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Ideas for articles can come from the most inspirational places. I recently decided to invest in a new laptop for my work with Bulletproof and use my Macbook that I bought last December for what it was designed for, to run the MAC OS. I am and I will continue to be a strong supporter of Microsoft and the technology world. I personally feel that it is time to look at what else is out there for IT Professionals to work with plus grow our own skill sets, become more rounded and this may mean settling some of our differences with all the computer systems that are available to clients.
I posted a message on Twitter about my decision to go back to the MAC OS and use my DELL laptop for business running the Windows Operating System. Until now, I have been running Windows Vista on my Macbook and I was surprised how well it ran. I am not saying that the Windows system is the right system for business overall, or where Apple fits in the pecking order. I am sharing with you that each of these systems has it’s respectful place. These lines are starting to blur and overlap. It is time that we adapt our thinking as well.
This got me thinking about the conflict between the supporters of the Windows Operating System, those from the MAC camp and the Open Source guys who simply love the technology. I have been involved and guilty of throwing fuel into the fire from time to time on which OS is better in business, personal systems and what is the right system to use for the business or personal need. I am a stronger backer of Microsoft and Microsoft Canada for the work they do in the IT industry, however I fully believe that it is time to put our differences behind and figure out how we can all play together in the same sandbox.
There is some basic truths that are out there. The majority of business run a Microsoft based system. Apple appears to be gaining some momentum in the business world outside of the graphics community and open source solutions are being adopted increasingly every day. Where does this leave the IT Professional who is simply trying to make a decent living?
The opportunity in the market place is huge right now for those of us who are open and willing to accept the changes that are occurring. We have Microsoft on the verge of a new operating system, Apple is continuing with the Cool Factor and Open Source solutions are not going anywhere. It is time for the IT Professional to sharpen their own saw and figure out what is the right solution to for the clients.
Evolution is the critical key to success for many IT Professionals. Sometimes, the competition that hurts our own business the most is our own lack of confidence in new technologies, our inability to adopt new solutions and simply that we do not invest the time in our own self improvement either as technology specialists, business acumen and leadership skills.
Karl Palachuk from Sacramento’s, KP Enterprises stated in his blog “Our company policy is to sell the latest products available unless there is a compelling business reason to do otherwise. That simple rule will keep us on the forefront of knowledge about what’s going on in our profession.” Karl’s vision is becoming the minority with technology companies around the world. Why is that?
We have been stuck in our ways for many years, electing to refuse the adoption of new innovation and staying well within our comfort zones. Even in the Microsoft Partner community, the adoption for new server solutions have hit virtual walls because of the inability of IT Professionals to adopt the latest solution for many reasons. The same can be said for Open Source, The Mac Community and how their solutions stack up in the world against Microsoft and each other. Many Professionals, no matter what industry you are in rarely leave the comforts of what they know, the tried, tested and true.Â
The reality of the business world is. The majority of successful businesses are the ones who understand that innovation is critical to success, business wants the latest business tools and gadgets that either allow them to make more money, control costs, lessen expenses and increase productivity. There is also the cool factor that influences decisions. Business that understands and hops on the innovation train will have maintain a competitive advantage, adoption of new solutions and understand where the right technology fits the needs of the business.Â
It doesn’t matter if it is Windows, Linux, Office 2007, OpenOffice, Google Apps, Mac, or whatever. If it is the right solution for the client, business needs are met and it fits the model of making or saving money, increase productivity and sometimes be cool, then you must position and support the solution for your client.
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Filed Under: Open Source
