If You’ve Got The Killer App, How Come I’m Not Dead Yet?
Basic Premise: Excessive hype hurts technology [Michael Masnick]
Lying With Statistics 101:
- “Killer App” - 96,000 results
- “Happy Customers” – 52,000 results
- “Profitable Company” – 15,000 results
I want:
- a successful product
- that meets a need
- that makes customers happy
- that makes money (somehow) (maybe)
If technology is intrinsically useful, then the Killer App will appear, almost by accident.
The Killer App is
- not just technology, but the application of it
- not the wheel, but the chariot, cart, bicycle, and car
- not the steam engine, but the steamboat and train
- not television, but Milton Berle
Don’t try to invent a killer app
- try to solve a need
- listen to users
- take advice, not dictation
- customers, customers, customers
- deliver what you promise – or more
Avoid:
- using the phrase “Killer App”
- vaporware
- believing what anyone says about you
- thinking that the most money wins
- thinking that the best technology wins
- not watching what customers want
[Michael mentioned a very interesting "Star Trek Comms Badge" device being used in some hospitals - need to find more info on this]
