Business agility: It's not such a stretch
Eddie Ho (May 2003)
"Agility" means the state of being quick, light, and nimble. Whether you encounter a bump in the path or a total roadblock, agility is the quality that puts your feet into motion in precisely the right way to escape danger. But the word also evokes a feeling of calmness in the face of unexpected change. Being agile means being cool until a change forces you into perfectly tuned motion, and then swiftly returning to readiness.
These days, it's no wonder that we hear so much about the importance of "business agility." Experts prescribe all kinds of tactics to help companies overcome the ills of a struggling economy, and we have dedicated this issue of Dell Insight to a few of the ways in which companies build better business agility. And fortunately, improving agility doesn't necessarily mean stretching your pocketbook.
First, we discuss the concept of organic IT. If this is the first time you've heard the phrase, it will not be the last. An organic infrastructure is like an intricately evolved living being—its parts are interconnected, highly functional, and entirely aimed at serving the business that it supports. The organic IT movement is no industry ploy to get businesses to spend more on IT—going organic is all about smarter spending.
We also provide a "how it works" guide to one of today's most exciting technology developments: wireless computing. You can already walk into just about any airport and many restaurants and receive a signal from a wireless LAN that gives you instant Internet access. This technology holds the potential to increase worker productivity dramatically because it turns the world into one giant access point.
The release of Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003—Microsoft's ".NET-connected" server operating system—signals that Web services truly have arrived. In a Cutting Edge article and an interview with Forrester Analyst Ted Schadler, we examine this up-and-coming technology and explain why it's here to stay.
Speaking of Microsoft, we have no doubt that you noticed the industry leader who graces our cover: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. In the Executive Vision department of this issue, Ballmer shares his company's latest efforts in areas such as R&D spending, security, and Web services.
As always, we shine the spotlight on some DellTM customers that have achieved great success using Dell enterprise solutions. Our Partner Profile highlights the relationship between Dell and QLogic and the tremendous benefits that Dell storage customers derive from this alliance.
Finally, we are happy to report that Dell Insight has been named a finalist for two prestigious Maggie awards by the Western Publications Association. With the support of readers and advertisers, we are confident that you are holding yet another award-winning issue of this magazine-and we hope that you agree.
Until next time, stay agile and enjoy this issue of Dell Insight !
Eddie Ho
Editor-in-Chief
