Foreword

The internet "tsunami" has forever accelerated the pace of infusion of technology discontinuities into the corporate workplace. While many firms grasp this trend, relatively few have been able to take action and optimize corporate (enterprise) processes to take full advantage of emerging technologies. Business Innovation and Disruptive Technology is a very important work that will guide corporate decision makers through the maze of emerging technologies and, even more importantly, will help firms distance themselves from the competition and monetize the benefits of these technologies.

As a 20-plus-year aerospace industry executive, I can personally attest that the use of a radar metaphor in Business Innovation and Disruptive Technology is extremely applicable and appropriate. If the speed of your targets (i.e., emerging technologies) is faster than your ability to react to intercept these targets (i.e., detection, classification, and decision making) then the consequences are extremely negative (i.e., loss of competitiveness). Reciprocally, if you have a robust radar system, you will be in an advantageous competitive position. Mr. Evans's work will allow you to create a robust enterprise-emerging technology radar system.

I have known Mr. Evans for some time, and he has developed a keen perspective on emerging technologies and their associated implementation. He presents a coherent, synthesized viewpoint, simultaneously viewing the world of emerging technology and associated implementation challenges through the lens of a pragmatic technologist and an enterprise consultant.

Mr. Evans combines a deep understanding of these complex topics with an easy-to-understand format, which makes Business Innovation and Disruptive Technology a must read for cutting edge executives wishing to take a proactive approach to emerging technology evaluation and implementation.

Charles Marinello
Strategy Director
Texas Instruments, Inc.
May 20, 2002