When it comes to Moore’s law Rich Karlgaard says, “rate of progression jumped off the tracks,”

William R. McDermott is an American businessman and is currently CEO of ServiceNow. Before ServiceNow, he was the CEO of the technology company SAP SE, the world’s largest maker of business software. Prior to that, he was a senior executive at Siebel Systems, Gartner and Xerox Corporation. He also authored Winners Dream: A Journey From Corner Store to Corner Office.

Read the interview and answer the following questions:

When it comes to Moore’s law Rich Karlgaard says, “rate of progression jumped off the tracks,” particularly in the enterprise software space. Please analyze this with some specific examples from the interview. Afterward, provide some comparable cases in your industry.
Bill McDermott says that “technology used to support the business. Now, technology is the business model”. Can you explain your understanding of this statement, using some of the examples provided in the interview and from at least one outside source?
How is the business landscape changing in lieu of “COVID economy,” and what does “getting COVID right” entail when it comes to various industries? Please provide an example from the interview and at least two other sectors.

Full Answer Section

   

Examples from the Interview:

  • Rapid automation: McDermott highlights the rapid automation of tasks through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). He mentions ServiceNow's AI-powered workflow automation platform, stating that it "can automate 70% of tickets before they ever reach a human." This signifies a significant leap in automation capabilities compared to traditional software solutions.
  • Cloud-based adoption: The shift to cloud computing has dramatically accelerated the pace of software updates and innovation. McDermott points out that ServiceNow releases "a new version or update every two weeks" on its cloud platform, compared to the annual or bi-annual release cycles of traditional on-premise software. This rapid delivery cycle allows for faster adoption of new features and functionalities, effectively outpacing the historical rate of software development.
  • Real-time data insights: The rise of big data analytics and real-time data platforms has fundamentally changed how businesses operate. McDermott emphasizes ServiceNow's ability to "bring together data from across the enterprise" and provide real-time insights, enabling data-driven decision-making at a previously unimaginable speed.

Comparable Cases in Other Industries:

  • Healthcare: The rapid development of AI-powered medical diagnostics and personalized medicine solutions is pushing the boundaries of Moore's Law in healthcare. Precision medicine, for example, utilizes advanced data analysis and genetic sequencing to tailor treatments to individual patients, a level of personalization previously impossible.
  • Financial Services: High-frequency trading and algorithmic finance leverage the power of Moore's Law to execute complex financial transactions at millisecond speeds, revolutionizing financial markets.

Technology as the Business Model:

McDermott's statement that "technology is the business model" underscores the increasing importance of technology as a core driver of value creation. This shift is evident in several ways:

  • Software as a Service (SaaS): The SaaS model, where software is delivered as a subscription service, aligns revenue with customer usage and necessitates continuous innovation and feature development. This model incentivizes companies to prioritize technology as the foundation of their business model.
  • Platform-based solutions: The rise of platforms like ServiceNow's Flow X, which allows developers to build custom applications on top of a core platform, creates a dynamic ecosystem of innovation. This platform approach allows companies to leverage technology as a tool for co-creation and value generation with their customers and partners.
  • Digital transformation: As businesses across industries embrace digital transformation initiatives, technology becomes the backbone of their operations and customer interactions. This shift necessitates a deep understanding of technology and its strategic role in driving business success.

Supporting Sources:

  • "The Innovator's Dilemma" by Clayton M. Christensen: This book explores the concept of disruptive innovation and how established companies can fail to adapt to technological shifts. McDermott's emphasis on continuous innovation and staying ahead of the technology curve aligns with Christensen's principles.
  • "The Platform Revolution" by Geoffrey G. Parker, Marshall W. Van Alstyne, and Sangeet Paul Choudary: This book examines the rise of platform-based businesses and their impact on the competitive landscape. The concept of platforms as ecosystems for innovation resonates with McDermott's description of ServiceNow's Flow X platform.

The COVID Economy and "Getting COVID Right":

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated several existing trends in the business landscape, forcing companies to adapt and evolve. Here's what "getting COVID right" might entail in different sectors:

  • Retail: Embracing omnichannel strategies, leveraging AI-powered inventory management, and investing in contactless payment solutions are some ways retailers can adapt to the post-pandemic consumer landscape.
  • Manufacturing: Implementing automation and robotics to minimize human contact on production lines, adopting predictive maintenance solutions to optimize operations, and developing supply chain resilience plans are crucial for manufacturers to navigate the uncertainties of the COVID era.
  • Education: Expanding online learning platforms, utilizing AI-powered tutoring tools, and fostering personalized learning experiences are key steps for educational institutions to "get COVID right" and thrive in the digital age.

McDermott's experience at ServiceNow offers valuable insights into the changing business landscape, particularly in the context of Moore's Law and the increasing importance of technology. By understanding these trends and adapting to the "COVID economy," businesses can position themselves for success in the years to come.

Please note: This is just a sample response and can be further expanded with additional details and specific examples from the interview and other sources. You can tailor this framework to fit the specific word count and focus your analysis on the aspects of the interview that you find

Sample Answer

    Rich Karlgaard's statement that the rate of progression in Moore's Law has "jumped off the tracks" in the enterprise software space is a bold assertion, but the interview with Bill McDermott offers specific examples that lend credence to this claim.