Deep Thoughts #2
steve,
How important is the new CEO?
Huge.....IMO.
I think it was clear that Fowler was not the guy to take IDX to the next level. IDX needs a new team of folks who can move quickly, reorganize for productivity, and drive home the IDX story.
There are several issues that are working in IDX's favor.
1. People need to feel secure.....if internet commerce is to reach the promised land. Every "event" like the "love bug" eats away at that feeling of security. Going forward, the industry in general might get behind mass distribution of single digit sign on for the feeling of security it will bring to the public. IDX's worldwide advertising effort is designed to increase awareness and create demand for the product. This is a smart way to go...... ID-Safe.....IDX inside..... very cool. Fowler has said that the demand for IDX products will be "market driven". This is how you do it.
2. The "real" threat to information comes from within the enterprise. 80% of computer crime comes from employees of your own corporation. Going forward, again, the awareness of the "weak link" being employees who believe they can empty a data base without getting caught....will drive demand for single sign on. Fingerprint authentication will not stop the ability of an individual from stealing information......but it will make them think twice, as the company will have fingerprint proof (that will hold up in court) of exactly who took the data. IMO, corporations will be moving to strengthen the weak link. I can see a day when (like Y2K disclosures)....corporations will need to report to the SEC on their information "risks"....as they relate to data base security.....with computer security practices being a valuation tool used by Wall Street.
3. The issue of "productivity" within the IT departments may be the most powerful driver IDX has. IDX technology can cut costs.....increase IT productivity.
If the comments from many IT managers rings true, and upwards of 35% of IT department working time is spent on "password issues"....then Yikes! I would think many, many corporations would jump on IDX products if they created a 30% productivity gain.....not to mention the increasesed security. Heck.....even a 10% productivity gain would make the technology very attractive.
So IDX has the DR 300 line preparing to mass produce?.....and already has some of the relationships with the PC OEMs established?.....with perhaps more on the way?
Since there is no reason to pop the deals if product is not ready, we need to be patient......and perhaps look at the announcement of a worldwide marketing campaign as a sign that IDX is close.
In the mean time.....putting into place the management team that can run with this ball....is very, very important.
I hope IDX spends what they need to spend.....and wait (within reason) for the proper individual....if they need to.
I think the foundation has already been laid down......and the business plan is in place. The only thing missing right now is the team that will make it happen.
I guess I'm adding here......I think by the end of the year, IDX will be known to many more people.....and IDX will be smack dab in the middle of a very exciting industry.
I like the story even more.....now that so many people are depressed about IDX backing down from $34.00. I think the analysts are correct.....and that IDX will meet their price targets sometime this Summer.
If IDX can trigger the demand....I think it snowballs. there are several angles.....and all look good to me.
bg |
