Summary

In this chapter, we learned that fast-paced change in the external environment is led by technology-driven innovations. Hence, the technology component needs to be at the core of the enterprise and should be treated as a creator of value and not as a cost center. The primary drivers for the technology function must be to generate value for the customers and to enable the company to respond to change effectively, by aligning and closely collaborating with business stakeholders and customers. Moreover, given the fast rise of technology obsolescence, enterprises must implement platforms that will allow for "plug and play" style integration of applications and services, and also create architecture that can evolve with the changing technology landscape.

Using technology to come up with innovative offerings for customers is both a science and an art. Hence, companies must invest in building the core technological capabilities in-house and also nurture a culture of technology artisanship...