It is really amazing how by how the meaning and intention can completely change by reordering the words. Nicholas Carr decided to publish his much talked about article IT doesn’t matter on his blog. And this meant for once I could read it, and not just read about it. (Case sensitivity makes it/IT fun to play with!) I was successful in being patient enough to read all 8 parts.
You will find many responses. However, Sadagopan, a blogger I respect and read regularly, has one of the better replies back saying IT in fact does matter. Unfortunately, I seem to agree with both. Maybe, IT is getting so much hype, undeserved hype, that it is better to say that it does not matter.
I would like to qualify Nick Carr’s argument that IT doesn’t matter by saying IT is necessary but not sufficient. I agree with Nick that IT, as a commodity, is not going to build an edge over competitors. I also agree with Sadagopan that IT, with its constant developments, is playing a key role in innovations. I believe that what makes IT effective is always the non-IT component. This non-IT component is unique to every business and this is what builds strategy, character and identity.
It can also be considered as a difference in the perception - IT as a commodity or as a strategy. Whatever words we use, IT is necessary today so that companies can innovate, but only IT, even with cutting-edge components, is not sufficient. What is more important is the underlying purpose of IT towards the business. I am going to read more, probably read the article a couple of more times, and read other’s opinions too. I will check back here whether my opinion changes or not.
