Leading edge or bleeding
edge:
How to determine if the "latest and greatest" technology is ready for
your computing world
We've all seen them. They are in newspapers and magazines, on radio,
television and now, on your computer. We are bombarded with terms like
New, Improved, Latest and Greatest, Best Ever, Faster, New Look – Same
Great
Product... the list is seemingly endless. It has become so commonplace,
you would think that these terms should be acceptable for everything.
Should they be accepted for hardware and software? Probably not, and
here is why.
Latest and Greatest
Ok, we have talked about “new and improved” and the “latest and
greatest.” Some things are and others are not:
Remember New Coke? Pepsi Free? The Edsel? Ma Bell, AT&T and the New
AT&T? The list goes on and on. It’s strange that when dealing with
technology, change is easier to accept in some cases than in others. For
instance: Hi-Definition Digital Television, iPods, DVD’s – “Good.”
Computing equipment? Now, that’s where we have issues.
We all recognize that at the moment you buy a new computer, it becomes
outdated. This is just like buying a new car or SUV; you drive it off
the lot and it is immediately OLD. The difference with computers is that
we all want them to last for a few years. The thought of a new computer
being “obsolete” so soon after purchase has led some people to make
unsound decisions.
Cutting Edge or Razors Edge?
When dealing with computers, being on the leading edge of technology is
a good thing. Being on the bleeding edge is not a good thing. This is
because “bleeding edge” refers to technology that is so new the end-user
may be at risk of technology that is unstable, may cost productivity and
in most cases is much more expensive than the tried-and-true technology
of the day. There are rewards for
successful early adoption and the early adopters; the lifecycle of the
computing product may well be longer than with sticking with the current
popular standard (anyone remember AGP video card as opposed to PCI-Express)?
Higher costs, however, are not the only danger of a new technology
choice. When you take a chance on bleeding-edge technology, there is a
good chance of being stuck with a white elephant or worse (VESA Local
Bus, anyone?!)
After
Adoption
After adoption of the new standards, prices drop and
availability is more widespread. It is easier to jump on the bandwagon
after the “risk” is removed. One such adoption still waiting its turn is
that of 64-bit Hardware / Software. The systems are out there, the
operating system exists, but the applications lag the in cycle to move
to 64-bit. My article about 64-bit PCs and operating systems, located at
http://newsletters.hagerman.com/newsletters/ebul40-WP.htm shows just
the case in point. This technology has been slow on the adoption cycle
and that results in a lesser sense of urgency by software developers to
do little more than make their current 32-bit applications work in the
64-bit world. Are the machines fast? Yes. Does the cost and limited
availability of native applications make this a good investment? Now,
that is the true question that determines leading edge or bleeding edge!
How can I get more information on this subject?
If you have support with us, ask us. Often, we will have additional
suggestions about new solutions or emerging technologies. If you have
questions or comments about this article, contact me (JohnBoline@hagerman.com).
All product names
/ logos, company names / logos are copyrights of their respective
holders. John Boline is an MCSE, CNE, USE and a member of the Network
Professional Association. The content herein is often based on
late-breaking events. Much of the material is based on information from
sources that are believed to be reliable. Hagerman & Company, Inc.
disclaims all warranties as to the ultimate accuracy or completeness of
the information. Hagerman & Company, Inc. and its employees shall have
no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information
contained within this article or for any interpretations thereof. The
recommendations, positions and best practice policies outlined herein
represent Hagerman & Company, Inc. initial analysis and therefore are
subject to change as further information which may have bearing on these
positions is made available. The reader assumes sole responsibility for
the selection of these materials to achieve its intended results. The
opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Entire
contents © 2006 Hagerman & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of this publication in any form without prior written
permission is forbidden
CAD/CAM/CAE
Solutions
