Hello Paul,
I'm very interested in what you have to say on this subject. I do think it's very important for Novell to get itself a cheerleader or champion for their e-commerce solution (Digital Me). I think the longer they sit on it and wait, the harder the road is going to be. But let's face it, we've only known about the product for one month and they really haven't demonstatrated it's full capabilities to the masses just yet.
When they do make that push and showcase it at let's say COMDEX or PCEXPO or some other e-commerce tradeshow, we'll know more about Novell's plans I'm sure. In fact, I'm reserving making any rash judgement until at least after BrainShare '99.
Also, your comments touch a nerve with me. It causes me stress to see someone with a demonstrated intelligence and insight to insist that since Microsoft has a "possible" solution and someone with a title they will succeed. With their track record for innovation being somewhat blurry (remember Bob?) I fail to see the direct consequence. Perhaps I'm near-sighted or just too much the Novell hyperster to care what MS does :)
Perhaps I'm a realist who can see that the "Great Software Giant" may finally be reaping what it has sowed all these years. Heck, even the schoolyard bully gets his in the end no?
I can say this, end-users have already shown their DISTASTE with Intel's proposed ChipID scheme. If MS's plan has anything to do with that as part of their solution, you can just forget it. It's FUD at best.
As you stated yourself, Novell's approach is more ideal and it will catch on. Its success does not hinge on marketing alone. It has to deliver. It has to do with developing the right platform and the right application to make it work. We've spent alot of time and energy talking about this and that but until someone develops it and markets it, it's all just talk.
I don't look to Novell to fully develop their own product for Digital Me. I see them more as a company that will license it to others for additional development. Heck, even MS knows that's the real game. Get the developers and you get a nice ride to the top of the mountain.
I'm not worried about a VP or some staff to make this work. What worked for MS is not going to work for everyone. This past year has shown us how MS really competes and with lawsuit after lawsuit and claims of cooked books surfacing, that way is nearing it's end.
Companies and people will not stand for it much longer. And if you think that ANY government will allow some software company to "control" commerce in the fashion which you predict in your last post, you're missing more than just a few class of Political Science.
I'd much sooner vote for regulation that allow ANY company, Novell included, to have such control over what I buy, how I buy and why....
Also, I don't see ONE product for Digital Me either. I see it as a tool or basis for many services or products. From ISP access, to e-commerce verfication to long-distance phone cards and more. I mean why couldn't it be many things?
Anyway, I just wanted to share that with you. Thanks for the time and thanks for the intriguing posts which always have me thinking.
Peter Strifas |
