2200 words, 11 minutes. Engineering, Vol. 62, December 18 1896. “In 1882 I was in Vienna, where I met an American whom I had known in the States. He said: ‘Hang your chemistry and electricity! If you want to make a pile of money, invent something that will enable these Europeans to cut each others’ throats with greater facility.’” - Hiram Maxim. Selling arms during an arms race is such an interesting topic it warrants its own post. »
1600 words, 8 minutes. Turning Up The Magnification Three lens microscope for simultaneous observations. 1882 This is the second of a short series of posts about the Cyber Security market. This market is interesting now because I believe it’s at a juncture where we can choose one of two possible futures. We being the product builders, investors, and customers. In the previous postI presented you with a choice. A choice between a beautiful fantasy, and practical reality. »
1500 words, 7 minutes. Man, embracing his origin, … civilization, … mental and moral faculties. … Illustrated. Lind, G. Dallas, 1884. I’m interested in the history of technology, especially those moments which gave rise to great advances or failures. I’m interested to know the conditions, the growth medium, the organisational structures, the management strategy which helped or hindered. I’m interested in whether (and to what degree) Government has a role to play in the stimulation or sterilisation of research, development, and commercialisation. »
800 words, 3 1/2 minutes. Making Your 1st Decision This is the first of a short series of posts about the Cyber Security market. This market is interesting now because I believe it’s at a juncture where we can choose one of two possible futures. We being the product builders, investors, and customers. The choice being whether to align ourselves with reality or fantasy. Plenty of markets perpetuate a degree of fantasy. »
600 words, 3 minutes. Photograph of UK’s first cash machine installation 1967. Martins Bank Archive. In this bite-sized post I’m going to talk about the lag between initial adoption of transformative technology and the increase in productivity it’s supposed to bring. I’m going to talk about the disappointment felt when such technology meets established, dogmatic structures in business (or government), and what executives can do about it. Not all new technologies have the potential to transform business but those that do demand special care, because they are a pill that you swallow not a topical cream. »