Technological Investments…..
“FBI Abandons Web Surveillance Technology” Well, the FBI has abandoned its IT investment in trying to create a home grown system apparently because the private commercial sector has been able to better produce adequate and cost effective solutions.
While the general causes for concern mentioned in this particular article is centered more around privacy issues and the amount of money invested, it is the “development” aspect that has caught my attention.
My only comment would be that when deciding between trying to develop a technological “solution” in-house, or to outsource it to the private commercial sector, it may be worthwhile considering the third possiblity…that would be to wait for the experts to work out the kinks and wait for the industry to be developed or mature enough so that you get more return out of your investment. There is no competitive advanatage if you can’t get the job done.
Though, one wouldn’t want to get in the habit of always waiting, since the next “latest and greatest” technological advance will always be just around the corner. But looking at industry life cycle and market maturity levels, if one can accurately assess where one is on such a continuum, then holding off, and not making huge investments at inopportune times, might be worth considering.
Though it is always easy to be the Monday Morning ArmChair Quarterback…..
