HP/EDS: a reverse-takeover to create a services giant, but what’s the game-plan?
August 31, 2008 by Alex
Filed under Outsourcing
So HP’s .9Bn acquisition of EDS became official this week – the largest-ever merger between two IT and business services providers. The merged services entity resembles a reverse-takeover of the combined services business, with all the management positions remaining in Plano, with the exception of application services.
Overall, there were few surprises in the deal-finalization announcement. However, the fact that there seems to be no initial definitive plans to integrate the businesses at a service/product level beyond the newly-outlined organization structure, gives me some cause for concern, especially considering the fact that HP/EDS has already had three months to draw up a merger-strategy. We're operating in a market where crafting and developing a global delivery strategy quickly is critical. We've seen far too many failures in recent years from services providers that have sat on their traditional revenue streams, while others have pushed aggressive services agendas to win over clients looking for vendors with new thinking and focus on driving innovation into engagements.
From a BPO perspective, there are no plans announced to go-to-market with broader IT-BPO bundled offerings across finance, HR and other vertical-specific functions. In addition, the fact that EDS’s “ExcellerateHRO” service line has been absent from the announcement is notable, especially when you consider the massive investments EDS had previously made in developing that offering. A lack of continued investment and management focus on ExcellerateHRO could well be a missed opportunity (which we discussed here) when you look at the major strides Infosys, TCS, and Wipro have made to enter this market in the last couple of years, not to mention the determination of Accenture, Capgemini and IBM to lead this bundled IT-BPO market, which many of us see as the future of IT-BPO. HP needs to work swiftly to integrate these service lines more effectively, or risk slipping behind the competition.
I'll be commenting more on the ramifications of this merger over the next few days… stay tuned. And feel free to chip in with your views – it's a huge sea-change in the competitive landscape and the next few months are critical for the newly merged entity.
More Bootstrapping: VirtualTourist.com CEO J.R. Johnson (Part 2)
August 31, 2008 by Alex
Filed under Business Strategy, Strategy
SM: When did you launch VirtualTourist.com?
JJ: In 1999 I started talking to Tilman [Reissfelder], who is now my partner. He had the website, which at the time had a clickable map, some open source content, and some paid links. Reflecting back on my travel experiences, I suggested we build something that gave people a platform to share their travel-related experiences, ideas, and desires.
How Jagmohan Dalmiya Commercialized Cricket (Part 6)
August 31, 2008 by Alex
Filed under Business Strategy, Strategy
SM: From where you sit, where do you think cricket needs to go next?
JD: Nobody can say for sure, as it is still very early. I see a lot of countries like India and Pakistan where cricket is moving fast towards club cricket, like league football.
More Bootstrapping: VirtualTourist.com CEO J.R. Johnson (Part 1)
August 30, 2008 by Alex
Filed under Business Strategy, Strategy
VirtualTourist.com is a Web 3.0 travel community where users and locals share real travel advice and experiences. It is a source of unbiased, user-generated travel content and a premier resource for travelers seeking an insider’s perspective on their upcoming travels. Real travel tips, reviews, and photos are provided by a community of over 1 million users, bring real context to travelers as they plan their next journey.
SM: Let’s start by going back to the beginning. Where does your journey start?
JJ: I was born in Manhattan Beach, California but I was raised in West Lake Village, which is a middle-class suburb on the Ventura County/L.A. County border.
How Jagmohan Dalmiya Commercialized Cricket (Part 5)
August 30, 2008 by Alex
Filed under Business Strategy, Strategy
SM: When you were president of the ICC, what were the main areas you wanted to improve?
JD: Everything. Coaching, umpiring, and everything associated with the game, and I needed the money to do that.
Rules For Bootstrappers (Part 1)
August 30, 2008 by Alex
Filed under Business Strategy, Strategy
By Greg Gianforte, Guest Author
[SM: On the heels of my Weapon For Mass Reconstruction column, I’d like to welcome Greg Gianforte, CEO of RightNow, whose interview you have read recently, to share his perspective on bootstrapping.]
Obama/McCain Tax Policy Analysis
August 30, 2008 by Alex
Filed under Business Strategy, Strategy
Here is a good analysis of where Barack Obama and John McCain stand on tax policy issues.
Greg Gianforte
August 30, 2008 by Alex
Filed under Business Strategy, Strategy
Greg Gianforte, CEO and Founder, RightNow Technologies
A serial entrepreneur, Greg founded RightNow in 1997 and took the company public in 2004 with one of that year’s most successful initial public offerings. Greg has grown RightNow to more than 700 employees worldwide and more than 0 million in revenue. Greg also founded Bootstrap Montana, a program to help entrepreneurs learn the principles of bootstrapping and provide micro-loans to rural Montana entrepreneurs (bootstrapmontana.org).
3 Ways Hard Labor Prepares You For Success in Business
August 29, 2008 by Alex
Filed under Business Strategy, Strategy
When I was a a kid, we didn’t have the stringent child labor laws we do today. In grade school I worked the strawberry fields and in high school I graduated up to the raspberry farm, where I got to interact with actual machinery. There’s a lot to be said for getting your hands dirty, and you don’t have to be Amish to benefit from the lessons of hard labor.
#1 – Hard labor facilitates contemplation
Hard labor is pretty much that, hard. Also monotonous. Your energy is either completely channeled into the physical exertion, or your brain is numbed by the tedious nature of the work. I have worked on the back of a raspberry picker, and punched a ten-key for eight hours and they are essentially the same work. In both jobs my mind was free to wander, mostly toward how to get another job. There’s nothing like hard work to make you realize you’d rather use your brain for a living.
#2 – Hard labor builds empathy and confidence
The hardest jobs often pay the least amount of money. Once you’ve labored for a week only to receive a three digit paycheck, you realize it’s not always easy to earn your way. On the other hand, working a less desirable job provides confidence you carry for life that no matter how bad things get you can always support yourself. That can facilitate the risk taking necessary to run a successful business.
#3 – Hard labor teaches you to respect everyone
We all know the cliche about the CEO working his or her way up from the mailroom. (Okay, who am I kidding, in the cliche it’s never a woman. Anyway…) There’s a lot of value in knowing how an organization works from the bottom up. One thing you learn quickly is that the bottom layer – whether that’s producing a product or interacting with customers – must be respected. If they’re not happy, no one’s happy.
What do you think? Are the most successful business people the ones with more letters behind their names, or the ones who started in the ranks?
This Week’s Crazy Jobs
August 29, 2008 by Alex
Filed under Business Strategy, Strategy
This week’s jobs have a fire, wood, and heater theme, indicating fall is in the air. There’s also a massive job fair for people with security clearances, a foolproof indicator of upcoming elections…
1. Indiana: Presto Heater/Costco Merchandiser
Seasonal Part-Time Job. Check “Presto Heater Display” twice daily in local Costco store. Light merchandising of display required. Must have excellent people skills and be able to work with Costco store management. A perfect P/T job for retiree or housewife.
Big hair and flammable sweaters not recommended.
2. Virginia: Security Clearance EXPO Job Fair 50+ Companies – Clearance Required!
BRING AT LEAST 30 UN-STAPLED COPIES OF YOU RESUME
You will interview directly with employees of the companies. Each company will be setting up a booth in the ballroom (much like a trade show) where you will meet and interview directly with hiring managers from these companies.
Before you enter the ballroom (where the companies listed above will be interviewing you) you will be asked for a copy of your resume by the Security Clearance EXPO staff. You will then need to show this person what level clearance you have (as stated on your resume) and the type of position you are looking for. Make sure your resume lists your current SECURITY CLEARANCE and any other Clearances you have held in the past.
Wen Ho Lee, if you try to come to our job fair one more time, we’re going to have you shot on sight.
3. Alaska: Discovery toy Rep: Discounted Colorful Fun Education
Throwing parties, selling toys. or you could simply get a discount on toys. Either way you will be joining U.S.A. leading sales TEAM, for Discovery Toys If you are motivated, earn your own SUV or even a Jet!
AAA batteries and miniature pilot for jet not included.
4. Nationwide: Great Slot Open for Meticulous Persons
Leading Company is seeking out workers who are extremely devoted and scrupulous
Excellent assignment available with our rapidly growing network
Recompense of 0 to 5 wkly
No need for former experience, we provide excellent training upon your request
“Devoted, scrupulous, and meticulous”: The ultimate pyramid scheme for people who can’t sell.
5. Alaska: Airline Ramp
Want to enjoy the short summer months outdoors as much as possible?? Than this is right up your alley. Work outside, stay in or get in great physical condition, and use travel benefits to go fishing, hunting, vacation.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Fueling of A/C and ground equipment
• Operation of ground support equipment according to company policy
• Assist with aircraft towing
• Loading & unloading of aircraft
• Other duties as assigned
You may lose your hearing and inhale cancerous benzene particles—but hey, you’re outdoors!
6. Montana: Fireplace Service Tech
Experienced Fireplace Service Technician to repair and maintain a variety of fireplace and stoves in Kalispell, MT. Will schedule appointments, diagnose problems, order and install parts,and do billing. Vehicle and tools provided – will be responsible for maintaining these.
Though you spends yer time in ashes and soot, you’ll find no ‘appier bloke in the ‘ole wide world…
7. Montana: Leisure Agent for Travel Agency
POSITION: Leisure Agent
REPORTS TO: Office Manager
HOURS: Full Time
QUALIFICATIONS:
•1- 2 years previous leisure travel experience preferred, domestic and international
•Friendly, outgoing personality
•Excellent customer service skills
•Team player
•Bilingual preferred but not required
Expressing dedication to leisure by wearing velvet bathrobes to work, having your pedicurist file your toenails underneath your desk, and constantly nibbling on miniature quiches a plus.
8. Stack Firewood (Seacoast, Southern NH)
I will stack your firewood for per cord.
• Location: Seacoast, Southern NH
• Compensation: 30 per cord
…and…
Cut, Split, Stack, Deliver (your) Firewood (Central NH)
Am available for cutting, splitting, stacking &/or delivering firewood with your equipment (chainsaw, splitter or maul/wedge) &/or vehicle. Willing to travel within reasonable radius of Central NH. Phone is best contact method. Thank you.
Together, we are the axman monopoly of New Hampshire. If you’re in central or southern New Hampshire, and you call anyone but us, we’re going send your ass into the woodchipper.
Happy Friday!
