Tech Startups Need Non-Techies to Succeed

http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2011/12/tech_startups_need_non-techies.html

by mjfern • 15 years ago

17 4 15 years ago

blogs.hbr.org

swombat• 15 years ago

I'm surprised to find such a superficial piece of HBR. It makes a very half-assed argument about technology requiring business to succeed in the market, but somehow, despite this point being self-evident, I'd say the article actually fails to make a case for this, by relying on a collection of half-truths, misunderstandings and illogical reasoning.

Some sample killer sentences:

while the software industry is obviously innovative, it's the pricing model that has made it profitable, as it offers a ready source of cash flow.

But when technology began to be created and diffused through the introduction of intellectual property rights (IPR), a new dawn in human history was born. That pursuit of technology innovation continues to change the world.

Intel created an illusion of performance exclusivity with their highly-acclaimed marketing campaign "Intel Inside," which launched in 1991. In those days, any machine without that label was immediately considered a second tier computer, because it had not been powered with an Intel microprocessor.

These, and many other (in fact, most of the article) statements are downright WTFs. The author seems to display only the most superficial understanding of the technology industry, which completely disqualifies him from making any comments about it.

sycr• 15 years ago

He also seems to misunderstand the Windows pricing model as some kind of subscription service (which may be true for products like MSDN, but not in general):

"As soon as you stop paying the licensing fee, you cease to own the software. This is especially impactful with their corporate clients. Imagine if Ford and GM had decided at the onset of the automotive industry that when you buy your car, you need to bring it in yearly for a checkup, with payment — and any year you miss that, the ownership of the car reverts back to them."

georgeyong• 15 years ago

Spot on, swombat. At best, he details the ethically dubious business practices of a few large companies (not startups).

I'm sensing a 'You "techies" think you're all that, but you need us business-savvy people to succeed' vibe.

Well, business skills can be learnt, and Business Cofounders are a Dime a Dozen (http://joshuavolz.com/2010/08/16/business-cofounders-are-a-d...).

sraut• 15 years ago

My favourite line:

"In the tech startup world, technology is important for success"

It reminds me of the superficial essay writing structure I had to use in high school, lacking any technical detail but trying to use broad examples, stating the obvious and then trying to interweave some vague points as "filler." It's just not very useful.

I actually think the greatest marketing tactic ever made was by Microsoft naming their browser Internet Explorer. It blows my mind how many people genuinely believe the only way to "explore" the "internet" is with internet explorer.

As a sidenote, how do you pronounce his name?

Tech Startups Need Non-Techies to Succeed

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