Realizing Technology Vision
Let's start with a fact: most technologists do not work for technology companies. The majority of technologists live and breathe in an environment where technology exists to support the core business of the company.
The most prominent challenge that technologists in non-technology companies face is being able to adapt to focusing first on the needs of the business and how technology can support them, rather than solely on the technology. This challenge is even greater for technologists who transition from pure technology companies, as business needs almost always overshadow advancing technological desires. Given this reality, let's discuss some prominent challenges of adapting technology visions with business realm adoption.
We Are a <Replace-Industry> Company, Not a Technology Company
As technologists, we need to understand that the right system and architecture is the one that best meets the requirements of a given environment, resource skill set, and adoption velocity. If you keep these criteria in mind, you can introduce architecture and technology that will truly solve your company's / industry's business issues. Focusing on business issues does not mean that you should ignore technical innovation; rather, it is imperative that you direct your efforts toward innovations that directly or indirectly support concrete business goals.
Barely-On-Edge, Cutting-Edge, Or Bleeding-Edge?
Technologists by nature are curious. We are expected to keep tabs on upcoming technologies, architectures, frameworks, and toolsets. At the same time, we frequently find ourselves in situations where adoption of innovations is considered "too-risky" for practical business purposes.
