver “domain expertise” – moving above the software stack and focusing on the actual processes and the core functionality that drive actual businesses.

I think the focus on industry/vertical is one that you should expect from your BPM providers specifically, and software vendors in general.  Domain expertise is where it happens.  Vertical = value.  Industry = insight.  Technology is still cool – but it’s just the engine for a “bigger thing.”

So, this thematic color that IBM is bringing to its software meeting… it’s timely, appropriate, and well-tuned to an audience that has had enough techno-talk to last a lifetime.  At least, it is to this attendee.

Your thoughts welcomed.  Are you more excited about technology or the use of technology as harnessed for your business needs?

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Category: Business Process Management (BPM)     Tags: Business Process Management (BPM), David McCoy, Gartner

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