A Parable Of Unscalable Growth

March 14, 2007
Remember the pre-Web era, back when desktops were just desktops and Bill Gates was just a millionaire? Well, I've returned to those dark days, ironically enough at this week's Microsoft Convergence 2007 conference. What happened is pretty ...

Remember the pre-Web era, back when desktops were just desktops and Bill Gates was just a millionaire? Well, I've returned to those dark days, ironically enough at this week's Microsoft Convergence 2007 conference.

What happened is pretty straightforward: 100 techies all checked in at once, each demanding a large share of limited bandwidth, all of which pushed the host hotel's IT service beyond its capacity to deliver even simple in-room internet access.

Like many annoyances they get blamed for, this frustrating situation is not really Microsoft's fault, but it does provide an instructive parable on two themes: one, be careful who you work with; and two, unplanned growth paired with unscalable technology can lose you customers (JetBlue, anyone?)

For instance, this week's presentations were filled with lots of exciting numbers from Microsoft partners and entrepreneurs about triple digit sales growth in single digit time, and that's great, but what happens when this flood of new customers starts eating all your bandwidth (and crying for more?) And what of your prior customers, who got you to where you stand now?

Even though I've had a frustrating week, I can't help but think about those poor unsuspecting customers that checked in the day before the Microsoft conference, happily surfing away until the tsunami of techies swept in and crashed the servers...

Popular Sponsored Recommendations

How Digital Twin Technology is Empowering Manufacturers

Sept. 27, 2023
This FAQ delves into why this technology offers business value and considerations toward implementation.

Guide to Turning Product Data into Profitable Content and Experiences

Sept. 11, 2023
Businesses can lose up to 9.5% of their annual revenue due to bad digital experiences. This guide highlights the need for enriched product content to deliver profitable content...

Top Tips: A Smarter, Connected Approach to Digital Transformation

Aug. 25, 2023
Download these tips to learn how the digital enterprise can help companies seize crucial new business opportunities.

Shifting Your Business from Products to Service-Based Business Models: Generating Predictable Revenues

Oct. 27, 2023
Executive summary on a recent IndustryWeek-hosted webinar sponsored by SAP

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of IndustryWeek, create an account today!