I came across a number of web news reports that though unrelated indicate the massive technological changes that are occurring now and also going to sweep through our society over the coming years.
· Borders, Angus & Robertson go bust
· VMware Android handset virtualization hands-on
· Nvidia Kal-El: Quad-core coming to a mobile near you
· AeroVironment/DARPA’s Nano Hummingbird reconnaissance UAV
The bookstore bust story is likely more nuanced that just an “Internet kills books” meme but there’s certainly a strong effect there. I do love reading books on multiple Kindle devices rather than have to lug physical books around. Any business that is fundamental selling “data” – read software, music, movies, books just needs to stay away from high priced real estate commitments and high staff numbers.
VMware’s getting into virtualization for phones is strategically brilliant. The processing power coming down the road for handsets is mind blowing. People want to control their own phone environment, have one phone and businesses want their staff to use a controlled environment on their phone. It’s a perfect storm for a new virtualization market. It’s also another reason to use Android in business unless companies such as Apple, Microsoft and RIM don’t move quickly to provide something similar. Sure battery usage is an issue, but don’t under-estimate how quickly things are going to change on the processing power versus power usage equation.
Now the news on the Nvidia Kal-El Quad-core processor for phones and other devices put Microsoft’s plans for running Windows 8 on ARM and other SoC (System on a Chip) architectures into perspective. At first I thought it was a terrible idea and an indication of an ivory tower syndrome in Microsoft decision making. The thought of the current Windows desktop UI on phones and ipad like devices is ridiculous given the experience with Windows Mobile. I was hoping for an announcement of a Microsoft ipad like operating system building on what they’ve done for Windows Phone 7. However, looking at the upcoming power of these non-Intel SoC architectures, it looks more like a defensive move by Microsoft. Unless they’re in the game with respect to hardware like the Nvidia Kel-El gear, their crown jewel Windows will be under threat.
The last link in this unrelated set of technology links, is the Nano Hummingbird. Freakin amazing technology. All of this new technology changes our lives totally and the way we thought businesses and business processes worked up until now will change totally and quickly because of it. Another technology boom is coming once the broader business population get a feel for how much this new technology will change the business landscape (followed by the inevitable bust when people get over exuberant as we as a collective always do).