Of Donkeys and Elephants

Dennis Moore of SAP sent a nice note to MR complimenting my "tough questions" during the CIO track at Software 2007.  We argued over lunch that day. In the past I have been tough on his product DUET. He would be entitled to hate my guts. He need not have sent the note - but I do appreciate it.

Thomas Otter of SAP and I have broken a blog serve-volley record over last couple of days on SAP GRC and SOX.

Sadagopan of Satyam and I disagree on a number of things around Indian vendors, their economics etc.  Jim Holincheck of Gartner argues with me on my views on Gartner's diminishing influence.

Not the most pleasant conversations, but healthy. Why? Because real business is just as rough and tumble.  There are tough functional, architectural, financial questions being asked one on one in most technology deals.

But somewhere down the line marketing whizzes decreed that you should muzzle dissent. Present the pristine, kumbaya view of the world. Damn it, Thomas can you not control that loose cannon, Vinnie? You did what, Dennis?

Oh, we are seeing slow progress.  We have traditional marketing companies trying to become conversational. I get periodic notes from friends at Oracle saying they are blogging now. But no - not yet conversing with external bloggers in public. You have EDS writing about new innovations in technology, but little about how it itself is morphing. You have Infosys marketing the heck of the flat world, but has a bit of a wall and moat around its own bloggers.

I have been told I have a Seventh sense - I can see the elephant in the room, and I usually tell others about it. Traditional marketing teaches you to ignore the elephant, and voices like mine. New conversational marketing is about arguing with me, and saying - no you stupid oaf, it is a donkey. Have you not seen any of the Shrek movies? Heck, I have invited many to take advantage of my Real Deal guest column to explain why it is a donkey.

Because that is how the real world does business. Lots of questions, objections and push backs.

Besides, I have been known to vote a split ticket -)